Sexual dimorphism in the relationship between number of emerged permanent teeth and percentage of adult stature

The relationship between the number of emerged teeth and statural growth was investigated in a sample of 31 boys and 42 girls followed longitudinally from 6-12 years of age. The number of emerged permanent teeth was counted on the total number of plaster dental casts. Percentage of adult stature attained at a given age was calculated on the basis of predicted adult stature at 25 years of age using the BTT model. Percentage of permanent teeth emerged was based upon 28 teeth, the number of all permanent teeth except for the third molars. Girls attained a greater percentage of adult stature at each age, but there was no clear sex difference in the percentage of emerged teeth. However, when expressed on the basis of %adult stature, there was clear sex difference in %emerged teeth. The results suggest a sex difference in %emerged teeth that is specific to the %adult stature that has been attained. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.