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From: "Lisa Polk" <>
Subject: Indian molar news
Date: Thu, 9 Feb 2006 16:24:52 -0600


Taken from "The Quill"

Native American Ancestry? Ask your Dentist!
Do you have a family tradition that says one of your ancestors was a
Native American? Well the proof may be in your mouth and your dentist
can tell you.

A little bump on your maxillary first molars is called a Carrabelli's
Cusp. This is the sixth tooth from the center of your front upper
teeth. People who are strictly of western European origin have this
bump on that tooth. People who have Native American (Indian) heritage
are missing this cusp. The sides of the maxillary first molars will be
smooth.

Please note! People who are of Asian heritage will also be missing the
cusp.

Thanks to Dr. Vernon Nesmith, DDS of Wichita Falls, Texas for furnishing
the photographs and information.

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