Anterior Teeth Measurement among Subjects in the University of Port Harcourt as a Sex Indicator and Aid to Maxillofacial Reconstruction

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to determine sexual dimorphism using anterior teeth measurements and its use as an ancillary tool for sexual  determination.

Methods: In this study, the measurements of the anterior teeth were carried out on one hundred and forty students (80M: 60F) of the University of Port- Harcourt ranging from 15-30 years. The mesiodistal diameter of the central and lateral incisors, right and left canines and their inter-canine distance  were measured. These measurements were done with the aid of a digital Vernier caliper. Also, the percentages of sexual dimorphism were calculated.  The values were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The mean mesiodistal central incisor (MDCI) value for males was 9.78 ± 0.47mm while that of the females was 9.29±0.46mm. The mean  mesiodistal lateral incisor (MDLI) value for males was 7.80 ±0.54 mm while that of the females was 7.40±0.54mm. The mean mesiodistal right canine  (MDRC) value for males was 7.43±0.49mm while that of the females was 7.04±0.40mm. The mean mesiodistal left canine (MDLI) value for males was 7.39±0.51mm while that of the females was 7.03±0.55mm. The mean mandibular inter-canine distance (MICD) value for males was 33.73±1.15mm while  that of the females was 32.23±0.98mm. They were all statistically significant at p<0.05.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the incisors and the canines  are useful tools in sex determination. The data obtained can be useful in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery