Abstract

Context: The ability to determine the sex of an unknown person is extremely useful because it narrows the search to nearly half of the population. Teeth are excellent choice for identification since they are resistant to putrefaction and are well protected anatomically. Aims: The study is aimed at presence of sexual dimorphism in different tooth measurements in the lower jaw. Settings and Design: Cross sectional study Methods and Material: The study was conducted on 51 male and 54 female participants. Exclusion criteria for the subjects were: Dental caries, Crowded or excessive spacing in the anterior teeth, Orthodontic treatment, Occlusal abnormalities, Any trauma to lower jaw. Measurements were taken clinically using geometric divider and digital callipers. Odontometric dimensions included in the study taken from the lower jaw only are: Mesiodistal width (MD) and Buccolingual width (BL) for canine, central incisor and first molar (both left and right) and inter canine width (ICW). Statistical Analysis used: Jamovi Software version 2.3.24 was used for statistical analysis. Independent sample t and Binomial logistic regression was applied to see the accuracy of predictive measures for different dimensions in identifying sex of an individual. Results: Mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions of canines, central incisor and first molar in the lower jaw differ significantly in males and females. Mesiodistal dimensions are more accurate in identifying the sexes. Mandibular canines are more sexually dimorphic compared to mandibular central incisors and first molars. Conclusions: The study findings indicate that the Mandibular dental measurements and canine indices can be used as supportive adjunct rather than the sole criteria for sex determination in forensic investigations.

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