Prevalence and Sexual Dimorphism of Tongue Prints in Children: A Cross-sectional Study
Ebenezer Loganathan, P Sujitha, R Kavitha, Victor Samuel A, S Rajakumar, Anand Kasi, Ivan Obadiah
Keywords :
Forensic, Prevalence, Sexual dimorphism, Tongue prints
Citation Information :
Loganathan E, Sujitha P, Kavitha R, Samuel A V, Rajakumar S, Kasi A, Obadiah I. Prevalence and Sexual Dimorphism of Tongue Prints in Children: A Cross-sectional Study. World J Dent 2024; 15 (7):621-624.
Aim: Tongue prints are unique patterns that have garnered attention in forensic sciences and biometrics for individual identification. While extensive research has explored tongue prints in adults, limited attention has been given to the pediatric population. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the prevalence and sexual dimorphism of tongue prints in children utilizing standardized imaging techniques.
Materials and methods: A sample of 500 children (250 males, 250 females), aged under 12, underwent tongue print examination. Exclusions included children with special needs, tongue malformations, and craniofacial abnormalities. Examiners were calibrated, and reliability was assessed. Tongue prints were classified based on established criteria. Statistical analysis is employed by statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) software, examining gender differences in tongue texture, shape, longitudinal grooves, and lingual apex.
Results: Physiological tongue texture predominated in both genders, with geographical and scrotal textures rare (2%). Ellipsoidal patterns were prevalent in females (54%), while ovoid patterns dominated in males (44%). Pentagonal patterns were universal (10%), and trapezoidal patterns were rare (2%) in males. Longitudinal grooves were perceptive and superficial in both genders. A sharp lingual apex was common (98% in females, 80% in males), with septate patterns observed in 20% of males and 2% of females. Statistical differences were found in tongue texture (p = 0.31) and lingual apex (p = 0.045).
Conclusion: Unique tongue prints in children hold promise for forensic applications. Sexual dimorphism in tongue prints raises questions about genetic and developmental influences. The study contributes to understanding tongue print patterns and their potential implications in personalized medicine and biometric identification.
Clinical significance: This study gives an understanding of tongue prints in children, offering insights into their prevalence, sexual dimorphism, and potential applications in forensic sciences, personalized medicine, and biometric identification.
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