Anthropological study of dental indices in Bulgarian population

Abstract

Introduction: A number of derived quantities (called dental indices) that characterize the shape and size of the teeth are calculated between the absolute dimensions of the teeth (mesiodistal, vestibulo-oral, and height of the dental crown). Aim: The aim of the present study was to explore the degree of sexual dimorphism in dental indices in the Bulgarian population. Materials and methods: The study included 232 Bulgarians aged 20–40. The vestibulo-oral and mesiodistal dimensions of the teeth were measured. The crown module and crown index were calculated. Results: We found that male Bulgarians had a significantly greater crown module of the upper canines, first premolars, molars, and second molars than females. The crown module of the lower molars was found to be similar in this respect. The crown module of the lower lateral incisors also revealed statistically significant differences, although in females it had higher values. Only the upper and lower canines and upper molars displayed sexual dimorphism according to the crown index, and women’s mean values were higher than men’s were. Conclusions: Our results suggest that some of the dental indices in the Bulgarian population were sexually dimorphic, which may contribute to defining sex.