Original Article

Year : 2019 | Volume : 4 | Issue : 2 | Page :54 - 58

Significance of Mandibular Canine Index in Sex Determination

Aarathi Vijayan, Jayanth Jayarajan1, Bushra Naaz Fathima Jaleel2

From the Departments of Public Health Dentistry and 2 Orthodontics, Azeezia College of Dental Sciences and Research, Kollam, Kerala, 1

Department of Public Health Dentistry, Oxford Dental College, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Address for correspondence:

Dr. Aarathi Vijayan, E‐mail: aarathivijayan123@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:

Mandibular canines exhibit greatest sexual dimorphism compared other teeth in the oral cavity. Morphometry of Mandibular Canine plays a major role in sex determination in case of mass disaster.

Aim:

This study was aimed to compare mesiodistal canine measurements in male and female.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted among 100 undergraduate dental study with 50 male and 50 female participants. A study model of the mandibular arch were made and the canine measurements (MCI) were obtained using a divider and ruler.

Results:

There was a significant difference in the mesiodistal and intercanine width of right and left canine among males and females. The mean difference in mandibular canine index was highly significant among gender and on both sides (right and left).

Conclusion:

Determination of gender by mesiodistal measurement of mandibular canines is a relatively quick, easy, and inexpensive method and can aid in identifying persons from fragmented jaws and dental remains.

Key Words: Forensic odontology, mandibular canines, sex determinationFinancial support and sponsorship

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

How to cite this article:

Vijayan A, Jayarajan J, Fathima Jaleel BN. Significance of mandibular canine index in sex determination. Int J Forensic Odontol 2019;4:54-8.