Upper central incisor and canine tooth crown size in 47,XXY males

Abstract

Enamel and dentin thicknesses were measured in permanent tooth crowns of 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome) males. In 47,XXY males, enamel thickness in maxillary central incisors was significantly greater than that in control males or females, and dentin thickness in incisors and canines was significantly greater than that in control females, but smaller than that in normal males. These findings confirm the concept that human dental growth is affected by sex chromosomes. Amelogenesis is promoted by both X and Y chromosome genes, and sexual dimorphism in average tooth size is evidently determined by a promoting effect of the Y chromosome on dentin growth, probably through cell proliferation. This effect can also explain sex predilection for males in the numbers of supernumerary and ordinary teeth.