Bite marks and tooth marks

Abstract

Human teeth leave more or less characteristic marks on bodies and objects (Pilz et al. 1980; Sweet 1995). These marks appear on the human skin as bite marks (without cutting through the epidermis) or bite wounds. Although bite or tooth marks caused by humans are rather common, they are of only little forensic importance; however, it often happens that people use their teeth as a weapon for attack or defense (self-defense, fighting). The motivation for biting ranges from disturbed partner relations (conflict, jealousy, revenge) or abnormal sexual drive or self-mutilation (Ulrich 1963; Haak 1970; Trube-Becker 1973; Rotzscher and Reimann 1975; Pilz et al. 1980; Sobel and Perper 1985; Ligthelm and van Niekerk 1995).