Forensic Importance of Bite Marks: An Overview

Bite marks have been used to identify victims and assailants’ from the beginning of recorded history. It comprises of a crop of punctuate haemorrhages varying from small petichea to large ecchymosis. Bite marks can be taken by photographing, or by taking impression of bite mark and also by removing and preserving the skin carrying the bite mark. Bite marks most often are seen in cases of rape, murder, child abuse and spousal abuse etc. It can also be self inflicted or accidental. While almost no one dies from a human or even animal bite, such injuries may lead to loss of function, infection and gross disfigurement. Bite marks however may place an assailant who performed rape, murder, child abuse or spousal abuse in proximity of the victim.