Unveiling Early Childhood Caries Risk Through Dermatoglyphics: A Short Review

Even though oral healthcare has advanced significantly, early childhood caries (ECC) is still a common and chronic dental problem that affects young children worldwide. Its multifactorial etiology, which includes behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors, makes prevention and early detection very difficult. The scientific study of fingerprint and palm patterns, known as dermatoglyphics, has attracted a lot of attention because it develops at the same time as primary teeth in utero. The ectoderm is the source of both dermal ridges and dental enamel, which start to form at the same time during pregnancy, indicating that fingerprint patterns may reflect abnormalities in tooth development. This research aims to close the gap between genetic markers and early oral health treatments by re-examining the possibility of dermatoglyphics as a non-invasive, affordable diagnostic tool for identifying children at risk of ECC.