Sex determination by mandibular canine index and molar odontometrics: A comparative study

Abstract

Introduction: Establishment of a person's individuality is important, both for legal and humanitarian purposes. The concept of identity is a set of physical characteristics, functional or psychic, normal or pathological, that defines an individual. Sex determination is one of the prime factors employed to assist with the identification of an individual. Aims and Objective: To investigate the accuracy of mandibular canine index and mandibular first molar mesio-distal odontometrics in sex determination/personal identification in the age group of 20-40 years in a North Indian population. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised 410 individuals (200 males and 210 females) of an age group ranging from 20 to 40 years, in a North Indian population. Maximum mesiodistal (MD) diameter of mandibular canines, the linear distance between tips of mandibular canines, and MD diameters of the permanent first mandibular molars were measured using digital vernier callipers on study models. Results: Sex could be predicted accurately in 67.8% (68% males and 67.6% females) population by mandibular canine index. In molar odontometrics considering the accuracy for individual sex; 84% and 79% accuracy was seen for males in MD dimension of left and right molar respectively followed by 57% and 56% accuracy for females in MD dimension of left and right molar. Conclusion: Sexual dimorphism of teeth is population specific and among the North Indian population, MD dimensions in mandibular canine and first molar can aid sex determination.