Abstract
Background and aims. The aim of this study was to determine whether variations in the mesiodistal dimensions of
mandibular canines had any role in sex determination.
Materials and methods. The study comprised of patients in the 19‒24-year age group (20 males and 20 females). Mesiodistal
dimensions of mandibular canines was measured at the maximum mesiodistal width, first intraorally, then on plaster
models of the same patient, followed by intraoral periapical radiograph of the same patient. The values were subjected to
statistical analysis using t-test.
Results. It might be concluded from the results that there exists a definite statistically significant difference in the mesiodistal
width of mandibular canines when measured for males and females. Moreover, the left mandibular canine showed a
greater sexual dimorphism (9.7%) when compared to the right mandibular canine (7.4%).
Conclusion. The present study establishes a statistically significant sexual dimorphism in mandibular canines. It can be
concluded that the standard mandibular canine index is a quick and easy method for determining sex and in identification of
an unknown individual.