A forensic odontology finding of linear enamel hypoplasia: A case report

Linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) is a dental anomaly characterized by symmetrical, horizontal defects on tooth enamel, commonly linked to physiological stress during childhood. It serves as an important marker of systemic disturbances and has significant forensic applications. LEH reflects disruptions in enamel formation due to factors such as malnutrition, systemic diseases, or stress during childhood. LEH can provide valuable information about the individual’s age and health at the time of defect development, aiding in identification, especially when other methods are limited.

This report presents a 40-year-old male who died and was referred to Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, following collapse during work. Clinical examination revealed bruises and open wounds on the lips, dental caries, attrition, and LEH on most maxillary and mandibular teeth.

Enamel hypoplasia can be categorized as either pits, grooves, or linear defects. The advantage of examining enamel hypoplasia in forensic identification is its ability to provide insights into the age and health of an individual at the time the defect occurred. LEH provides insight into an individual’s environmental conditions during development. The pattern might vary according to ethnicity, making it useful in narrowing down the identity especially when combined with dental radiography and histological analysis

LEH is a non- invasive way to obtain extra forensic evidence that might help with the identification. process in cases where a person’s body is found in a condition of advanced decomposition where DNA analysis might not be feasible.