Cheiloscopy, dermatoglyphics, and emotional quotient: A trio that might be useful as predictors of future periodontal disease: A cross-sectional study

Objectives: Certain physical characteristics remain constant throughout life and are unique to a particular individual, which helps in identifying them. Lip and fingerprints are unique characteristics that are genetically predetermined and have been used by law enforcement agencies for the resolution of crime and civil proceedings. These unique characteristics can also be used for identifying an individual’s susceptibility to oral diseases, especially periodontitis. Furthermore, the emotional status of an individual has a bearing on his/her periodontal status. Hence, this study was conducted to determine if any positive correlation exists between these variables and the periodontal status of an individual. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural set-up of Pudukottai district, Tamil Nadu, on 200 participants. Lip and thumb prints were collected, emotional quotient (EQ) and periodontal status for all the participants were assessed and recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance to compare the three variables with the periodontal status. Results: The most common lip print pattern was vertical (47.5%) ( p = 0.085), and the loop pattern was the most common fingerprint pattern (74.5%). However, no statistically significant association between these variables and periodontal status was found. An association was found between emotionally deficient individuals and poor periodontal health, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: Results obtained in our study showed no association between periodontal status and lip or thumb patterns. Similarly, no correlation was found between poor oral health status and emotionally unstable individuals. Further studies are needed with larger sample sizes. To confirm these results.