Prediction of Body Weight and Body Mass Index from Tooth Crown Area: A Preliminary Study

• Published in: Journal of international oral health 2016-03, Vol.8 (2), p.272
• Main Authors: Zope, Amit, Bamane, Swati, Khalekar, Yogita, Deore, Rahul, Holikatti, Kiran, Deore, Swapnil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal behavior; Body mass index; Body weight; Crowns (Dentistry); Females; Measurement; Medical research; Medicine, Experimental; Metabolism; Teeth
• ISSN: 0976-7428; 0976-1799
• DOI: 10.4103/0976-7428.199319

Natural catastrophes account for maximum and most undesirable loss of mankind. Those individuals can be best represented by dental remnants. Body size is probably the single most important determinant of body architecture, physiology ecology, life history, and social organization in mammals. The weight and body mass index (BMI) can be used as a measure of body size. It is seen that the tooth crown area (crown length multiplied by crown width) increases in relation to the square of a linear dimension, whereas body weight, being proportional to volume, increases in relation to the cube of a linear dimension, assuming geometric similarity is maintained. Thus, one might predict theoretically that tooth area should increase or decrease as the 2/3 (or 0.67) power of body weight. BMI can be calculated from body weight and height of an individual. In this study, we tried to examine the relationship between tooth crown area and body weight and BMI of human individuals. To correlate the relationship of tooth crown area with body weight and BMI of human beings. Study includes 60 individuals (30 males and 30 females) of 18-24 years of age group. Tooth crown area will be calculated as mesial-distal crown length multiplied by buccallingual width (L × W). Weight of individual will be recorded in grams. Height of individual will be recorded in centimeters. BMI will be calculated. Tooth crown area will be correlated with body weight and BMI. A positive relationship between total crown area and body weight as well total crown area and BMI was observed. Tooth size and body size can be correlated in living human individuals. One can use the tooth crown area to predict the weight and BMI of an individual.