Teeth As A Source of DNA For Forensic Identification of Human Remains: A Review

Date: 07 March 2014
Teeth as a source of DNA for forensic identification of human remains: a review
Author: Higgins, Denice1; Austin, Jeremy J
1Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Environment
Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia. Electronic address:
denice.higgins@adelaide.edu.au
Publication info: Science & justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society 53.4 (Dec 2013): 433-41.
Abstract (English): Teeth and bones are frequently the only sources of DNA available for
identification of degraded or fragmented human remains. The unique composition of teeth and their
location in the jawbone provide additional protection to DNA compared to bones making them a
preferred source of DNA in many cases. Despite this, post-mortem changes in the structure and
composition of teeth, and the location and diagenesis of DNA within them are poorly understood.
This review summarises current knowledge of tooth morphology with respect to DNA content and
preservation, and discusses the way in which post-mortem changes will affect the recovery of DNA
from teeth under a range of commonly used extraction protocols. We highlight the benefits and
pitfalls of using specific tooth tissues for DNA extraction and make recommendations for tooth
selection and sampling that will maximise DNA typing success. A comprehensive understanding of
tooth structure and an appreciation of the relationship between DNA and mineralized tissues in
post-mortem teeth are critical for optimal sample selection. More informed sampling methods that
target specific tooth tissues will increase the likelihood of successful genetic analysis and allow for
efficient and timely missing persons case work and disaster victim identification response.
MeSH: DNA Contamination; DNA Fingerprinting -- methods (major); DNA, Mitochondrial -- genetics;
DNA, Mitochondrial -- isolation &purification (major); Dental Cementum -- chemistry (major); Dental
Pulp -- chemistry (major); Forensic Dentistry; Humans
Journal classification: Index Medicus
Substance: Substance: DNA, Mitochondrial; CAS: 0;
Identifier (keyword): DNA, Human identification, Teeth
Correspondence author: Higgins, Denice Australian Centre for Ancient DNA, School of Earth and
Environmental Sciences and Environment Institute, University of Adelaide, South Australia 5005,
Australia. Electronic address: denice.higgins@adelaide.edu.au.
Language: English
Language of abstract: English
Document type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
Publication title: Science &justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society
Volume: 53
Issue: 4
Pagination: 433-41
ISSN: 1355-0306, 1355-0306 (ISSNLinking)
Publication type: Journal
Journal code: 9508563
Publisher location: ENGLAND
Notes: Publication model: Print-Electronic;; Cited medium:Print
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scijus.2013.06.001
PII: S1355-0306(13)00057-9
Publication date: Dec 2013
Date created: 2013-11-05
Date completed: 2014-02-20
Medline document status: MEDLINE
Electronic publication date: 2013-07-02
Source attribution: Medline, © Publisher specific
Accession number: 24188345
Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Forensic Science Society. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights
reserved.
First available: 2013-11-06
Updates: 2013-11-06 2013-12-17 2014-01-15 2014-02-21
Database: MEDLINE® (1946 - current)
_______________________________________________________________
The French-Canadian data set of Demirjian for dental age estimation: a systematic review and
meta-analysis
Author: Jayaraman, Jayakumar1; Wong, Hai Ming; King, Nigel M; Roberts, Graham J
1Paediatric Dentistry &Orthodontics, Prince Philip Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, The
University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong. jayakumar83@hotmail.com
Publication info: Journal of forensic and legal medicine 20.5 (Jul 2013): 373-81.
Abstract (English): BACKGROUND
Estimation of age of an individual can be performed by evaluating the pattern of dental

development. A dataset for age estimation based on the dental maturity of a French-Canadian
population was published over 35 years ago and has become the most widely accepted dataset. The
applicability of this dataset has been tested on different population groups.
AIM
To estimate the observed differences between Chronological age (CA) and Dental age (DA) when the
French Canadian dataset was used to estimate the age of different population groups.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A systematic search of literature for papers utilizing the French Canadian dataset for age estimation
was performed. All language articles from PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were
electronically searched for terms 'Demirjian' and 'Dental age' published between January 1973 and
December 2011. A hand search of articles was also conducted.
RESULTS
A total of 274 studies were identified from which 34 studies were included for qualitative analysis
and 12 studies were included for quantitative assessment and meta-analysis. When synthesizing the
estimation results from different population groups, on average, the Demirjian dataset
overestimated the age of females by 0.65 years (-0.10 years to +2.82 years) and males by 0.60 years
(-0.23 years to +3.04 years).
CONCLUSION
The French Canadian dataset overestimates the age of the subjects by more than six months and
hence this dataset should be used only with considerable caution when estimating age of group of
subjects of any global population.
MeSH: Age Determination by Teeth -- methods (major); Continental Population Groups; Forensic
Dentistry; Humans; Sex Factors; Tooth -- growth &development
Correspondence author: Jayaraman, Jayakumar Paediatric Dentistry &Orthodontics, Prince Philip

Dental Hospital, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, 34 Hospital Road, Pokfulam, Hong
Kong. jayakumar83@hotmail.com.
Language: English
Document type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
Publication title: Journal of forensic and legal medicine
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 373-81
ISSN: 1752-928X (ISSNLinking)
Electronic ISSN: 1878-7487
Notes: Publication model: Print-Electronic;; Cited medium:Internet
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jflm.2013.03.015
PII: S1752-928X(13)00066-8
Publication date: Jul 2013
Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights
reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Dental orthopantomogram biometrics system for human identification
Author: Singh, Sandeep1; Bhargava, Darpan; Deshpande, Ashwini
1Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, L.N. Medical College and Research Center &J.K.
Hospital, Bhopal, MP, India
Abstract (English): Fingerprinting is the most widely accepted method of identification of people.
But in cases of disfigured, decomposed, burnt or fragmented bodies, it is of limited value. Teeth and
dental restorations on the other hand are extremely resistant to destruction by fire. They retain a
number of their original characteristics, which are often unique and hence offer a possibility of
rather accurate and legally acceptable identification of such remains. This study was undertaken to
evaluate the utility of orthopantomography for human identification and propose a coding system
for orthopantomogram (OPG), which can be utilized as an identification tool in forensic sciences.
MeSH: Clinical Coding -- methods (major); Dentition; Forensic Dentistry -- methods (major); Humans;
Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Radiography, Panoramic (major)
Correspondence author: Singh, Sandeep Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, L.N.
Medical College and Research Center &J.K. Hospital, Bhopal, MP, India.
Language: English
Document type: Journal Article
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 399-401
PII: S1752-928X(13)00020-6

reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Estimating ages by third molars: stages of development in Brazilian young adults
Author: Lopez, Thais Torralbo1; Arruda, Caroline Parducci; Rocha, Marcos; Rosin, Ana Silvia André de
Oliveira; Michel-Crosato, Edgard; Biazevic, Maria Gabriela Haye
1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Odontologia, Departamento de Odontologia Social,

Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 2227, 0550800 São Paulo-SP, Brazil. thais.lopez@usp.br
Abstract (English): The purpose of this study was to estimate age through the analysis of third molar
stages of development in Brazilian young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted by analyzing
659 panoramic X-rays. Two techniques were used to establish the stages: Modified Scoring (MST)
and Demirjian (DT). Regression formulas were calculated. Statistical analyses were conducted by t,
Kappa tests, and simple and multiple linear regressions (5% level of significance). Out of the
participants, 40.7% were female and 59.3% were male, with ages from 15-22 years. The Kappa test
showed good results for intra-observer (0.84 for MST and 0.95 for DT) and inter-observer
examination (0.81 for MST and 0.92 for DT). Differences were found in the stages of tooth formation
between male and female, but differences were not observed between the left and right sides. We
found that both DT and MST underestimated the ages in about 6 months, depending on the used
classification and number of teeth. These methods are appropriate for assessing the ages of young
Brazilians, although the DT showed better reproducibility.
MeSH: Adolescent; Age Determination by Teeth -- methods (major); Brazil; Cross-Sectional Studies;
Female; Forensic Dentistry; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Molar, Third -- growth &development
(major); Molar, Third -- radiography; Radiography, Panoramic; Reproducibility of Results;
Retrospective Studies; Tooth Calcification (major); Young Adult
Correspondence author: Lopez, Thais Torralbo Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de

Odontologia, Departamento de Odontologia Social, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 2227, 0550800
São Paulo-SP, Brazil. thais.lopez@usp.br.
Language: English

Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 412-8
PII: S1752-928X(12)00263-6
reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Age estimation by measuring open apices of lower erupted teeth in 12-16 years olds by
radiographic evaluation
Author: Jatti, Deepa1; Kantaraj, Yashodadevi; Nagaraju, Rakesh; Janardhan, Sujatha; Nataraj,
Santana
1Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology, RVS Dental College, Kannampalyam,
Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India. iafdeepa@gmail.com
Abstract (English): The purpose of this study was to estimate chronological age from panoramic
radiographs by measuring open apices of seven right or left mandibular teeth in children of South
Indian origin. A total of 101 male and female patients aged between 12 and 16 years were selected.
The panoramic radiographs of the patient were indirectly digitised. The variables N0, x3, x4, x5, x6,
x7 and s were measured using a computer-aided drafting program. Statistical analysis was
performed to derive a regression equation for estimation of age. Two variables x3 and x7
contributed significantly to the fit, yielding the following linear regression formula: Age = 16.025-
9.445 (x7) + 1.620 (x3). Statistical analysis indicated that the regression equation explained 97.5% of
total variance (R(2) = 0.975). The median of the residuals was -0.0348 years with an interquartile
range (IQR) of 0.2520 years. The derived regression equations from these variables can serve as an
invaluable tool in estimating the age of children between 12 and 16 years of South Indian origin.
MeSH: Adolescent; Age Determination by Teeth -- methods (major); Child; Female; Forensic
Dentistry; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Linear Models; Male; Mandible;
Radiography, Panoramic; Tooth Apex -- growth &development (major); Tooth Apex -- radiography
(major)
Correspondence author: Jatti, Deepa Department of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Radiology, RVS
Dental College, Kannampalyam, Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India. iafdeepa@gmail.com.
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 430-4
PII: S1752-928X(12)00235-1
reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Are teeth useful in estimating stature?
Author: Prabhu, Sudeendra1; Acharya, Ashith B; Muddapur, Mahadevayya V
1Department of Oral Pathology, S.D.M. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad
580009, Karnataka, India
Abstract (English): Estimating stature is an important step in reconstructive identification of

skeletonized and dismembered human remains. While numerous body parts such as the skull and
long bones have been used for the purpose, the dentition has seldom been applied. The present
study has ventured to ascertain the usefulness of tooth crown measurements in stature prediction.
Buccolingual and mesiodistal dimensions of all teeth (except third molars) and stature
measurements were obtained from 95 living adults (47 females, 48 males). Correlation analysis
revealed that 21 of the 56 tooth crown variables had a low albeit statistically significant correlation
to stature (p <0.05); correlation matrix computed for the crown variables showed significant inter-
correlations between most teeth (problem of multi-collinearity). Therefore, instead of regular least
square regression analysis, ridge regression was performed for the dentition, which revealed a
moderate but statistically significant correlation to stature (R = 0.68; p <0.0001). The ridge
regression equation derived had a standard error of estimate (SEE) of 8.09 cm. The multiple
correlation for tooth dimensions is lower to, and the SEE larger than, most other body parts. The
moderate correlation is probably due to early completion of growth of tooth crowns vis-à-vis other
parameters such as long bones that mature later and have a higher stature-correlation. This
indicates that the dentition may be used only as a supplement to more robust indicators of stature.
MeSH: Adult; Body Height (major); Dental Models; Dentition, Permanent (major); Female; Forensic
Anthropology; Forensic Dentistry; Humans; Male; Regression Analysis; Reproducibility of Results;
Tooth Crown -- anatomy &histology (major); Young Adult
Correspondence author: Prabhu, Sudeendra Department of Oral Pathology, S.D.M. College of Dental
Sciences and Hospital, Sattur, Dharwad 580009, Karnataka, India.
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 460-4
Related record: Comment In: J Forensic Leg Med. 2013 Nov;20(8):1151. 24237843.
PII: S1752-928X(13)00023-1
reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2013-12-31 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Age estimation by pulp/tooth ratio in lateral and central incisors by peri-apical X-ray
Author: Cameriere, R1; Cunha, E; Wasterlain, S N; De Luca, S; Sassaroli, E; Pagliara, F; Nuzzolese, E;

Cingolani, M; Ferrante, L
1AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
Abstract (English): Since 2004, several papers on the analysis of the apposition of secondary dentine
have been published. The aim of this paper was to study a sample of peri-apical X-ray images of
upper and lower incisors, both lateral and medial, to examine the application of pulp/tooth area
ratio as an indicator of age. A sample of 116 individuals, 62 men and 54 women, aged between 18
and 74 years, was studied. Data were fitted with age as a linear function of the pulp/tooth ratio of
incisors. The total variance explained by the regression equation ranged from 51.3% of age, when
lower lateral incisors were used as explanatory variable, to 81.6% when upper lateral incisors were
used. The accuracy of the corresponding regression model yielded ME = 8.44 and 5.34 years,
respectively. These results show that, although incisors are less reliable than canines or lower
premolars, they can be used to estimate age-at-death when the latter are absent.
MeSH: Adolescent; Adult; Age Determination by Teeth -- methods (major); Aged; Analysis of
Variance; Dental Pulp -- radiography (major); Female; Forensic Dentistry -- methods; Humans; Incisor
-- radiography (major); Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Periapical Tissue -- radiography (major);
Young Adult
Correspondence author: Cameriere, R AgEstimation Project, Institute of Legal Medicine, University

of Macerata, Macerata, Italy.
Language: English
Volume: 20
Issue: 5
Pagination: 530-6
PII: S1752-928X(13)00074-7
reserved.
Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27
_______________________________________________________________
Estimating postmortem interval using RNA degradation and morphological changes in tooth pulp
Author: Young, Stephanie T1; Wells, Jeffrey D; Hobbs, Gerald R; Bishop, Clifton P
1Department of Biology, West Virginia University, 53 Campus Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Publication info: Forensic science international 229.1-3 (Jun 10, 2013): 163.e1-6.
Abstract (English): The accurate determination of time since death, or postmortem interval (PMI),
can be critical in the investigation of suspicious deaths. Knowing when a suspicious death occurred
can limit the number of potential suspects to those without a viable alibi for the time of the crime.
The forensic techniques currently employed to determine PMI: pathology, entomology, and
anthropology, are accurate over different time periods following death. A large gap in time exists
between the capabilities of forensic entomology and traditional anthropology, leaving a period in
which PMI is difficult to estimate. In this study, time-dependent differences in RNA decay rates were
examined to extend the time frame over which early PMI estimates can be made. Comparing the
decay rates of a large, labile segment of ß-actin RNA and a smaller, more stable, non-overlapping
segment of the same RNA from tooth pulp, we were able to estimate PMI values of pigs buried
within a shallow grave for up to 84 days. This compares favorably to an estimate of PMI using insect
data. Full skeletonization and loss of insect activity was observed by day 28 of our study. In addition
to differences in RNA decay rates, morphological changes were observed in the pulp as it aged
postmortem. To provide a quantitative measure of progressive color changes, analysis of digital
photographs of each tooth's pulp were used to construct a simple colorimetric assay. This assay was
then used to cluster ages of pulp samples by color. The two assays, used in combination with one
another, can create a more precise estimate of PMI. The potential advantages of this molecular
means of estimating PMI include extending the time frame for such estimates, is applicable to
samples collected worldwide (no specialized knowledge of local insect fauna is required), is relatively
fast, and inexpensive.
MeSH: Actins -- genetics; Animals; Colorimetry; Dental Pulp -- metabolism (major); Dental Pulp --
pathology (major); Forensic Dentistry; Forensic Genetics; Photography, Dental; Polymerase Chain
Reaction; Postmortem Changes (major); RNA Probes; RNA Stability (major); RNA, Messenger --
metabolism; Swine
Substance: Substance: Actins; CAS: 0;
Substance: RNA Probes; CAS: 0;
Substance: RNA, Messenger; CAS: 0;
Correspondence author: Young, Stephanie T Department of Biology, West Virginia University, 53

Campus Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA.
Language: English
Document type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't,
Non-P.H.S.
Publication title: Forensic science international
Volume: 229
Issue: 1-3
Pagination: 163.e1-6
ISSN: 0379-0738 (ISSNLinking)
Publisher location: IRELAND

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.03.035
PII: S0379-0738(13)00191-6
Publication date: Jun 10, 2013
Copyright: Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Updates: 2013-05-09 2013-05-21 2013-07-03 2013-12-17 2014-02-26

Teeth As A Source of DNA For Forensic Identification of Human Remains: A Review

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Date: 07 March 2014

Teeth as a source of DNA for forensic identification of human remains: a review

Author: Higgins, Denice1; Austin, Jeremy J

Journal classification: Index Medicus

Substance: Substance: DNA, Mitochondrial; CAS: 0;

Identifier (keyword): DNA, Human identification, Teeth

Language of abstract: English

Document type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review

Publication title: Science &justice : journal of the Forensic Science Society

ISSN: 1355-0306, 1355-0306 (ISSNLinking)

Publication type: Journal

Journal code: 9508563

Publisher location: ENGLAND

Notes: Publication model: Print-Electronic;; Cited medium:