Tooth mineralization as an indicator of the pubertal growth spurt.

The commencement of adolescent peak growth velocity in body height and facial growth is closely related in timing to certain ossification events which occur in the hand and wrist. An investigation into calcification patterns of the teeth revealed a high degree of correlation between the stage of mineralization of the lower canine and these events. The possibility of the use of this tooth as a maturational indicator of the pubertal growth spurt is discussed.