A study of the periodontal state in two hundred and two skulls of primitive peoples

Using the method described previously the periodontal state of two hundred and two skulls was examined by calculating the Tooth Cervical Height Index. The skulls were selected from seventeen racial groups, detailed records being available concerning each skull. The attrition index modified from Davies and Pedersen (1955) and the calculus index (Ramfjord 1966) were also estimated. Multiple regression analysis revealed that TCH‐index was not dependent on the age, sex or body height. A significant dependence was shown, however, between TCH‐index and the calculus index, and between TCH‐index and the degree of attrition. The mean TCH‐index for one hundred and one skulls which had been found within fifty miles of the sea was 1.89 ± 0.47 while for one hundred and one skulls collected further inland was 2.98 ± 0.89; a significant dependence was detected in the analysis.