Dermatoglyphics – a genetic decoder for dental disorders

Dermatoglyphics is the scientific study of fingerprint pattern and are the dermal ridge configurations present on fingers, palms, toes and soles in humans and animals. On closer inspection of these ridges, they have a promising, simple, inexpensive means of information to determine whether a given patient could have a particular chromosomal defect. Finger prints analysis for identifying a person’s individuality is well known. Dermatoglyphics is emerging as an inexpensive, non invasive tool in identifying the genetic disorders affecting the oral and para oral structure. It is observed that different diseases have different finger print pattern. Any deviation from the normal dermatoglyphic patterns indicates a genetic difference in suspected individuals. This review focuses on the different fingerprint patterns in various dental disorders and the various studies involving the dermatoglyphics in dentistry.