A Review of Lip Print as A Tool in Forensic Dentistry

Abstract

Background: Forensic dentistry requires interdisciplinary knowledge since the data obtained from the oral cavity can contribute to identify an individual or provide the information needed in a legal process. Identification is a major problem facing forensic practitioners, DNA and fingerprints are highly useful but sometimes are not easily collected from the crime scene. Lip print could be useful in this field the lip prints are unique and distinguishable for every individual like fingerprints. The external surface of lips has many elevations and depressions forming a characteristic pattern called lip prints, examination of which is known as Cheiloscopy. However, there are many well-known implanted methods of human identification. Historical Background: The biological phenomenon of systems of grooves on the red part of human lips was first noted by anthropologists, Fischer was the first to describe it in 1902. The use of lip prints in personal identification was first recommended in France by Edmond Locard. Conclusion: This literature search covering a part of identifying a person using lip print, lip prints may also be used in detection work, being the source of criminalistic information. A lip print at the scene of a crime can be a basis for conclusions as to the character of the event, the number of the people involved, sexes, cosmetics used, habits, occupational traits, and the pathological changes of lips themselves.