Bite mark analysis: A brief overview

Bite mark investigation is a vital area of expertise in forensic sciences. Bite mark represents a distinct characteristic, and it can help identify the potential culprit of a crime. Analysis of bite marks includes reviewing patterned injuries and the surrounding circumstances and integrating morphol...

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Main Authors: Reshma Priyanka Danam, Mary Sujatha Mekala
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-01-01
Series:Journal of Oral Research and Review
Subjects:
Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_49_24
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author Reshma Priyanka Danam
Mary Sujatha Mekala
author_facet Reshma Priyanka Danam
Mary Sujatha Mekala
author_sort Reshma Priyanka Danam
collection DOAJ
description Bite mark investigation is a vital area of expertise in forensic sciences. Bite mark represents a distinct characteristic, and it can help identify the potential culprit of a crime. Analysis of bite marks includes reviewing patterned injuries and the surrounding circumstances and integrating morphological and positional information. Based on the scientific knowledge that every human dentition is unique, this distinctiveness suggests that dental marks can be used to identify the perpetrator. Evaluation of the bite mark data includes examining and analyzing the characteristics of bite marks, comparing the data to that of the POI dentition and subsequently deciding whether or not to exclude a set of teeth as the origin of the mark. However, the field faces several challenges, including the variability in bite mark patterns due to factors such as the condition of the skin and the technique of the biter, as well as the subjective nature of interpreting bite mark impressions. Despite these challenges, the field presents opportunities for improvement through advancements in technology, such as three-dimensional imaging and computer-aided analysis, which can enhance the precision of bite mark comparisons and reduce error rates. The present review gives a brief overview of bite mark investigation discussing its process, significance, challenges, and opportunities in the field of forensic science.
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spelling doaj-art-d12f57defdca4c32b5a5bbf816581db32025-02-06T07:07:48ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Oral Research and Review2249-49872394-25412025-01-01171838610.4103/jorr.jorr_49_24Bite mark analysis: A brief overviewReshma Priyanka DanamMary Sujatha MekalaBite mark investigation is a vital area of expertise in forensic sciences. Bite mark represents a distinct characteristic, and it can help identify the potential culprit of a crime. Analysis of bite marks includes reviewing patterned injuries and the surrounding circumstances and integrating morphological and positional information. Based on the scientific knowledge that every human dentition is unique, this distinctiveness suggests that dental marks can be used to identify the perpetrator. Evaluation of the bite mark data includes examining and analyzing the characteristics of bite marks, comparing the data to that of the POI dentition and subsequently deciding whether or not to exclude a set of teeth as the origin of the mark. However, the field faces several challenges, including the variability in bite mark patterns due to factors such as the condition of the skin and the technique of the biter, as well as the subjective nature of interpreting bite mark impressions. Despite these challenges, the field presents opportunities for improvement through advancements in technology, such as three-dimensional imaging and computer-aided analysis, which can enhance the precision of bite mark comparisons and reduce error rates. The present review gives a brief overview of bite mark investigation discussing its process, significance, challenges, and opportunities in the field of forensic science.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_49_24bite mark analysisdental identificationforensic odontology
spellingShingle Reshma Priyanka Danam
Mary Sujatha Mekala
Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
Journal of Oral Research and Review
bite mark analysis
dental identification
forensic odontology
title Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
title_full Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
title_fullStr Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
title_full_unstemmed Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
title_short Bite mark analysis: A brief overview
title_sort bite mark analysis a brief overview
topic bite mark analysis
dental identification
forensic odontology
url https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_49_24
work_keys_str_mv AT reshmapriyankadanam bitemarkanalysisabriefoverview
AT marysujathamekala bitemarkanalysisabriefoverview