Identifying human bite marks in children

Abstract

Human bite marks in children are relatively common but are either not recognized as such or, when suspected, not subjected to rigorous forensic assessment. When a human bite mark on a child is identified, the explanation generally given is that it was either self-inflicted or the result of being bitten by another child. Adjudication on whether it is a child or adult bite mark must not be attempted, as there is insufficient evidence to determine this by inspection. However, the bite may show sufficient, unique dental characteristics to identify a perpetrator. Thus, it is vital that a forensic odontologist is involved from the outset. This paper describes the characteristics of human bite marks and emphasises the key role of forensic odontology in possible perpetrator identification.