Analysis of palatal rugae patterns among two ethnic populations of Andhra Pradesh

Background of the study: Human identification is a challenging aspect in forensic odontology. There are different methods for identification of an individual, such as finger prints, dental records and lip prints. The palatal rugae may also be considered an alternative method for identification as once formed in the embryo, their shape and consistency will be maintained throughout the life of an individual. Aims and Objectives: The present study is conducted to analyze the difference in shape and number of palatal rugae and compare the gender dissimilarities in the major rugae pattern prevalent in Costal Andhra and Telangana populations. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 persons in the age range of 17-25 years (Costal Andhra 50 and Telangana 50) were selected for the study and casts were prepared. Rugae were recorded based on the shape as wavy, curved, straight, circular, divergent and convergent. The results were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.01 statistical package. Results: Average number of rugae pattern in males was slightly more when compared with females. Curved rugae pattern were more in Costal Andhra and statistically significant ( P ≤ 0.001). There was no significant association between the rugae shape and population group studied. Divergent and wavy rugae patterns were more in males compared to females in both groups. Conclusion: Rugae were more in number in Costal Andhra when compared to Telangana population. Wavy pattern were more in Telangana population when compared with Costal Andhra population. This is only preliminary study using geographically similar population and requires further studies on a larger sample.