Sexual Dimorphism Using Canine Width and Inter-Canine Distance in South Indian Population: A Cross Sectional Study.

ABSTRACT

Background: Teeth provide excellent materials for forensic investigations intended for sex identification as they are the hardest and chemically most stable tissues in the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existence of sexual dimorphism in maxillary and mandibular permanent canines and also to estimate the level of accuracy with which they could be used for sex determination. Methods: The study sample consisted of 300 healthy adult patients aged between 20-30 years. Using sliding vernier calliper and divider, the maxillary and mandibular inter-canine distances and mesio-distal widths (MD) of left and right permanent maxillary and mandibular canines were recorded. The data was then subjected to Student’s t-test. Results: Mandibular canine width (MnCW) in males was significantly higher as compared to females. The mesiodistal widths of all the canines (MxRC, MxLC, MnLC, MnRC) were significantly higher in males than in females. Both maxillary right as well as left canine index (MxRCI, MxLCI) was significantly higher in males than the females. Statistically significant difference between male and females subjects was not observed pertaining to Maxillary canine width (MxCW) and mandibular canine index (MnRCI, MnLCI). Sexual dimorphism was exhibited by two teeth maxillary right canine (8.34%) and maxillary left canine (13.04%). Conclusion: We evaluated a simple and inexpensive linear method as canine measurement for sexual dimorphism. Maxillary canines (particularly, maxillary left canine) showed a greater percentage of sexual dimorphism. Thus, maxillary canines can be used as an adjunct along with other accepted procedures for sex determination.