Multifactorial etiology works as a processing unit in the causation of dental caries in mineralized portions of human teeth. In the present review, one important parameter is considered, the genetic component, dermatoglyphics.The epidermal ridges of the fingers and palms as well as the facial structures like the lip, alveolus, teeth and palate are formed from the same embryonic tissues (ectoderm) during the same embryonic period (6-9 weeks). Thus, the genetic and environmental factors which are responsible for causing dental caries may also cause peculiarities in the dermatoglyphic patterns.

Keywords: Dermatoglyphics, dermal ridges, dental caries.