Sexual dimorphism in human mandibular canines: a radiomorphometric study in South Indian population

Background and aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether variations in the mesiodistal dimensions of mandibular canines had any role in sex determination.Materials and methods. The study comprised of patients in the 19‒24-year age group (20 males and 20 females). Mesiodistal dimensions of mandibular canines was measured at the maximum mesiodistal width, first intraorally, then on plaster models of the same patient, followed by intraoral periapical radiograph of the same patient. The values were subjected to statistical analysis using t-test.Results. It might be concluded from the results that there exists a definite statistically significant difference in the mesiodistal width of mandibular canines when measured for males and females. Moreover, the left mandibular canine showed a greater sexual dimorphism (9.7%) when compared to the right mandibular canine (7.4%). Conclusion. The present study establishes a statistically significant sexual dimorphism in mandibular canines. It can be concluded that the standard mandibular canine index is a quick and easy method for determining sex and in identification of an unknown individual.