Tooth sizes in two males with deletions of the long arm of the Y-chromosome.

Permanent and deciduous tooth crown sizes in two males with deletions of the long arm of the Y chromosome and their first-degree relatives were examined. The first proband with a deletion in the proximal part of Yq11 showed definitely smaller teeth than his father or population control males. The second proband with a deletion in the distal part of Yq11 showed large or normal sized teeth compared to his brother or population control males. These data support the results of earlier studies indicating a promoting effect of the Y chromosome on tooth growth, and suggest that the location of the growth-promoting gene(s) is in Yq11. It is postulated that statural growth is affected by the same gene(s).