Mandible and Mandibular First Molar Tooth Measurements in Dogs: Relationship of Radiographic Height to Body Weight

Abstract

Height measurements of the mandible and the mandibular first molar tooth were obtained from 234 dogs. Statistical analysis was performed to determine possible associations between these measurements and body weight, sex, age, and body condition. There was a statistically significant association between the mandible: mandibular first molar tooth height measurement ratio and body weight (p< 0.0001) in all body weight groups. Small dogs had proportionally larger mandibular first molar teeth relative to mandibular height compared with larger dogs. This relationship may contribute to an increased susceptibility in small dogs for periodontitis and subsequent tooth loss. There was no statistically significant association between the mandible: mandibular first molar tooth height measurement ratio and other parameters evaluated in this study.