Early Prediction of Dental Caries using Hormonal Fingerprint in 6–12 Years Old Children: A Cross-sectional Study

BACKGROUND: The ratio between second and fourth digit lengths (2D:4D ratio) is termed as hormonal fingerprint. Second and fourth digit lengths ratio is used as a biological marker for predicting and diagnosis of many metabolic disorders mainly coronary heart disease and autism, whereas, in dentistry, this method is still in blooming stage. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between the new biological marker–hormonal fingerprints in the early detection of caries in children. METHODOLOGY: A total of 250 children were randomly selected from both sexes of the age group 6–16 years. Caries assessment was done using standard mouth mirrors and community periodontal index probes. Caries status (deft and DMFT) was recorded and subjects with a total DMFT/deft score of >5 were considered to have a high caries rate. The hormonal fingerprint was made by measuring the length ratio of the index and ring finger with the help of vernier caliper. The entire study population was divided into children with 2D:4D ratio less than 1 and ≥1 based on the calculations of 2D:4D. RESULTS: The results showed that 79.67% males and 29.92% females have 2D:4D ratio <1 and 70.07% females and 20.32% males have 2D:4D ≥1. There is negative correlation between caries incidence and 2D:4D ratio. Children with low 2D:4D ratio have high caries index (54.4%) and high 2D:4D ratio have low caries index (45.6%), which is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study confirms a positive correlation between low 2D:4D ratio and high caries, which could be used as an early biological predictor of dental caries. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Beegum F, Khan N, George S, et al. Early Prediction of Dental Caries using Hormonal Fingerprint in 6–12 Years Old Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):247-250.