Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine

Forensic odontology has gained wide acceptance in the field of criminal justice because no two people have identical teeth. Presence of physical evidence such as bite-marks in cases of rape, murder and violence are considered very valuable. These are considered to be an expression of dominance, rage and animalistic behavior. Bite-marks are the commonest form of dental evidence presented in criminal court in rape cases. These marks are also valuable in determining the type of physical abuse and age bracket of the criminal. To deal with bite-mark evidence a Forensic dentist is called. Exclusion of a suspect in rape cases based on the specific tooth patterns and opening range is also possible. With increase in criminal cases like rapes the use of bite-marks as Forensic odontological evidence in nailing the culprits truly points out the important role odontology plays in field of criminal justice. This review highlights the importance of bite-marks as indispensible Forensic odontological evidence in rape cases.