Tongue Prints: A Forensic Review

Abstract

Forensic odontology is a branch of forensic sciences which proof to be very helpful during investigation of criminal cases and during person identification by providing the dental expertise in the court and to the legal system so that proper justice can be done based on evidence. The tongue is a crucial organ very much encased inside the oral cavity and shielded from nature. Tongue print is the subtleties present on uncovered section of tongue when the surface and shape are assembled. The morphology and surface highlights are attributes of each person, and these characteristics can be utilized for criminological distinguishing proof. It has unique shape and surface textures in each individual. The shape, colour and texture of tongue are different in identical twins. And hence it can be used as a new method for personal identification with further elaboration. The unique features make it a valuable tool in forensic odontology. The exposed portion of tongue contains information with visible differences from one individual to another therefore it is helpful in identification of suspect during forensic investigation. Tongue becomes the forensic evidence for establishing the cause of death. It is an evolving science in the field of forensic and there is greater scope for its further development. The use of tongue print as forensic identification is at budding stage but now its use as a biometric authentication system is gaining a lot of popularity. This review is aimed at describing the distinctive features of tongue, application of tongue prints in personal identification and as biometric system and the challenges faced in its use.

Variations in Shape of Tongue among Students attending Chitwan Medical College

“…7 The morphology of the tongue varies among gender, race and ethnicity. 3,8 Due to this variation in morphology, the tongue has served as one of the important organs for biometric authentication.…”

“…The color, shape, size and surface texture of the tongue varies from one another. 3 Such features are also different in identical twins. 2 Studies related to morphological variations of the tongue have not been performed in the Nepalese population.…”

“…Tongue prints have also been used for personal identification. 3 Several studies have also revealed the difference in the morphology of the tongue. The color, shape, size and surface texture of the tongue varies from one another.…”

Recent advances in forensic odontology made easy in identification

“…Sublingual vein analysis 5. Histological examination 18 The tongue prints of humans is considered in biometrics family. Tongue biometric template can be made using three views such as left lateral view, right lateral view, and profile view.…”