Accuracy of Deciduous and Permanent Molar Teeth in Gender determination of Egyptian Children: Dental and Forensic Implications

Abstract

Forensic odontology is an investigative aspect of dentistry that apply dental knowledge for legal issues including identification of unknown human bodies or remains. Sexual dimorphism of permanent teeth measurements has been extensively studied but, no studies involved pediatric age group with mixed deciduous and permanent dentition. The aim of this study was to determine accuracy of maxillary and mandibular deciduous and permanent molar teeth in sex determination in a sample of Egyptian children. Additionally, to estimate crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar. A sample of 210 male and female children aged 6-12-years, in mixed dentition stage. Mesio-distal (MD) crown diameters of maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars and deciduous second molars were measured by a digital caliper. The mean MD crown diameter of both Rt maxillary and mandibular permanent first molars was significantly higher in males than females (10.29±.31 vs10.00±.60 and 11.01±.51 vs10.71±.60 respectively, p < 0.001). Furthermore, Rt and Lt mandibular deciduous second molars exhibited significantly larger mean MD diameter in males (9.94±.44 and 9.98±.42) than females (9.71±.46 and9.74±.46). Further, Simple linear regression revealed new equations for prediction of crown size of mandibular Rt permanent first molar from mandibular Rt deciduous second molar. Odontometric study of deciduous and permanent molar teeth showed poor accuracy in sex determination. They can be used in conjunction with other traits to establish gender accurately. Furthermore, this work presented new equations that will be helpful in estimating crown size of mandibular permanent first molar from mandibular deciduous second molar.