The frequency of accessory mental foramina in four ethnic groups

Abstract

The frequency of accessory mental foramina (AMF) was studied in four population groups: 20th century Asian Indians, African Americans and American Whites, and Pre-Columbian Nazca Indians. AMF were found less frequently in the American White and Asian Indian populations than in the other groups (American White, 1.4%; Asian Indian, 1.5%; African American, 5.7% and Nazca, 9.0%). The incidence of AMFs did not differ significantly between right- and left-hand sides. In certain ethnic groups, i.e., African American, AMF may occur more often in males. Additional studies with larger samples are needed to show whether AMFs are more common in males.