Variability and patterning in permanent tooth size of four human ethnic groups

The different patterns of tooth size observed between the study samples are thought to reflect differences in the relative contributions of genetic, and environmental influences to dental development between the four populations. For example, it is proposed that major environmental insults during the early life of Romano-Britons, including recurrent illnesses, poor nutrition and excessive lead ingestion, contributed to the reduction in size and greater variability of their later-forming teeth. Using a standardised methodology, significant differences in mesiodistal crown diameters have been demonstrated between four human ethnic groups. There were also distinct differences in the patterns of crown size between the groups, with the later-forming teeth in each type generally showing greater size variation.