Comparative analysis for sexual dimorphism of mandibular canine in two ethnic diverse population with clinical and experimental method

Background: Sex determination is challenging with minimal skeletal remains. It is overcome by odontometric measurement of mandibular canines as it exhibits higher sexual dimorphism in the human dentition. Hence, the study aimed to assess and validate mandibular canine in gender determination using odontometric measurements in two ethnically diverse populations. Methods: A total of 205 subjects, belonging to two ethnically diverse population, i.e., Indian (Himachali) and Nepali, aged 17–25 years was included. Intraoral measurement outcome comprised both-sided lower mandibular canine distance including intercanine distance using Vernier caliper, followed by similar measurements on study models (casts). Garns and Lens formula was utilized to assess the sexual dimorphism. Results: The canine distance of both sides in Nepali males was higher than Indian males, both intraoral and casts. The intercanine distance in Indian males was higher than Nepali males, both intraoral and casts. The canine and intercanine distance of both sides was greater in Indian females than Nepali females, both intraoral and casts. Indian population in the left-sided lower canine had higher sexual dimorphism than the right-sided lower canine both intraorally and casts in contrast to Nepali population that exhibited higher in the right-sided canine. Conclusion: Therefore, mandibular canine measurements were an adjunct and reliable method for gender identification in human.