Sex-based Differences in Palatal Rugae Patterns: A Study of the Puducherry Population

Palatal rugae are unique anatomical ridges located on the anterior palatal mucosa and are considered stable throughout life, making them valuable in forensic identification. The present cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate sex-based differences in palatal rugae patterns among individuals in Puducherry and to assess their applicability in sex determination. A total of 70 participants (35 males and 35 females) aged 18–25 years were selected using simple random sampling from a tertiary care teaching institution in Puducherry. Maxillary impressions were made using alginate, and dental stone casts were prepared. Palatal rugae were delineated and classified according to Lysell’s classification system based on length, shape, direction, and unification. The results showed that males exhibited a higher prevalence of primary rugae (51.4%), wavy patterns (62.9%), and diverging unification (80%), whereas females demonstrated a greater occurrence of secondary rugae (60%), curved patterns (40%), and converging unification (42.9%). Straight, circular, and directional patterns did not show significant sex differences. Several observed variations were statistically significant ( p < .05). The study findings indicate distinct sexual dimorphism in palatal rugae morphology within the Puducherry population. These results support the use of palatal rugoscopy as a cost-effective, non-invasive, and reliable adjunctive identification method for sex identification, particularly in forensic situations where conventional identification methods are limited. Further research with larger and more diverse populations is recommended to strengthen its forensic applicability.