Background: Palatal rugae are resistant to changes due to trauma or aging. Ruga patterns, being unique to each individual, are valuable for personal identification. The study aims to assess the applicability of palatoscopy for differentiation amongst North-east Indians and Gorkhas in India. Materials and Methods: Sample comprised a total of 100 subjects divided into two groups of 50 each for Gorkha (Group I) and North-east Indian (Group II) population. Alginate impressions were made and models were obtained. Data was recorded after tracing palatal rugae on models. Analysis of rugae for number, side- wise distribution, shape, length, and direction was undertaken. Statistical analysis was carried out and probability value was obtained. Results: After analyzing the rugae patterns in both the groups, total number of rugae was more in Group I as compared to Group II. Total number of rugae on right and left sides each was more in Group I than in Group II. The curved pattern was found to be predominant in both groups. Divergent rugae were predominant in both groups. Maximum rugae were primary and were forwardly directed. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences between groups for parameters assessed. Conclusion: Palatoscopy independently was not able to differentiate between individuals of the two test populations. Palatoscopy may assist in the identification process in conjunction with cheiloscopy and intraoral photography. Palatoscopy, on the account of its stability and easy reproducibility, should be encouraged among dentists for maintenance of patient records for forensic identification.

Cysticercosis is a helminthic infection caused by the larval stage of pork tapeworm, Taenia solium. The worm requires different hosts during its different stages of development. Humans are the definitive hosts and harbor the adult worms, while pigs harbor the larval stage and act as the intermediate hosts. This disease is endemic in developing countries of the world where poor sanitary conditions are prevalent. It manifests mostly in form of lesions in the subcutaneous tissues, brain and skeletal muscles. It is interesting to note that the oral cavity is a rare site for its occurence and pose as a diagnostic challenge for the clinicians. Here, we report one such rare case of an isolated lesion of the oral cavity involving the buccinator muscle.

No abstract