Tooth Crown Metric Traits in Two Geographically Related Distinct Ethnic Groups in South India: A Pilot Study

This pilot study assesses tooth crown metric traits among two geographically related but distinct ethnic groups in South India. The authors aimed to compare the ‘Irula tribal’ and ‘Non-tribal natives’ of Palakkad district using dental metric traits as an adjunct in population identification and to identify sexual dimorphism within them. Mesiodistal (MD) and labio/buccolingual (L/BL) dimensions of selected key teeth, namely, central incisors, canines, first premolars, and first molars were measured using digital calipers in plaster models from 100 participants (50 Irula tribal and 50 Non-tribal natives). The Irula tribal group exhibited significantly larger labiolingual (LL) dimensions in canines for both males and females across both jaws. In contrast, variations in MD dimensions were limited, with only the left maxillary central incisor in Irula females showing statistical significance. Only minimal sexual dimorphism was observed. It is found that L/BL and MD dimensions of maxillary and mandibular teeth can help differentiate the two studied populations and identify gender. Canines of either side of both jaws serve to differentiate the two population groups. In Irula tribals, MD widths of maxillary and mandibular canines aid sex determination. For Non-tribal natives, MD widths of canines, premolars, and first molars are key. Males generally have larger dimensions than females, with tribals showing higher overall measurements.