Reliability And Accuracy of Bite Mark Analysis In Forensic Odontology

Authors

  • Sanjay Gangadhar Thete
  • DhirajKumar Kashinath umbare
  • Nasim Namazi
  • Sakshi Kothawade
  • Sejal Bajaj
  • Sankarshan Sanjay Thete

Keywords:

Bite Mark Analysis, Forensic Odontology, 3D Imaging, Human Identification, Forensic Evidence

Abstract

Background: Bite mark analysis is a forensic technique used to link suspects to criminal investigations based on unique dental patterns. The accuracy of bite mark evidence has been debated due to variations in human dentition, the quality of bite marks, and subjectivity in analysis. This study evaluates the reliability of bite mark analysis by comparing traditional and advanced methodologies.

Objective:

  • To assess factors influencing the accuracy of bite mark analysis.
  • To compare the effectiveness of traditional forensic odontology techniques with advanced 3D imaging and computer-assisted analysis.
  • To provide recommendations for improving the reliability of bite mark analysis in forensic investigations.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 50 participants, equally distributed by gender. Bite marks were obtained using standardized wax wafers, and dental impressions were created using dental stone. Traditional visual analysis was compared with 3D imaging and computerassisted analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21.0, with accuracy rates, sensitivity, specificity, and p-values evaluated.

Results:

  • Traditional bite mark analysis showed an accuracy rate of 75%, while 3D imaging achieved 90% and computer-assisted analysis 92%.
  • Bite marks remained identifiable up to 48 hours, after which degradation affected reliability.
  • Factors such as bite mark clarity, elapsed time, and anatomical variations significantly influenced accuracy.
  • Gender-based differences in bite mark patterns were observed, with statistically significant variations (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Bite mark analysis remains a valuable forensic tool but requires technological integration to improve reliability. 3D imaging and computer-assisted analysis significantly enhance accuracy over traditional methods. Standardized protocols and further research on environmental factors affecting bite mark degradation are essential for forensic applications.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Sharma P, Saxena S, Rathod V. Comparative reliability of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy in human identification. Indian J Dent Res. 2009;20:453-7.

Rajasekaran S, Kumar G, Ramesh R, et al. Reliability of cheiloscopy and palatoscopy in forensic identification. Int J Forensic Odontol. 2021;43-49.

Kapali S, Townsend G, Richards L, Parish T. Palatal rugae patterns in Australian Aboriginal populations. Aust Dent J. 1997;42(2):129-33.

Caldas IM, Magalhães T, Afonso A. Establishing identity using cheiloscopy and palatoscopy. Forensic Sci Int. 2007;165(1):1-9.

Utsuno H, Kanoh T, Tadokoro O, Inoue K. Preliminary study of postmortem identification using lip prints. Forensic Sci Int. 2005;149(2-3):129-32.

English WR, Robison SF, Summitt JB, Oesterle LJ, Brannon RB, Morlang WM. Individuality of human palatal rugae. J Forensic Sci. 1988;33(3):718-26.

Pretty IA, Sweet D. A look at forensic dentistry - Part 1: The role of teeth in the determination of human identity. Br Dent J. 2001;190(7):359-66.

Thomas CJ, Kotze TJ. The palatal rugae pattern in six southern African human populations. Part I. A description of the populations and a method for its investigation. J Dent Assoc S Afr. 1983;38(8):547-53.

Lysell L. Plicae palatinae transversae and papilla incisiva in man: A morphological and genetic study. Acta Odontol Scand. 1955;13(5):5-137.

Fahmi FM, Al-Shamrani SM, Talic YF. The role of palatal rugae in forensic identification: A pilot study in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Dent J. 2001;13(2):63-6.

Downloads

Published

2025-07-15

How to Cite

1.
Thete SG, umbare DK, Namazi N, Kothawade S, Bajaj S, Thete SS. Reliability And Accuracy of Bite Mark Analysis In Forensic Odontology. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Jul.15 [cited 2025Nov.5];14(8):764-70. Available from: https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/8304

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 8 (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

License

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

You are free to:

  • Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.

Terms:

  • Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
  • No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.