Odontometric Patterns in Human Mandibular Molars for Sex Estimation in a Forensic Context

Abstract

Sex estimation is an important step in the identification of human skeletal remains, since it reduces the number of potential matches to approximately one-half. The os coxae and skull are considered the most dimorphic skeletal elements; however, when unavailable, teeth may be used alternatively. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of specific odontometric parameters from the mandibular first molar – mesiolingual-distobuccal distance (MLDB), mesiobuccal-distolingual distance (MBDL) and mesiodistal distance (MD)-on sex estimation in a Portuguese sample composed of 135 mandibles (78 males; 57 females; ages atdeath ranging from 18 to 59 years old) selected amongst the 505 individuals of the Coimbra Identified Skeletal Collection (University of Coimbra). Since canines are considered the most accurate teeth for sexual assessment, comparison between first molar parameters and canines mesiodistal dimensions (MD) was performed. Statistical analysis showed sexual dimorphism in human first molars and cut-off points between male or female groups were determined. Using the first molar MLDB and MBDL, 60.7% and 65.2% of individuals were correctly classified, respectively. Highest sex estimation accuracy was achieved with canine MD, reaching 74.6%. Our results indicate that although mandibular molar dimensions are useful for sex estimation, the canine should be prioritized when available to perform this task.