The estimation of tooth age from attrition of the occlusal surface

Age estimation in unidentified bodies is inaccurate. Usually only a broad range of ages, such as 20-30 years or 30-50 years, can be given, especially when postmortem change has occurred. Thus there is a real need in routine forensic practice for greater accuracy. Takei (1970, 1981), looked at the relationship between teeth and age by using the 'Theory of Quantification'. Song and Jia (1987), extended the use of this technique, adding multiple stepwise regression analysis, to the statistical examination of data derived from the study of attrition of the occlusal surfaces of teeth. The computer model thus derived provides a basis for an accurate assessment of age from qualitative material. This paper discusses the technique and is based upon the findings made during a study of the degree of occlusal attrition in 880 people, living in rural and urban areas of the Liaoning province of the People's Republic of China.