Role of mandibular canines in establishment of gender

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine the maximum mesiodistal width of mandibular canines for establishing their variation as a tool to determine gender and to determine the accuracy of the measurements through clinical examination and dental cast models. Study design: A total of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 15–34 years were selected for the study. The maximum mesiodistal widths of the right and left mandibular canines were first measured intraorally and then on cast models of the same patients with the help of a divider and a digital vernier caliper. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and sexual dimorphism was calculated.ResultsThe mesiodistal width of the mandibular canines as determined by clinical examination and on plaster models was statistically insignificant. The mean canine widths were found to be higher in males when compared with females. The right mandibular canine showed a greater sexual dimorphism than the left mandibular canine.ConclusionThe present study established the mandibular canine as a valuable tool for sex determination.