Sex determination: Role of canine index

Abstract

Background: Attempts were made in the past to utilize morphological difference in teeth & canine index for sex determination in forensic dental sciences. An established fact of dental morphology is that the tooth dimensions are more in males as compared to females. But the results of canine index studies were controversial. Materials and methods: The present study was performed on healthy males and 30 healthy females of Loni region. Impressions were taken with alginate and study models were prepared. Mesiodistal width of the maxillary and mandibular canine was measured and intercanine distance was measured using vernier calliper. Results: The present study shows more mean values of mandibular canine index in female group (0.23±0.03- right canine index, 0.22±0.02- left canine index) than male group (0.22±0.26- right canine index, 0.20±0.24 left canine index) that is reverse dimorphism. But maxillary canine index shows more mean value in male group (0.21±0.17- right canine index, 0.20±0.16- left canine index) than female group (0.20±0.02- right canine index, 0.19±0.01- left canine index). Conclusion: Canines are favoured as ideal teeth to study because durability of canine is more than other teeth. Canine index can be used as a tool in sex identification, which is important for forensic purpose.