Bite Marks – An Aid In Autopsy

Abstract

Teeth are often used as weapons when one person attacks another or when a victim tries to ward off an assailant. It is relatively simple to record the
evidence from the injury and the teeth for comparison of the shapes, sizes and pattern that are present. However, this comparative analysis is often
very difficult, especially since human skin is curved, elastic, distortable and undergoing edema. In many cases, though, conclusions can be reached
about any role a suspect may have played in a crime. Additionally, traces of saliva deposited during biting can be recovered to acquire DNA evidence
and this can be analyzed to determine who contributed this biological evidence. If dentists are aware of the various methods to collect and preserve
bitemark evidence from victims and suspects, it may be possible for them to assist the justice system to identify and prosecute violent offenders. This
paper reviews the recognition and recovery of this evidence and provides insight into modern methods used to investigate bitemark evidence from
heinous crimes