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A discriminant function analysis of deciduous teeth to determine sex
1Department of Anthropology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Deciduous teeth crown size differences between males and females are reliable sex discriminators, contrary to previous beliefs. Discriminant analysis of deciduous teeth measurements achieved high accuracy in sex classification, approaching that of permanent teeth.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Anthropology
- Dental Morphology
- Human Biology
Background:
- Previous research indicated deciduous teeth crown size is unreliable for sex determination.
- Permanent teeth crown dimensions are established sex discriminators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if deciduous teeth crown dimensions can reliably differentiate sex.
- To compare the sex discriminatory power of deciduous versus permanent teeth.
Main Methods:
- Measured mesiodistal and faciolingual crown diameters of all deciduous teeth and permanent first molars in 162 children.
- Utilized discriminant analysis on various combinations of tooth measurements for sex classification.
Main Results:
- All 40 deciduous tooth diameters showed significant sexual dimorphism.
- Discriminant analysis correctly classified 76-90% of individuals by sex using deciduous teeth measurements.
- Combined deciduous and permanent teeth measurements achieved 83-85% classification accuracy.
Conclusions:
- Deciduous teeth crown dimensions are significant sex discriminators.
- Deciduous teeth measurements offer a viable alternative for sex determination, with accuracy comparable to permanent teeth.
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