Rajawat A, Majeti C, Podugu UK, Kaushik M, Nagamaheshwari X, Mehra N. Association of Hormonal Fingerprints and Dental Caries: A Pilot Study.
J Conserv Dent 2021;
23:337-340. [PMID:
33623232 PMCID:
PMC7883784 DOI:
10.4103/jcd.jcd_367_20]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Context:
Dental caries remains the most widespread oral disease among all age groups. Hormonal fingerprints (second digit: fourth digit ratio or 2D:4D ratio) are biomarkers displaying sexual dimorphism and diverse human phenotypic traits. A person's genetic makeup may influence the occurrence of dental caries.
Aim:
The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of digit ratio on the incidence of dental caries.
Settings and Design:
Two hundred patients between 18 and 55 years, reporting for restorations or endodontic therapy, participated in the study.
Subjects and Methods:
Hormonal fingerprints (2D:4D ratio) were measured with the help of a digital vernier caliper. Caries incidence was recorded using the DMFT index.
Statistical Analysis used:
Data obtained were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Independent t-test and Chi-square test.
Results
Males had a less mean 2D:4D ratio than females, which was statistically significant (p-value = 0.003). Chi-square test was applied, and there was a statistically significant correlation between high digit ratio and caries experience (p-value = 0.002). Females with a high digit ratio and males with a low digit ratio were in the moderate and low caries risk groups with a p-value of 0.029 and 0.001 in the respective risk groups.
Conclusion
The present study displayed a correlation between hormonal fingerprints (2D:4D ratio) and dental caries. An indicator of caries risk will help prevent caries by implementing oral hygiene measures, which will reduce its incidence as the most occurring oral disease.
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