HUMAN BITEMARKS: AN UPDATE
Keywords:
Forensic odontology, Bitemarks, IdentificationAbstract
Bitemarks are an important and controversial aspect of forensic odontology. The discipline has received considerable attention in the recent years. The knowledge of the anatomical particularities of human dentition and distribution in the dental arcs can supply subsidies of real value to forensic scientist, sometimes, the only elements on which can count the expert. Particularly, in bite marks found in the skin, generally resultant of rapes, fights, assaults, abuses and child violence, this evidence can mean the crime resolution, assuming a decisive role in the criminal identification. Although there are many cases in which bite mark evidence has been critical to the conviction or exoneration of criminal defendants, there is continuing dispute over its interpretation and analysis. This article gives an overview of bitemarks with special emphasis in their role in forensic identification.
References
1. I.A. Pretty, D. Sweet. A look at forensic dentistry. Part 1. The role of teeth in the determination of human identity. Br. Dent. J. 2001;190: 359–366.
2. I.A. Pretty. The barriers in achieving an evidence base for bite marks analysis. Forensic Sci. Int. 2006; 159: S110-S120.
3. D.G. MacDonald. Bite mark recognition and interpretation. J Forensic Sci Soc. 1974; 14: 229-233. 4. R H Alves Silva, J Musse. Braz. J of Oral Sci. 2006; 5
5. I.A. Pretty, D. Sweet. The scientific basis for human bitemark analyses—a critical review. Sci. Justice 2001; 41:85–92.
6. T.W. MacFarlane, D.G. MacDonald. Statistical problems in dental identification, J. Forensic Sci. Soc. 1974;14: 247–252.
7. Beckstead JW, Rawson RD, Giles WS. Review of bitemark evidence. JADA 1979; 99:69-74.
8. Levine LJ. Bitemark evidence. Dent Clin North Am 1977;21: 145-58.
9. Jakobsen JR. Bitemark lesions in human skin. For Sci Int 1981;18: 41-55.
10. Levine LJ. The solution of a battered child homicide by dental evidence: report of a case. J Am Dent Assoc 1973; 87:1234-36.
11. Levine L. The value of bitemarks in homicide cases. J For Sci Soc 1972;16: 32-34.
12. Glenn N, Wagner DO. Bitemark identification in child abuse cases. Pediatric Dent. 1986;1: 96-100. 13. Z. Zhang, N.A. Monteiro-Riviere. Comparison of integrins in human skin, pig skin, and perfused skin: an in vitro skin toxicology model, J Appl Toxicol. 1997;17: 247–253.
14. D.R. Sheasby, D.G. MacDonald. A forensic classification of distortion in human bite marks, Forensic Sci Int. 2001;122: 75–78.
15. W. Harvey. Dental Identification and Forensic Odontology, Kimpton Publishers, London, 1976. 16. Vale GL. Dentistry, bite marks and the investigation
of crime. J Calif Dent Assoc. 1996; 24: 29-34. 17. Liston PN, Tong DC, Firth NA, Kieser JA. Bite injuries: pathophysiology, forensic analysis, and management. N Z Dent J. 2001;97: 58-63.
18. Sweet D, Shutler GG. Analysis of salivary DNA evidence from a bite mark on a body submerged in water. J Forensic Sci. 1999;44: 1069-72.
19. I.A. Pretty. Forensic Dentistry: 2. Bitemarks and Bite Injuries. Dent Update 2008; 35: 48-61.
20. Bruce R. Rothwell. Bitemarks in forensic dentistry: a review of legal, scientific issues. JADA 1995;126: 223-232.
