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Evidence for a secular trend in the Negro dentition
J A Kieser1, N Cameron, H T Groeneveld
1Department of Anatomy, Medical School, Parktown, Johannesburg.
Annals of Human Biology
|November 1, 1987
Summary
South African Negro dentition shows a significant trend towards larger tooth size, particularly in mesiodistal dimensions. This tooth enlargement is evident across both sexes and dental arches, indicating a positive secular trend in dental metrics.
Area of Science:
- Anthropology
- Odontology
- Human Evolution
Background:
- Understanding secular trends in human dentition provides insights into population adaptations and evolutionary changes.
- Previous studies have indicated variations in tooth dimensions across different populations and time periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate metric changes in the dentition of South African Negro populations.
- To compare current tooth dimensions with historical data to identify secular trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of artificial stone casts of dental arcades from 106 living South African Negroes.
- Examination of 100 Negro crania from the R. A. Dart Collection.
- Comparison of mesiodistal and buccolingual tooth dimensions with published data from earlier studies.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant trend towards tooth-size enlargement was observed in the South African Negro dentition.
- The mesiodistal diameter showed the most pronounced enlargement, while buccolingual dimensions exhibited less significant changes.
- Tooth size increase was consistent across sexes and dental arches, with mesiodistal changes increasing anteroposteriorly and buccolingual changes centering on anterior teeth.
Conclusions:
- A positive secular trend of tooth enlargement is occurring in South African Negro populations.
- The observed changes suggest ongoing adaptations or environmental influences on dental morphology.
- Further research is warranted to explore the factors contributing to this dental metric shift.