PARIPEX - INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH | Volume - 11 | Issue - 08 |August - 2022 | PRINT ISSN No. 2250 - 1991 | DOI : 10.

36106/paripex

ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER Oral Medicine

KEY WORDS: Forensic

BITE MARKS- A NOVELTY IN ANALYSIS science, Forensic odontology,
Bitemarks

Associate Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Bharati

Dr. Shams Ul
Vidyapeeth Deemed to be University Dental College and Hospital, Pune,
Nisa* India. *Corresponding Author
Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Priyadarshini Dental
Dr. B Karthika College and Hospital, Chennai
In Forensic dentistry, dental knowledge is used for the civil and criminal laws, which are imposed by police agencies for
the criminal justice system. Forensic dentistry is a field of forensic science that deals with the justice assistance in the
ABSTRACT

cases of person identification. Since 49 AD Identification techniques applications was registered throughout our history.
Bite marks serves as a main source in crimes such as child abuse, sexual abuse and murders, where the criminal uses the
teeth as weapon, thereby teeth marking will be present neither on victim's skin nor on the objects present at the crime
scene. Bite marks investigation are an intricate technique that carries subjectivity, various isolating opinions and
generating arguments. This article consists of a narrative literature review and discusses various ways in the
identification of bite marks performed with highlighting its recent advanced methods, their importance and also
pointing out the role of the dentist.
INTRODUCTION: Due to advancements, forensic odontology benefited from
Forensic Odontology is a branch of dentistry in which, dental digital imaging of low dose 3D computed Tomography
evidences are used for justice.[1] Forensic Odontology play a (CT).[12] Through 3D CT digital data 3D simulations are
vital role in person identification in mass disasters, for crime assessed to plan accurately and to follow up their clinical
investigations and in recognition of disfigured, decomposed decisions.[13] 2D digital camera with the software of photo
bodies. The other methods used in forensic Odontology for editing is currently accepted technique for bite marks image
person identity includes tooth prints, rugoscopy, bite marks, acquisition.[14] Cone beam CT used as a radiographic
cheiloscopy, photographs, radiographs and through diagnostic tool. Appropriate use of advanced techniques
molecular methods. results in greater precision for forensic identifications. [15]

Bite Marks Classifications of Bite Marks:

