The use of canine dimensions as markers for sex estimation in biological profiling

Forensic dentistry focuses on identifying individuals through distinctive characteristics of their dental structures. There is a lack of documentation of dental records in developing countries, particularly in Ghana. Therefore, the study aimed to generate detailed baseline data on the sexually dimorphic features of the canine tooth. A convenience sampling technique was employed to recruit a total of 280 participants (140 males and 140 females) aged 18-42 years. Ethical approval was obtained from the Committee on Human Research, Publications and Ethics, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Informed consent was sought from the participants. Dental impressions were made using alginate powder, and study models were prepared using dental stone. Measurements of right and left mesiodistal width of the mandibular and maxillary canines, and Intercanine distances were taken using Digital Vernier Calipers. The means of the Right and Left Mandibular, Maxillary Mesiodistal Widths, Intercanine Distances, and the Right Mandibular Canine index were sexually dimorphic. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that models employing the Right and Left Mandibular Mesiodistal Width, Mandibular Intercanine Distance, Maxillary Intercanine Distance, Right and Left Maxillary Mesiodistal Width, and Right Mandibular Canine Index were good and statistically significant in predicting sex. The best-performing model was the Left Maxillary Mesiodistal Width, which correctly predicted 65% of males and 67.9% of females, with an overall prediction accuracy of 66.40%. Microdont was the predominant tooth type for left and right maxillary canines, followed by mesodont and microdont among both sexes. The results of this study indicate sexual dimorphism, providing a baseline for further research. Canine dimensions, combined with other dental and skeletal indicators, can enhance the accuracy of sex estimation.