# Prevalence and distribution of shoveling and double shoveling non-metric traits in Mysuru population: A cross sectional study

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence of shovel-shaped incisors in the Mysuru population, showing high frequency in upper teeth and low in lower teeth.

## Contribution

The study provides new data on shoveling and double shoveling traits in the Mysuru population using the ASUDAS scoring system.

## Key findings

- Shoveling was highly prevalent (95.5%) in the Mysuru population, especially in upper central incisors.
- Double shoveling was rare (1.0%) and mostly absent in lower anterior teeth.
- Shoveling was significantly more common in the upper arch compared to the lower arch.

## Abstract

Non-metric dental traits play a pivotal role in anthropological and forensic investigations. Shovel-shaped incisors, in particular, serve as valuable indicators of population affinity and individual identification. This study aimed to assess the frequency and grading of the non-metric shoveling and double shoveling traits in the Mysuru population using the Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System (ASUDAS) scoring criteria.

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in Mysuru, among 382 individuals (190 males and 192 females) aged 18–40 years. Traits were assessed clinically using ASUDAS plaques. Data were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to determine prevalence and statistical significance across gender, arch, quadrant and tooth type.

Shoveling was highly prevalent in the population (95.5 %), especially in upper central incisors (92.2 %), followed by upper lateral incisors (69.3 %). In contrast, lower anterior teeth exhibited minimal expression (<3 %). Double shoveling was rare, observed in only 1.0 % of individuals. No statistically significant difference in trait prevalence was found between genders or sides (p > 0.05). However, shoveling was significantly more common in the upper arch than the lower (p = 0.000). Grading analysis revealed Grade 1 shoveling as the most common form, particularly in upper central and lateral incisors. Double shoveling was mostly absent, with only trace levels (Grade 1) being noted.

The study highlights the prevalence of shoveling, especially in the maxillary anterior teeth among the Mysuru population. The results support the forensic and anthropological value of these traits in personal identification and population studies.