bitemark

A bite mark, or bitemark, is an impression produced by teeth on a surface, most commonly human skin but also fabric, food, or other soft materials. The pattern reflects the arrangement, size, and condition of the dentition at the moment of contact. In living victims, bite marks may be accompanied by bruising, swelling, or lacerations and can evolve as healing occurs.

In forensic practice, bite marks have been used to infer possible matches between an offender’s dentition and the mark. Documentation typically involves high-resolution photography with scale, oblique lighting to reveal edges, and, when available, dental casts or 3D scans of the suspect’s teeth for comparison. Dental impressions and digital models may be used to assess alignment, tooth size, spacing, and the overall arch pattern, though the level of detail obtainable on skin is limited by tissue properties and healing.

Controversy and limitations have long surrounded bite-mark analysis. Critics highlight substantial intra- and inter-examiner variation, the subjective nature of pattern comparison, and the potential for bias. Scientific assessments have questioned the reliability of linking a bite mark to a specific individual with high confidence. As a result, some jurisdictions restrict bite-mark evidence or require it to be supported by additional forensic findings rather than presented as definitive proof.

Current practice emphasizes cautious documentation and use of bite marks as one piece of evidence within a broader investigative framework. Advances in imaging and digital modeling have improved recording practices, but the interpretation of bitemarks remains an area of ongoing methodological scrutiny in forensic science.