Forensic dentistry uses the dental knowledge for criminal and Camerons and SIMS classifed bitemarks into two, they are: the
civil cases. In 1962, for first time bite mark identification is agents that produced the mark, the materials and substances
recorded for Salem Witch Trials.[3],[4] In a robbery case in that have exhibited the marks.
America, bite marks are registered from a cheese piece
became an important evidence in identifying thief.[2] Person McDonald's Classified bite marks as tooth pressure marks,
identity is derived through comparing antemortem and tongue pressure marks, Tooth scrape marks and complex
postmortem bite mark records which serves as forensic marks. Tooth pressure marks are marked by incisal edges of
dental evidence by use of the distinctive features noticeable anterior teeth, it may be stable with minimal distortion.
on a person bite marks captured from skin of victims or even Tongue pressure marks are by tongue pressure on palatal
through their radiographs. Thereby, bite mark investigation surfaces of the teeth, cingulae or palatal rugae which causes
plays a significant role in criminal justice system. Due to distortion of marks. Tooth scrape marks are caused due to
advancement in technologies like scanning electron irregularities in teeth due to fractures, restorations, etc.
microscopy, laser scanning and cone beam computed Complex marks are combination of above marks.
tomography are used by forensic odontologist to identify
minute details in bite marks.[5] Webster's classified bite marks into 3 types. In Type I, bites in
chocolate which fracture easily with limited depth of
Furthermore, techniques f or enhanced bite marks penetration. Most prominent areas are incisal edges of upper
identification includes the use of electron microscopy, and lower anterior teeth. In type II, good grip of material
computer enhancement technique, ABO blood groups obtained by teeth and then bitten piece is fractured from main
determination derived from saliva on the bite marks, material. Example, in a apple; the outline of labial aspect of
through identifying bacteria and other microorganisms upper and lower incisors are recorded. In type III, bite mark
present in the bite marks. Shape and precision of bite marks produced by biting through cheese. It indicates relative
present on the victim's skin changes in ten to twenty minutes position of upper and lower incisors in centric occlusion.[16]
duration in both live and dead, so it necessitates bite marks
recording at earliest as much as possible. 3-dimensional Collection of Bite Mark Evidence
bite marks in a 2- dimensional photograph shows color To collect bite mark evidences vital information to be
changes and its spatial relationships. Rawson has recorded in both in the living and deceased victims.
investigated, the distinctiveness in human dentition
measurement mathematically through a precise method Demographic details to be recorded, they are date of
[6],[7].[8]
The distinctiveness in a bite mark, is not seen clear-cut examination, name, age, gender, race, case number and name
because human skin is a poor type of registration material of the examiners. Location of the bite marks to be recorded to
for recording bite.[9] Bite marks can reveal individual tooth illustrate the anatomical location, to indicate the surface
marks. It can appear in double arched pattern or in a contour, to state the tissue characters and underlying
homogeneous bruise condition.[10] Bite marks distortions structures such as tissue-bone, cartilage, muscle or fat. The
can happen by elastic properties in the skin, through shape of bite marks like round, ovoid, crescent or irregular in
anatomical locations, bite pressure, position of the human shape to be recorded. Colour of the mark to be recorded. The
body and through angulations of maxilla and mandible.[11] size of the bite mark to be recorded in both vertical and
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PARIPEX - INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH | Volume - 11 | Issue - 08 |August - 2022 | PRINT ISSN No. 2250 - 1991 | DOI : 10.36106/paripex
horizontal dimensions in metric system. Type of bite marks body. Teeth are a rich source of genomic DNA. mtDNA
injury to be recorded. Injuries like petechial haemorrhage, obtained from skeleton tissues, while the obtained DNA
contusion, abrasion, laceration, incision, avulsion and artefact samples are too less or degraded.[24][25] Amplified DNA is
to be recorded. [17] compared with the ante mortem samples like clothing, stored
blood, hairbrush, cervical smear, and with biopsy
Methods of Examination specimens.[26] Currently performed DNA profile tests were
There are various methods to collect the evidences from the re l i a bl e i n p rov i d i n g i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t p hy s i c a l
bite marks are photography, saliva swabs, impressions, characteristics, place of origin, ethnicity and in determining
salivary DNA recovery and bacterial genotyping and through the sex of the person. In court, all these test reports were
computerized techniques. accepted legally as proofs for investigating paternity and in
human identification cases.[25] DNA profiling are done by
Photography Short Tandem Repeat (STR) Analysis, Restriction Fragment
To record bite mark evidences the photographs are to be Length Polymorphism Typing, X-Chromosome STR, Y-
taken at 90º with the camera to the site of injury and Chromosome Analysis, mtDNA Analysis, Single Nucleotide
photographs are to be taken at 24 hour intervals on deceased Polymorphism Analysis, Gender Typing and by DNA
as well as on living victim for the improvement in appearance. methylation analysis.[26] Furthermore, an abundant of DNA are
Forensic Dentistry facing greatest challenge in analyzing bite extracted from the teeth. Saliva collected in painless and non-
marks present in human skin, due to the distortions present radical way. In that, double swab method is effective, because
and due to the elapse of time in between the production and DNA recovery rates are significantly higher with double swab
analysis. Photography provides safest mode of recording method than single swab or filter paper method. Double swab
permanent marks. Stereoscopic photography generates method for saliva, cryogenic grinding for teeth, chelex
greater definition of details, but it has some inherent extraction and polymerase chain reaction for both types are
problems. Infra-red, ultra-violet illumination is required used in the forensic. Though DNA analysis proven its value in
under various circumstances to get out some details which forensic dentistry, ethical and juridical considerations are still
may not be obvious in the usual positive print. [17] in debate and criticism.[27]

