Assessment of biological individuality in periodontitis patients using a specific algorithm and the Salus method

Periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with the accumulation of dysbiotic biofilm, primarily affecting adults and potentially leading to the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. The Salus method utilizes validated computerized dermatoglyphics for biometric fingerprint evaluation, processed through a specific algorithm integrated into the Science software. This study aimed to investigate whether individuals with a clinical diagnosis of periodontitis, exhibit specific dermatoglyphic patterns identifiable through this algorithm. A total of 157 participants were evaluated, with a mean age of 53.7 years, including 62 individuals diagnosed with periodontitis (stages III and IV) and 95 periodontally healthy (control group). Periodontal status was assessed through clinical probing, and fingerprint data were collected via digital scanning using the Salus method. The images were processed by the algorithm, which performed noise reduction, pattern recognition (type, core, and delta), Galton line tracing, and ridge count calculations for each finger. Statistical analysis included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and Fisher’s exact test, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups in either qualitative or quantitative dermatoglyphic variables. The distribution of fingerprint types (whorls, S-shaped whorl, ulnar loops, radial loops, arches), as well as ridge and delta counts, was comparable across both groups. In clonclusion, no association was found between dermatoglyphic patterns and the presence of periodontitis. Therefore, computerized dermatoglyphics did not demonstrate utility as a standalone biometric marker for identifying or screening for the disease.