Evaluation of sexual dimorphism by using permanent maxillary first molar in Gujarati population

Background: Sexual dimorphism refers to those differences in size, stature and appearance between male and female that can be applied to dental identification of humans. Teeth are good sources of material for civil and medico‑legal identification. Tooth size standards based on odontometric investigation can be used in age and sex determination. The present study was planned to evaluate the existence of sexual dimorphism using both buccolingual (BL) and mesiodistal (MD) dimensions and prevalence of cusp of Carabelli in maxillary permanent first molars in Gujarati population. Materials and Methods: Totally 60 students (30 males and 30 females) of Gujarati population with 10‑35 years of age were selected by random sampling method. After oral examination, impressions of the maxillary arch were taken and the BL and MD dimensions of the maxillary first molars were measured using digital Vernier calipers on study casts and also checked for presence of cusp of Carebelli. Results: The mean values of parameters (BL and MD dimensions) were greater in male when compared to female. There was a significant difference in mean values of MD dimensions of maxillary right first molar of males (10.39 ± 0.48) and females (10.11 ± 0.52) (P = 0.03). Moreover, presence of cusp of Carabelli was found to be more frequent in males (23.33%) when compared to females (11.67%). Conclusion: The study results revealed that MD dimension can be used as a parameter to check the sexual dimorphism in Gujarati population.