Saliva swabs Computerized Techniques

Saliva deposited in the skin while biting, sucking actions were Computerized techniques are used for the precise
obtained to investigate, the goal is to collect the cells for DNA. fabrication process for the demonstration of rotations and
Amount of saliva deposited in a bite mark is about 0.3ml and it biting edges area. Computer programmes like CAT scans,
is distributed over a area of 20 cm. Swabs are to be taken as adobe photoshop and 3-D/CAD photogrammetry are useful
early as possible after the bite is inflicted and prior to the area in demonstrating the bite marks. 3D cast depiction with 3D
is cleaned or washed. If the bite was inflicted by clothing, type topographic teeth is characteristic and interactions with
attempts to be made to take hold of the clothing for the the 3D documented skin can be visualized for study on the
purpose of DNA analysis. This technique will maximize the computer screen. Thereby it represents the succession of
quantity of DNA recovered. Saliva collected from swab is to biting action and also represents the successive injury
determine ABO blood group antigen through neither pattern. Bite marks identification are based on dentition
absorption-elution nor absorption-inhibition technique. uniqueness, so comparing the match for a bite mark in a
Saliva identification is done by indicating its amylase activity suspected perpetrator is commonly performed method.
through hydrolysing a starch substrate. Oral swabs are also Matching is done by arch to arch comparison and by tooth to
taken for semen analysis.[18],[19],[20] tooth comparisons by use of parameters like teeth size, shape
and its alignment. Most usual method to analyze the bite mark
Impressions is in 2D space. Thereby, 3D information preserved through two
After photographing the evidences, extra oral and intraoral dimensional aspect with distortions. [27][28] The features
examinations should be carried out. Next step is to make collected in the bite marks are depth, length, width of the
impressions in both upper and lower arches. If the person, tooth, inter canine distance, overall size of the bite mark,
wears a dental prosthesis impressions are to be taken along space between the tooth marks and rotation from the normal
with prosthesis and another impression to be made without arch form. Computerized system advantages are accurate
prosthesis. [22] Two sets of models should be prepared, one set measurement of evidences with physical parameters, results
for direct evidence and the other set for comparison purpose. in minimum photographic distortions, to reduce examiners
If the bite marks have penetrated the skin, an impression of subjectivity, for quality image visualization, for standard
the marks should be made. [20] Nowadays, silicon based comparison procedures and for results reproducibility. [29] For
impression compounds are used for making quality standardized photographic procedures, xeroradiography
impressions. [21] Acquisition of 3D images of the bite mark is and contrast radiography provides valuable information.
collected for bite mark evidences from bite mark victims. 3D Xeroradiographic technique uses a layer of radiographic
images are acquired through software, Lumin IQ and enabled contrast material, radiograph marks are taken and is
for evaluation of grey scale levels, to produce a three applicable for indentations.
dimensional version of standardized images. 3D images are
useful for indicating the depth of an injury which is done In deceased person identification, post-mortem computed
without the use of impression materials.[23] tomography (PMCT) is used to overview the teeth condition
without opening corpse bags. Use of CBCT in forensic
Salivary DNA Recovery and Bacterial Genotyping odontology is to estimation dental age, in the role of dentists
DNA analysis in the field of forensic odontology, gain its for forensic witnesses, in analysis of bite marks, for
significance while conventional identification methods fails investigating trauma cases and in determination of sex and
due to heat, trauma, autolytic process, and distortions race.[30] Advantages of digital CBCT includes the speed at
complicates in analysis. Biological materials like bones, teeth, which radiographs retrieved, radiograph display directly on a
blood, saliva, hair and semen can be utilized f or computer screen and advantages through CBCT digital
