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Variability and patterning in permanent tooth size of four human ethnic groups
A H Brook1, R C Griffin, G Townsend
1International Collaborating Centre in Oro-facial Genetics and Development, University of Liverpool, School of Dental Sciences, Daulby Street, Liverpool L69 3GN, UK.
Archives of Oral Biology
|January 16, 2009
Summary
Dental dimensions, specifically mesiodistal crown diameters, vary significantly across four ethnic groups. Later-forming teeth show greater size variation, influenced by genetic and environmental factors in human dental development.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Human Genetics
- Odontology
Background:
- Dental dimensions exhibit ethnic variations, offering insights into human dental development.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for exploring genetic and environmental influences on tooth size.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare permanent mesiodistal crown diameters across four distinct ethnic groups.
- To identify patterns in tooth size variation and relate them to genetic and environmental factors.
Main Methods:
- Standardized manual measurements of mesiodistal crown diameters were taken from dental casts.
- Four populations were studied: Southern Chinese, North Americans of European ancestry, Modern British, and Romano-British.
- Reliability of measurements was confirmed to an accuracy of 0.1mm.
Main Results:
- Southern Chinese samples exhibited the largest overall teeth, while Romano-British samples had the smallest mesiodistal crown dimensions.
- Specific tooth types showed variations, with Modern British having larger incisors and canines, and North Americans having larger maxillary molars.
- Coefficients of variation indicated greater mesiodistal size variation in later-forming teeth compared to earlier-forming teeth.
Conclusions:
- Observed tooth size patterns suggest differing contributions of genetic and environmental influences across populations.
- Environmental factors, such as poor nutrition and lead ingestion in Romano-Britons, may have reduced tooth size and increased variability.
- Significant differences in mesiodistal crown diameters and size patterns were confirmed between the four ethnic groups.
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