Page 40 - Forensic News Journal Oct Nov 2017

Bite Mark Forensic Evidence

cation (Evans, 2004). the arms or shoulders and the skin (Evans, 2004).

when in defensive pos- The most common type of
There are about two hun- tures bites can be found on bite marks are contusions.
dred different tooth chart- the hands and arms (Sweet Incisions offer the best

ing methods in the world, & Pretty, 2001). three dimensional images F
which provide an almost of the teeth. If avulsions O

100 % reliable means of The marks left by the and artifacts are com- R
identification. The Ameri- teeth in a person may be bined, one can produce a E
can approach, which is used to identify an indi- three dimensional image N

known as the Universal vidual. Nowadays forensic too. There are seven types S
system, gives a number odonatologists have be- of bite marks; hemorrhage I

to each of the thirty two come reasonably skilled which is a small bleeding C
adult teeth. Information at identifying bite marks spot, abrasion which is an
is then recorded on each and relating it back to the undamaging mark on skin, M

tooth according to the person who has inflicted contusion which is a rup- E
five visible surface of the the mark (Horswell, tured blood vessel bruise, T

tooth. With this informa- 2004). A human bite mark laceration which is punc- H
tion, the odonatologists is usually described as an tured or torn skin, avul- O
can complete a dental elliptical or circular in- sion where there is remov- D

grid, unique to that person jury and the differences al of the skin and artifact O
(Evans, 2004). in size and shape of teeth were a piece of the body is L

can sometimes be eas- bitten off. These are then O
Human bite marks are ily noticed especially further divided into four G
found when teeth are used when teeth are missing or degrees of impression, Y

as weapons. They can be prominent (Lotter, 2008). which when analyzed can
used as weapons of anger; However, a bite mark is help to note what kind of

weapons of excitement; not an overall accurate violence was exerted and
weapons of control or representation of the teeth; may be used as aggravat-
weapons of destruction it also depends on the jaw ing circumstances.

(Lotter, 2008). Bite marks movement and use of the
are usually found on the tongue. The lower jaw is 1. significant pressure

skin of the victim. Fe- moveable and is the one
males are usually bitten on that gives the most bit- 2. first degree pressure
the breasts and legs dur- ing force, while the upper

ing sexual attacks, while jaw is usually stationery 3. violent pressure
men are usually bitten on and holds and stretches

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