Teeth in Forensic Science: “You Can’t Lie Through You’re Teeth”
Did you know that teeth are one of the most valuable resources available to forensic science today? Despite all our advances in science and computer technology, the fact remains that even DNA testing is not 100 percent reliable, and fingerprint analysis can be tricky, even with the advantages of computer enhancement involved. So guess which piece of crime scene data is responsible for identifying more than 93% of remains? Dental records, of course. Because bones are among the sturdiest parts of the body, they are often the element of any set of human remains that is best preserved. When you combine this advantage with the fact that every individual has a unique dental imprint, you have the recipe for an extremely reliable form of ID.
Identification by dental records is especially useful in cases where the victim was left unrecognizable. Crimes (or accidents) that involve mutilation, burning, or any other form of disfigurement may still leave the teeth relatively intact. Samples procured from teeth can be matched to existing dental records to help identify the body.
Truly, the unique aspects of dental imprints make it literally impossible to “lie through your teeth.” Do you know how experts finally trapped and convicted notorious criminal Ted Bundy?
Thanks to www.myforensicsciencedegree.com for this really interesting fact: One of forensic science’s strangest pieces of incriminating evidence involved Ted Bundy, who was one of history’s most infamous serial killers. His modus operandi was to violently bludgeon an innocent victim to a helpless state, and then strangle her to death. After his capture he confessed to having killed more than 30 women. Many believe that his actual body count was more than 100. Despite his savage crimes, Bundy was a highly intelligent man. He was able to skirt the law and avoid conviction through 10 years of questioning. However, one piece of evidence proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bundy was guilty: scientists were able to match his dental imprint to the bite marks he left on one of his victims.
Once again, crime doesn’t pay — and our teeth have proven to be a more valuable asset than anyone knew.
Are you taking care of your teeth properly? Are you taking all the steps necessary to maintain a white smile? We can help! Thanks for reading, from all of us at SHINE.
Order a trial sample kit.
Related posts:
- Who Needs Teeth Whitening? Pretty Much Everyone!
- Children’s Teeth Require Special Care
- Sad But True: Americans Spend $50B Per Year on Dental Care; $100B on Their Hair
- Teeth Whitening as a Franchise? Great Service… Bad Plan
- The Origins of Teeth Whitening (Sometimes the Original Methods are Truly the Best)