Role of tongue prints and morphology in human identification: A review on an emerging forensic tool

Forensic odontologists play a vital role in human identification, with the tongue emerging as a significant tool due to its unique features and secure position within the oral cavity. This review examines its anatomical characteristics, histopathological traits in identical individuals, and responses to causes of death, alongside widely used classification systems. The study also explores tongue abnormalities, sexual dimorphism, methodologies, and future research directions.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, targeting articles from 2014 to 2024 containing the keywords “tongue,” “print,” and “identification.” Data were categorized under headings like study aims, outcomes, tools, and samples, and analyzed along with cited references.

Tongue prints are gaining recognition in forensic odontology and biometrics. Their uniqueness, even among identical twins, makes them highly reliable for identification. They also exhibit sexual dimorphism, aiding gender determination. Techniques such as visual inspection, digital photography, and sublingual vein analysis are used to record tongue prints. The tongue is particularly useful in mass disasters where identification via other means is challenging due to disfigurement. It also aids in diagnosing causes of death, such as drowning, hanging, or poisoning.

The tongue's unparalleled uniqueness, forgery resistance, and accessibility make it a promising tool for identification. As the only internal organ that can be protruded, it offers secure biometric applications in security, routine identification, and authentication. Despite its potential, tongue print recognition remains underexplored, warranting further research to harness its full capabilities.