Bite Mark Analysis

On this page

Intro & Significance - Tooth Truths 101

  • Definition: Pattern or injury caused by teeth (human/animal) on skin or other materials.
  • Significance:
    • Limited reliability for individual identification due to scientific concerns about dental uniqueness transfer to skin.
    • May provide class characteristics but individual identification is scientifically questionable.
    • Can corroborate or refute witness accounts with significant limitations.
    • Considered evidence in assault, abuse cases under BSA but with reliability concerns.
  • Scientific Challenges:
    • Dental uniqueness assumption not scientifically validated for bitemark analysis.
    • Skin distortion affects accurate pattern transfer.
    • Multiple wrongful convictions linked to bitemark evidence.
    • Limited admissibility due to reliability issues under BSA standards.

⭐ Human bite marks typically display a double arch pattern; incisors and canines are the most prominent marking teeth, though pattern interpretation remains scientifically controversial.

Bitemark analysis: wrongful convictions and limitations

Mark Morphology - Dental ID Clues

  • Arch Pattern:
    • Typically double (maxillary & mandibular).
    • Shape: U-shaped, ovoid, V-shaped.
    • Size: Intercanine distance, arch width.
  • Tooth Mark Types:
    • Incisors: Rectangular.
    • Canines: Triangular/pointed, often deepest.
    • Premolars: Round/oval, single/double cusps.
    • Molars: Broad, shallow, rarely distinct.
  • Class Features:
    • Arch size/shape, tooth count, general alignment.
  • Individual Features (Limited Reliability):
    • Rotations, spacing (diastema), fractures.
    • Wear, unique restorations. Bite mark injury with scale for forensic documentation
  • Considerations:
    • Skin elasticity distorts.
    • Healing alters marks; photograph early.
    • Scientific validity for individual identification widely discredited.

Scientific Limitation: Bite mark analysis lacks scientific foundation for individual identification per NAS/PCAST findings. Focus on injury documentation under BSA provisions rather than perpetrator identification.

⚠️ Legal Update: Under BSA 2023, forensic evidence must meet scientific reliability standards. Bite mark comparison for individual identification no longer considered scientifically valid in most jurisdictions.

Evidence Collection - Capture & Conserve

  • Initial Steps:
    • Consent (living victim).
    • Document: location, description (shape, size, colour, severity).
    • Serial observation: note changes over 5-7 days.
  • Photography: Essential for 2D analysis with limitations.
    • Overall, orientation, close-ups (perpendicular, with ABFO No. 2 scale). Forensic dentist with bite mark evidence and dental molds
    • Varied lighting; re-photograph at 24h, 48h, 72h.
    • Note: ABFO 2023 guidelines prohibit unconditional linking of bite marks to specific dentition.
  • Saliva Swabbing (DNA):
    • Before cleaning.
    • Double swab technique (wet then dry).
    • Swab bite area; control swab (unbitten skin).
    • Air dry; paper envelope.
  • Impressions (3D Analysis):
    • For clear, indented marks.
    • Dental impression materials (e.g., PVS).
  • Tissue Samples (Deceased):
    • Excise bite mark with underlying tissue.
    • Preserve: 10% formalin or saline.
  • Chain of Custody: Critical for BSA admissibility.
    • Meticulous tracking prevents contamination/degradation.
    • Essential for digital evidence and DNA samples.

⭐ Saliva from bite marks (double swab technique) is crucial for DNA analysis to identify the perpetrator, with proper chain of custody documentation under BSA 2023.

  • Analytical Approaches:
    • Pattern analysis (comparison of mark with suspect's dentition).
    • Methods: Overlays (manual/digital), direct comparison, metric analysis.
    • Identify: Class (group) characteristics only - individual identification lacks scientific basis.
  • Interpretation & Conclusions:
    • Limited conclusions: Excluded, Possibly consistent (positive identification no longer accepted).
    • Based on exclusionary analysis rather than individualisation.
  • Significant Misgivings (Controversies):
    • Skin unreliability: Distortion, elasticity, healing obscure details.
    • Individual identification: Fundamentally lacks scientific validation for forensic use.
    • Subjectivity, cognitive bias, lack of standard protocols.
    • High error potential; NAS (2009)/PCAST (2016) heavily criticised methodology.
  • Legal Standing & Challenges:
    • Admissibility highly restricted under BSA provisions: Scientific reliability consistently questioned.
    • Expert testimony under BNSS procedures must emphasise severe limitations.
    • ⭐ ABFO (American Board of Forensic Odontology) guidelines no longer support positive identification conclusions from bite marks alone.

High-Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Human bite marks: Typically elliptical/ovoid, but individual identification is scientifically unreliable.
  • Saliva: Essential for DNA analysis - the only reliable method for linking bite marks to individuals.
  • Photography: Must include an ABFO No. 2 scale for accurate documentation of injuries.
  • Animal bites: Often V-shaped/punctures; narrower and deeper than human.
  • DNA evidence: Admissible under BSA when proper chain of custody maintained.
  • Distortion/Healing: Significantly alters bite mark appearance over time.
  • Scientific consensus: Bite mark comparison for identification is largely discredited in forensic science.

Practice Questions: Bite Mark Analysis

Test your understanding with these related questions

What is the forensic method of identification that utilizes lip prints?

1 of 5

Flashcards: Bite Mark Analysis

1/7

_____ method of estimation of age of an individual (over 25 years of age) is based on physiological changes in teeth.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ method of estimation of age of an individual (over 25 years of age) is based on physiological changes in teeth.

Gustafsons

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start Your Free Trial