Fluctuating asymmetry in third molar agenesis as an aid to estimate socioeconomic status

Traditionally, dental identification techniques are used to establish identity or assist in reconstructing an individual's biological profile. However, other aspects of identity, namely socioeconomic status (SES), can be estimated through teeth. This work aims to evaluate the influence of SES on third molar agenesis in a Portuguese population. X-rays from 448 subjects (223 belonging to a high and 225 to a low socioeconomic status) were assessed and demographic data (age, sex) and dental history were registered. Frequencies and associations between the variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. For each group, differences between third molar agenesis were studied using the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was 5%. X-rays displaying at least one agenesis were more common in females (in both SES groups). Differences between socioeconomic status were found in female subjects' upper right and lower left third molars, with a higher frequency of agenesis in the lower SES group. Agenesis of lower third molars displayed fluctuant asymmetry in both groups, whereas agenesis of upper third molars was also present in the lower SES group. These results suggest that socioeconomic status can affect third molar agenesis prevalence, and fluctuant asymmetry seems more prevalent in the lower SES, as it affects all third molars.