Identification of dental sexual dimorphism in deciduous teeth using craniometry and odontometry: A cross sectional study

Abstract

Sex determination is an important aspect in identification of individuals especially in cases of identifying victims of mass disasters, organised crimes etc. Odontometry is the measurement and study of tooth size. Cranial anthropometry is the measurement of skull dimensions and is considered to be a versatile technique in the investigation of the craniofacial skeleton because of its validity and practicality. To assess tooth crown area of the deciduous molar teeth, to assess head size, to evaluate the extent of sexual dimorphism using head and dental dimension: This study was done in 150 boys and 150 girls. Maxillary and mandibular arch impressions were made, casts were made with dental stone. A vernier calliper was used for obtaining the measurements. Mesiodistal width and buccolingual width of all the molars were measured in millimetres, tooth crown area (TCA) was calculated. Head dimensions were measured using Martin spreading calliper, Cephalic Index (CI) was calculated. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired “t” test, and logistic regression analysis was performed.: The highest tooth crown area was shown by mandibular left second deciduous molar for both boys and girls (p<0.05). Boys showed higher cephalic index compared to girls (p<0.05). The highest percent dimorphism was obtained for maxillary left first deciduous molar.Tooth crown area and head size can serve as a valuable aid for sex determination in pediatric population.