Canine tooth dimorphism as an aid in establishing sex identity in the Kashmiri population

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Teeth are an excellent source for genetic and forensic studies. Teeth exhibit minimum morphological change and are easy to inspect. Because of their resistance to fire and bacterial breakdown, they are useful for forensic identification. Tooth dimension can be employed to determine age and gender. “Sexual dimorphism” means distinctions in height, stature, and appearance between men and women that can be used in dental identification. Aim: With this background, a study was conducted to figure out canine tooth dimorphism as an aid in sex determination among the Kashmiri population. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was undertaken on the Kashmiri people. The casts were picked from the Government Dental College and Hospital Srinagar’s Postgraduate Department of Orthodontics. A total of 100 casts were chosen (50 each from men and women). The mesiodistal diameter of maxillary and mandibular canines was measured with a digital vernier caliper. The measurements were entered into an Excel spreadsheet and statistical analysis was performed to determine gender differences. Results: Males and females have considerably varied maxillary and mandibular canine mesiodistal proportions. However, data regarding sexual dimorphism in mandibular right canines were fairly stable. Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, males had greater mean mesiodistal dimensions than females.