A differential environmental effect on human anterior tooth size

Area of Science:

• Anthropology
• Genetics
• Dentistry

Background:

• Factor-analytic studies consistently show separate mesiodistal and buccolingual factors for anterior teeth, but single factors for premolars and molars.
• The independence of anterior tooth dimensions is a recurring finding in human dental research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the underlying factors contributing to the observed differences in human tooth dimensions.
• To explore the influence of environmental factors, such as calculus accumulation, on tooth size dimensions.
• To discuss the heritability of dental dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Factor analysis of human tooth dimensions (mesiodistal and buccolingual).
• Comparison of anterior teeth (incisors, canines) with premolars and molars.
• Discussion of environmental influences and genetic heritability.

Main Results:

• Environmental factors significantly impact buccolingual tooth dimensions more than mesiodistal dimensions in anterior teeth.
• Calculus accumulation is proposed as a significant, previously unrecognized environmental factor affecting buccolingual diameters.
• Separate factors for mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions in anterior teeth are likely due to differential environmental effects.

Conclusions:

• The distinct dimensional factors in anterior teeth are primarily driven by environmental influences, particularly on buccolingual measurements.
• Calculus accumulation represents a notable environmental factor influencing tooth size, warranting further investigation.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for accurate interpretation of dental morphology and heritability studies.