Assessment of 2D:4D ratio for the early diagnosis of caries and malocclusion in 7-15-year-old children

Background: The ratio between 2nd and 4th digit length is termed as hormonal fingerprint
and is used as an indirect marker in many medical diseases.Dental studies pertaining to the
importance of hormonal fingerprint on oral health are very sparse. Aim and objectives: To
study the correlation of dental caries and malocclusion with hormonal fingerprints. Materials
and Methods: A total of 100 children of age group 7-15 years and both genders were randomly
selected and included in the present study. The hormonal fingerprint (2D:4D ratio) wasdone by
measuring the length ratio of the index and ring finger with the help of digital vernier caliper.
Caries assessment wascarried out using standard mouth mirrors and Community Periodontal
Index probes. WHO assessment form (1997) was followed for assessment of dentition
status and treatment need.Occlusal characteristics evaluated were molar relation, anterior
and posterior crossbite, open bite, deep bite and lower anterior crowding. The subjects were
divided into high 2D:4D, equal 2D:4D digit ratio and low 2D:4D. All the measurements were
done by two investigators. The data collected were tabulated and statistically analyzed using
Chi-square and ANOVA test. Results: Out of 100 children, 34% were males and 66% were
females. Most of the participants were 7-8 years old (12 males and 15 females). Majority of the
participants (87% for the right hand and 80% for left hand) had low 2D:4D ratio, only 6% for
right and 11% for the left hand had high 2D:4D ratio and the remaining had equal 2D:4D ratio.
Statistically insignificantcorrelation between 2D:4D ratio and deft/DMFT score and occlusal
status of an individualwere found. Conclusion:The insignificant results of 2D:4D ratio with all
the parameters assessed validates that hormonal fingerprints could not be employed as an early
predictor of caries and malocclusion in an individual.