Sexual dimorphism in the permanent canines of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian populationand itsimplications in forensic investigations.

Teeth are excellent material for anthropological, genetic, odontological and forensic research and they have great role in forensic practice. They are well preserved after death and they exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism. Hence, they provide excellent materials for forensic investigations intended for sex assessment. Sexual dimorphism refers to the differences in size, stature and appearance between male and female and is a useful tool to distinguish them, especially in forensic investigations and anthropological assessments. The canines are favoured as ideal teeth to study these differences in view of their durability in the oral cavity. The aim of of this study was to examine the degree of sexual dimorphism in permanent teeth of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian population based on odontometric characteristics of mandibular and maxillary canines. A total of 720 permanent teeth in 180 individuals (90 males and 90 females) were examined. The greatest mesiodistal width of all four canines and intercanine distance were measured directly in the patients' mouth using a digital sliding meter and values were expressed up to the hundredth part of millimetre. Subsequently, canine index was calculated for both sides. Statistical analysis was done to assess sex difference using Students "t" test (paired). It was found that males have bigger teeth than females (p<0.001). The mean value of the canines width in males and females on the right and left sides were compared by usingthe t-test and was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Sexual dimorphism was calculated and maxillary canine was found to be more dimorphic than mandibular canine (p<0.01). The right canine was found to be more dimorphic than left canine (p<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]