Morphological characteristics of the teeth of Newar children.

The morphology of the teeth of Newar children was investigated in order to determine racial characteristics of the teeth in comparison with those of Japanese. The results were as follows. 1) The incidence of a C type labial surface pattern on the maxillary incisors was greater in Newars than Japanese for both the maxillary central and lateral incisors. 2) The total incidence of shovel-shaped and semi-shovel-shaped maxillary incisors was greater than 80% in Japanese, although at most about 25% in Newars. 3) The incidence of interstitial tubercles on the maxillary premolars in Newars was less than in Japanese. 4) The incidence of the cusp of Carabelli on maxillary first molars was greater in Newars than in Japanese. 5) Although the incidence of protostylids on the mandibular first molars was less in Newars than in Japanese, the incidence of the + type occlusal groove pattern was higher in Newars. Even though four-cusp mandibular first molars were more common in Newars than in Japanese, the incidence of a sixth cusp was lower in Newars. Also, the incidence of a sixth cusp was lower in Newars. Also, the incidence of medial of medial lingual accessory tubercles was slightly higher in Newars than in Japanese. Examination of the Newar teeth confirmed previous findings that they are racially Caucasoid, although they have some similarities with Japanese.