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Background: Propylthiouracil (PROP) (a medicated tool) and hormonal fingerprint (second to fourth digits [2D:4D]) ratio can be used for detection of caries which is most prevalent oral health disease. Aim: This study aims to determine the role of genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (2D:4D ratio) on caries risk susceptibility. Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational and cross-sectional study. It was conducted on 570 children aged 6–12 years. PROP sensitivity test was done by PROP impregnated filter paper strips and subjects were divided accordingly into supertasters, medium-tasters, and nontasters. 2D:4D ratio was obtained by measuring length ratio of index to ring finger using Vernier caliper. Dietary preferences of the subjects were recorded. The evaluation of decayed, missing, and filled teeth/deft indices was done. Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparisons were performed using One-way ANOVA test, independent t-test and Chi-square test at 5% significance level. Results: Positive correlation between nontasters, low digit ratio, sweet likers, and high caries index was found with a high significant difference. Conclusion: Genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (biological marker) can be used for detection of caries as the present research confirmed impact of hormones on taste perception.

Background: Genetic predilection toward sweeter cariogenic foods mediated by the TAS2R38 gene, tested by phenylthiourea [phenylthiocarbamide (PTC)] compounds. Some individuals find it extremely bitter whereas some find it completely tasteless, being classified as a taster and a nontaster respectively. A majority of nontasters prefer foods with sweeter and stronger flavors, thus making them more susceptible to dental caries. Genetic taste perception is greatly influenced by prenatal androgen exposure represented by hormonal fingerprint, that is, ratio of second to fourth digit lengths (2D:4D ratio), thus making it a precise biomarker to quantify an individual's genetic taste perception and in turn their caries susceptibility., Aim: To find a correlation of genetic taste perception with the hormonal fingerprint and dental caries prevalence in children., Materials and Methods: A total of 96 children were selected at random for the study and divided into two groups based on their gender. A genetic taste perception test was carried out using PTC strips, and they were classified as tasters and nontasters. Then, the hormonal fingerprint was recorded by calculating the ratio of the index finger and ring finger. Following this, decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFT) was recorded., Results: A strong positive correlation was observed among nontasters, with a preference for sweeter foods associated with a high caries index. Conversely, no relationship was found between genetic taste perception and the hormonal fingerprint., Conclusion: The present study positively demonstrates an association of genetic taste perception and dental caries due to an increased preference for sweeter foods among nontasters. Although no correlation was found between the genetic taste perception, the hormonal fingerprint, and the dental caries status of an individual., How to Cite This Article: Kulshrestha A, Shah P, Jagtap C, et al. Assessment of Correlation between Genetic Taste Perception Hormonal Fingerprint and Dental Caries Incidence in Schoolgoing Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(6):690-694., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: NoneConflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2024; The Author(s).)

Background: Propylthiouracil (PROP) (a medicated tool) and hormonal fingerprint (second to fourth digits [2D:4D]) ratio can be used for detection of caries which is most prevalent oral health disease.Aim: This study aims to determine the role of genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (2D:4D ratio) on caries risk susceptibility.Materials and Methods: The present study was an observational and cross-sectional study. It was conducted on 570 children aged 6-12 years. PROP sensitivity test was done by PROP impregnated filter paper strips and subjects were divided accordingly into supertasters, medium-tasters, and nontasters. 2D:4D ratio was obtained by measuring length ratio of index to ring finger using Vernier caliper. Dietary preferences of the subjects were recorded. The evaluation of decayed, missing, and filled teeth/deft indices was done.Statistical Analysis: Intergroup comparisons were performed using One-way ANOVA test, independent t-test and Chi-square test at 5% significance level.Results: Positive correlation between nontasters, low digit ratio, sweet likers, and high caries index was found with a high significant difference.Conclusion: Genetic taste sensitivity and hormonal fingerprint (biological marker) can be used for detection of caries as the present research confirmed impact of hormones on taste perception. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]