title: Reliability of mandibular canines as indicators for sexual dichotomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Amongst the various calcified structures in the human body, teeth have gained lot of popularity in estimating the sex of an individual as they are highly resistant to destruction and decomposition. Using permanent mandibular canines many researchers have predicted a high level of accuracy in identifying the sex correctly. The purpose of our study was to gauge the effectiveness of mandibular canines in discerning sex.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty dental casts each of males and females were utilized for the study. Mesio-distal dimension and inter-canine distance of mandibular right and left canine was recorded using digital vernier caliper and mandibular canine index was calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean value of mesio-distal dimensions of right and left mandibular canine was slightly greater in males compared to females. The mandibular canine index was equal in both sexes. Inter-canine distance was marginally higher in males compared to females. Despite of higher values in males none of the parameters were statistically significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results herein bolster contemporary studies that mesio-distal dimensions of mandibular canines and mandibular canine index do not reflect sexual dimorphism and that its application should be discontinued in sex prediction among Indian populations. How to cite this article: Hosmani J V, Nayak R S, Kotrashetti V S, Pradeep S, Babji D. Reliability of Mandibular Canines as Indicators for Sexual Dichotomy. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(1):1-7.
authors.affiliation: Oral Pathology, Maratha Mandal's N.G.H.I.D.S & R.C. Belgaum, India.
authors.forename: Jagadish V
authors.initials: JV
authors.lastname: Hosmani
authors.forename: Ramakant S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Nayak
authors.forename: Vijayalakshmi S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Kotrashetti
authors.forename: Pradeep
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: S
authors.forename: Deepa
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Babji
keywords: Inter-canine Distance; Mandibular Canine Width; Mandibular Canines; Sexual Dimorphism