accomplishing DNA typing. Polymerase chain reaction allows radiograph software applications for options to adjust the
enzymatic amplification for specific DNA sequence done contrast, density, sharpness, image, and color. These
even in a negligible quantity of material source. Forensic advantages are important in forensic identification checks,
identifications through DNA analysis are becoming popular especially in odontology and skeletal cases.[31] Sachidanand
among investigators. In the field of forensic sciences, et al. analyzed bite marks in students using 3D CBCT for
genomic and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is utilized. reconstructions, the bite patterns of the students were made
Genomic DNA found in the nucleus of a cell in the human on apples. A very significant analysis was better using CBCT
136 www.worldwidejournals.com
PARIPEX - INDIAN JOURNAL OF RESEARCH | Volume - 11 | Issue - 08 |August - 2022 | PRINT ISSN No. 2250 - 1991 | DOI : 10.36106/paripex
radiology in the identification of bite patterns than in the usual 35:48-61.
24. Silva RH, Musse JD, Melani RF, Oliveira RN. Human bite mark identification and
analysis.[32] Marques J et al. also support the prior results, DNA technology in forensic dentistry. Braz J Oral Sci. 2006;5:1193–7.
using CBCT for the analysis of the relative density of bite 25. Datta P, Sood S, Rastogi P, Bhargava K, Bhargava D, Yadav M. DNA profiling in
marks on food ingredients such as chocolate, cheese, apples, forensic dentistry. J Indian Acad Forensic Med. 2012;34:156–9.
26. Mayall SS, Agarwal P, Vashisth P. Dental DNA finger-printing in identification
gum, pizza, and tarts. Using CBCT pictures, the analysis can be of human remains. Ann Dent Spec. 2013;1:16–9. [Google Scholar]
very accurate, especially for the pattern of bitemarks, and 27. Naru AS, Dykes E. The use of a digital imaging technique to aid bites mark
matched to the previously obtained dental model.[33] It is also analysis. Science and Justice1996; 36(1):47-50.
28. Veldon VA, Spiessens M,Willems G. Bite mark analysis and comparison using
seen from this study that 3D CADCAM is a very promising image perception technology. J Forensic Odontostomatol 2006; 24(1):14-17.
modality to explore in the bite mark identity studies. These 29. Sweet D, Lorente JA, Valenzuela A, Lorent M, Villanueva E. PCR-based DNA
modalities if explored and utilized well could be of greater typing of saliva stains recovered from human skin. J Forensic Sci
1997;42(3):447-451.
assistance in legal and judicial aspects. In this study, it was 30. Sarment DP, Christensen AM. The use of cone beam computed tomography in
shown that CBCT was efficient in yielding images with the forensic radiology. Journal of Forensic Radiology and Imaging. 2014;2(4):173-
finer level of detail needed to detect and compare human bite 81.
31. Tarani S, Kamakshi S.S, Naik V, Sodhi V. Forensic radiology: An emerging
marks. CBCT imaging was shown to be more resourceful in science. Journal of Advanced Clinical & Research Insights. 2016;4(2):59–63.
bitemark imaging and thus if used wisely, CBCT 3D imaging 32. Giri S, Tripathi A, Patil R, Khanna V, Singh V. Analysis of bite mark in food stuff
could replace the conventional 2D bite mark imaging as an by CBCT 3D Reconstruction.Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial
Research. 2019;9:24–27.
efficient forensic tool. 33. Marques J, Musse J, Caetano C, Corte-Real F, Corte-Real T. Analysis of bite
marks in foodstuffs by computed tomography (cone beam CT)-3D
reconstruction. J Forensic Odonto-Stomatology. 2013;31(1):1-7.
CONCLUSION:
Science of bite mark analysis is relatively and potentially
valuable for person identification. Dentition is subjective to
genetic and environmental factors to determine the teeth
position in the arch. Due to its novelty, researches are focused
in recent advances for more objective methods in bite mark
analysis, such as in salivary DNA recovery and in bacterial
genotyping, which have become a main stay in investigation
of such crimes. Evidences are proving that Cone Beam CT
method is reliable and reproducible for estimating dental
age. The quantitative metric and volumetric analysis is
performed for better prediction in estimating chronological
age than staging it. We here forth conclude that future studies
will explore the population in specific variability in age
estimation with the quantitative metric and volumetric cone
beam CT analysis for fruitful result.

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