Bite Marks From The Crime Scene- An Overview

In mortal combat situations, such as the violence associated with life and death struggles between assailants and victims, the teeth are often used as a weapon. Indeed, using the teeth to inflict serious injury on an attacker may be the only available defensive method for a victim. Alternatively, it is well known that assailants in sexual attacks, including sexual homicide, rape and child sexual abuse, often bite their victims as an expression of dominance, rage and animalistic behaviour. The teeth are a significant component of our natural arsenal. It is suspected that many dentists have seldom considered their patient’s teeth as such effective weapons. This article aims to address the forensic, physical, biological and psychological aspects of this important tool of evidence from the crime scene:-Bite marks