Comparative Study of Sex Estimation by Mesiodistal width of Mandibular Canine and Mesiodistal width of Maxillary Canine in North Indian Population

Abstract

Abbreviations: MD: Mesiodistal, SD: Standard deviation, mm: millimetres. Introduction: Various methods of identification such as anthropometry, stature estimation, dactylography, sex estimation, age estimation, DNA analysis, differentiation by blood groups and odontology are used in forensic medicine to create biological profile of an unknown individual. Estimation of sex is the first step towards identification of person. Determination of sex from skeletal remains is an essential task in medicolegal examination.Teeth are highly indestructible and reveal minimal turnover of natural substance hence teeth can be used for sex estimation. Mesiodistal parameter of mandibular and maxillary canine gave evidence of sex estimation due to sexual dimorphism. Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the sex estimation by mesiodistal width of mandibular canine and mesiodistal width of maxillary canine in north Indian population. Materials and Methods: The sample comprised of dental impression from 120 individuals (60 males and 60 females), all young adults between 20 and 35 years of age. Impressions of the teeth were made using irreversible hydrocolloid (alginate) material and casts poured in dental stone. Mesiodistal (MD) dimensions of mandibular and maxillary canine of both right and left side is measure by caliper. Results: Mean mandibular canine width of both right and left sidewere higher in male than female and were statistically significant whereas, mean maxillary canine width of both right and left side were slightly higher in male than female but were not statistically significant in young north Indian population. Left mandibular canine width (6%) was more sexually dimorphic than right mandibular canine width (5.1%). Whereas negligible sexual dimorphism shown by maxillary canine. Conclusion: The study confirmed that among maxillary and mandibular canine, mandibular canine can be used for sex estimation and shows significant sexual dimorphism.