ROLE OF TONGUE-PRINTS IN FORENSIC ODONTOLOGY – A REVIEW

Abstract

Tongue is a vital organ that is well encased in the oral cavity. Tongue imprints in
forensic odontology for person identification is a novel technique and can be used as a
biometric tool too. The role of forensic odontologist is of utmost importance in forensic
investigations. In case, all the sources of information are lost, tongue can be used as an
effective alternative as it is difficult to be forged. However, few conditions such as
developmental malformations, systemic illnesses and associated syndromes, limit the use of
tongue as forensic tool. But few researches have been conducted which prove the efficacy of
tongue-prints as an effective investigative tool