The Relationship Between Dental Malocclusions, Fingerprints and Blood Group in Patients attending Orthodontic Clinic in Benin City

Abstract

Background: Literature evidence suggests a relationship between dermatoglyphic patterns, blood group system and the development of dental malocclusion. The wide variations observed have been suggested to be due to genetic and environmental influences. More research to ascertain the relationship between malocclusion with fingerprints and blood group in Nigerians is essential. The objective of the study was to assess the relationship between dental malocclusion with fingerprints and blood group in a Nigerian population.

Methods: A total of 205 patients, aged 13-40 years, attending the Orthodontic clinic of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City who met the inclusion criteria were selected. Their dental malocclusion was determined using Angle’s classification, Fingerprints of both hands were taken using a Bio scanner, while blood samples were collected to determine their ABO blood group. Fingerprint patterns of arches, loops and whorls were assessed and grouped.

Results: More than half of the patients (62.0%) had Angle’s Class I malocclusion. The fingerprint patterns of left thumb, right thumb and right index finger had significant relationship with the different classes of dental malocclusion (P= <0.001, 0.009 and 0.0410) respectively. However, there was no significant association between blood group and dental malocclusion.

Conclusion: There is a relationship between dermatoglyphic pattern and dental malocclusion. No significant relationship was found between dental malocclusion and blood group. Dermatoglyphic patterns of some digits show predictive values when compared to others.