Background: Metric and non-metric analysis of the human dentition have played an important role in human biological research and have formed a central focus in the field of dental anthropology for over a century. This study intends assess the degree of sexual dimorphism in permanent anterior teeth in south Indian origin student population. Aim: The purpose of this study is to analyze the mesiodistal crown width of permanent anterior teeth and assess the degree of sexual dimorphism in permanent anterior teeth in south Indian origin student population. Materials and methods: Materials for this cross-sectional study consisted of 210 students belonging to various parts of South India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and; union territories of Lakshadweep and Pondicherry) comprising of 100 males and 110 females in the age group of 18–25 years studying at A. J. Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Mangalore, Karnataka who are willing to participate in the study. Methods for the study consisted of measuring the maxillary and mandibular incisor and canine widths of these students using a digital caliper with a resolution of 0.01mm with the provision to fix it in position to the desired position so as to avoid any errors in recording the exact measurements of canines. Results: 100 males and 110 female students in the age group of 18–25 years, from various parts of South India were examined to predict the sex from the mesiodistal widths of permanent anterior teeth for both the arches. The mean mesiodistal width of mandibular central incisor was greater in males (Right: 5.55 ± 0.39 mm; Left: 5.59 ± 0.38 mm) than females (Right: 5.43 ± 0.34 mm; Left: 5.44 ± 0.34 mm). The mean Mesiodistal width of maxillary central incisor was greater in males (Right: 8.60 ± 0.52 mm; Left: 8.60 ± 0.58 mm) than females (Right: 8.29 ± 0.52 mm; Left: 8.24 ± 0.67 mm). The mean Mesiodistal width of mandibular lateral incisor was greater in males (Right: 6.07 ± 0.45 mm; Left: 6.10 ± 0.38 mm) than females (Right: 5.83 ± 0.41 mm; Left: 5.86 ± 0.37 mm). The mean Mesiodistal width of maxillary lateral incisor was greater in males (Right: 6.90 ± 0.62 mm; Left: 6.86 ± 0.63 mm) than females (Right: 6.58 ± 0.57 mm; Left: 6.59 ± 0.56 mm). The mean Mesiodistal width of mandibular canine was greater in males (Right: 6.62 ± 0.54 mm; Left: 6.78 ± 0.51 mm) than females (Right: 6.21 ± 0.54 mm; Left: 6.35 ± 0.47 mm). The mean Mesiodistal width of maxillary canine was greater in males (Right: 7.52 ± 0.58 mm; Left: 7.60 ± 0.54 mm) than females (Right: 7.33 ± 0.45 mm; Left: 7.28 ± 0.49 mm). Conclusion: This study shows that the Mesiodistal crown width of permanent anterior teeth can be used as tool for determining the sex.

Keywords: Dentition; Mesiodistal crown width; Metric and non-metric analysis; Permanent anterior teeth; Sexual dimorphism.