Assessment of Correlation between Genetic Taste Perception Hormonal Fingerprint and Dental Caries Incidence in Schoolgoing Children: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

A bstract 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.