People of African decent have larger jaws and teeth

[Deleted member 21716]

American blacks have larger teeth than whites, but they less frequently exhibit crowding—apparently because of larger arch dimensions. This study quantified differences in arch size and shape in these 2 constituents of the US population. Eighteen dental and bony landmarks were digitized from the maxilla of each of 332 subjects with permanent, intact dentitions, proportionately divided between blacks and whites, men and women. Linear, angular, and area measurements were computer-generated. Arch widths averaged 10% greater in blacks than whites, and mesiodistal arch depths had a greater difference, at 12%. Blacks, with a more square palate and significantly larger palatal index, were distinguished from whites primarily by greater intercanine and interpremolar widths. Arch perimeter was greater in blacks by 8%, and cross-sectional area of the arch was 19% greater in blacks than whites, so blacks and whites differ substantially for these parameters not only in size, but in shape as well. These differences are relevant in prosthodontics and orthodontics since individualization of treatment leads to more effective treatment by working within the patient's natural arch form instead of making patients fit a single standard.

Maxillary Arch Size and Shape in American Blacks and Whites

Abstract. American blacks have larger teeth than whites, but they less frequently exhibit crowding—apparently because of larger arch dimensions. This study quantified differences in arch size and shape in these 2 constituents of the US population. Eighteen dental and bony landmarks were...

meridian.allenpress.com

 

[Unhuman]

This is because they've experienced the effects of industrialisation much later that whites.

 

[Deleted member 21716]

This is because they've experienced the effects of industrialisation much later that whites.

I haven’t thought about that. It has been shown that the western diet has negative effects on jaw growth.

 

[Unhuman]

I haven’t thought about that. It has been shown that the western diet has negative effects on jaw growth.

hunter gatherer jaws also tend to experience greater tooth erosion due to hard diets so that is another factor for why African Americans have bigger teeth.

 

[Deprived]

I noticed blacks have larger but less angular jaws due to thicker skin.
I also think they usually have big jaws vertically (so tall chin) rather than wide jaws

 

[Deleted member 21716]

hunter gatherer jaws also tend to experience greater tooth erosion due to hard diets so that is another factor for why African Americans have bigger teeth.

This is interesting. I’ll have to look further into this.

 

[Moggie]

I noticed blacks have larger but less angular jaws due to thicker skin.
I also think they usually have big jaws vertically (so tall chin) rather than wide jaws

Like this guys giga masseters but his jaw is pretty rounded looking from the side

 

[Deleted member 19453]

descent*

 

[Deleted member 13710]

American blacks have larger teeth than whites, but they less frequently exhibit crowding—apparently because of larger arch dimensions.

Blacks have more forward-set jaws on average than whites.

This is because they've experienced the effects of industrialisation much later that whites.

You're getting a genetic explanation and an environmental explanation mixed up. And American blacks have experienced industrialization just as long as American whites, so that is not even true in this case.