Dietary and Gender Variations in Palatal Rugae Morphology: A Comparative Study

Palatal rugae, the complex and asymmetric ridges formed by connected tissues located behind the incisive papilla on the front section of the maxillary palate, have been subjects of numerous studies exploring their morphology and its variations with factors such as gender, age, and orthodontic treatments. According to the studies, the stability of palatal rugae remains a debated and investigated topic. This pilot study aims to investigate palatal rugae morphology in relation to dietary habits and gender in India. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using data from diverse regions of India, examining the intricate relationship between dietary habits, gender, and palatal rugae morphology. The study employed the elements of purposive sampling, to ensure representation from various geographic locations and populations encompassing 200 diagnostic study models evenly distributed between 100 male and 100 female samples. Utilizing established classification methods, the study rigorously assessed rugae morphology, considering factors such as length, shape, and direction. Statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-tests in Microsoft Excel to examine the correlation between palatal rugae shapes, gender, and dietary habits. The findings revealed that neither gender nor dietary habits significantly influenced the total number or primary count of palatal rugae. Although slight variations were observed in rugae counts between dietary groups, the overall patterns remained consistent, challenging prior assumptions, and emphasizing the complexity of rugae development. While offering valuable insights, the study acknowledges limitations such as sample size and cross-sectional design, emphasizing the necessity for further research. Future studies, incorporating longitudinal studies and advanced imaging techniques, are recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying dietary influences on palatal rugae morphology.