A comparative analysis of clinical and experimental methods for sexual identification of mandibular canines in ethnic Nepali population

• Published in: Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences Vol. 11; no. 1; pp. 10 - 14
• Main Authors: Negi, Brijesh Kumar, Prasad, R Guru, Gurung, Deepak
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 2025; Medknow Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: Comparative analysis; Females; Original Article; Forensic odontology; mandibular canine; gender identification
• ISSN: 2773-1987; 2455-1732; 2773-1995
• DOI: 10.4103/sujhs.sujhs_3_25

ABSTRACT Background: Sex assessment is crucial in establishing the physical profile of a deceased individual, alongside factors such as race, stature, and age. Canine teeth are notable in human evolution as they are often the sole fossilized dental remains recovered. They are exceptionally durable, capable of withstanding harsh conditions, and are least susceptible to dental problems such as cavities and gum disease. Aim: To assess the role of mandibular canines in the identification of gender in the Nepali population of diverse ethnic group with comparative analysis of odontometric measurements. Methods: A total of 101 subjects, belonging to ethnically diverse Nepali population (51 males and 50 females) in the age range of 17-25 years reporting to the department of oral medicine and radiology in a tertiary care institution were included. Intraoral measurements included the widths of the right and left mandibular canines and the intercanine width, which were taken using a Vernier caliper. These measurements are then replicated on study models or casts for further analysis. Results: The mandibular right and left canine width and intercanine distance in Nepali males both intraorally and on casts was greater than Nepali females, and the mean difference between them was statistically significant. The mean difference between mandibular right and left canine width and intercanine distance in Nepali males and females both intraorally and on casts was statistically nonsignificant. The mean value of right and left canine width intercanine distance was greater intraorally than on casts in Nepali males and females. Conclusion: Among all teeth in the human dentition, mandibular canines are noted for exhibiting the most pronounced sexual dimorphism. The mandibular canine (both right and left) was accurate and precise in the determination of gender using odontometric measurements in ethnically diverse Nepali populations in the study.