Mandibular Canine in Sexual Dimorphism to Aid in Forensic Investigation

One of the important components of forensic research is sexual dimorphism. Since they are more likely to survive in all disasters, mandibular canines are ideal resources for forensic investigations to estimate sex. This study compared the mesiodistal breadth of mandibular permanent canines and intercanine distance in a group of the Delhi population in order to look at sexual dimorphism.

The study incorporated 100 participants in the 18–40 years age group, of which 50 were males and 50 were females. The maximum mesiodistal widths of the right and left mandibular canines were measured on study cast models with the help of a Digital Vernier Caliper. Sexual dimorphism was calculated using statistical analysis of the collected data.

The mean mesiodistal widths of the left and the right mandibular canines in males were 6.77±0.51 mm and 6.78±0.51mm which is higher as compared to 6.1± 0.38mm and 6.07± 0.46mm in females. The mean intercanine distance in males was 26.01± 2.3mm which is higher as compared to 22.71± 1.31mm in females. The p values were P<0.001 assessed which shows the comparative statistics that were highly significant. The right mandibular canine was found to show greater sexual dimorphism (11%) as compared to the left mandibular canine (10%).

The present study establishes a distinct, statistically significant sexual dimorphism in mandibular canines. The parameters assessed in the contemporary study are quite supportive of sex identification during forensic investigations.