Analysing Cheiloscopic Pattern and Mandibular Canine Index for Gender Determination

Abstract

Aim: To analyse the cheiloscopic pattern and mandibular canine index and assess their benefits for gender determination. Materials and methods: The study population comprised 100 subjects inclusive of 50 males and 50 females with an age range of 18-25 from Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. Lip print of each subject was obtained on a bond paper and analysed by Tsuchihashiclassification. Measurements made with a verniercalliperin mm at the contact point of mesiodistal width of the right and left canines and intercanine distance intraorally, and the mandibular canine index (MCI) was calculated. The results were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The most predominant pattern in the entire study population was found to be Type I in females and Type IV in males with significant statistical values. It was also demonstrated that no two lip prints were found to match each other which proves that every individual has unique lip prints.Theintercanine distance, canine width, and canine index were greater in males compared to females indicating significant sexual dimorphism of mandibular canines. Conclusion: Significant sexual dimorphism occursin the pattern of mandibular canine among the males and females thereforecan be used to identify the gender of an individual.Among plethora methods of forensic identification, place for cheiloscopy is recommended within the scope of forensic odontology. Nevertheless, bigger representative sample with sturdy analytical tools can provide a necessary blueprint of human identification. The data of this study proves the occurrence of significant sexual dimorphism in mandibular canines. We can therefore, recommend the use of mandibular canine dimensions as an applicable and additional method for gender determination in human identification.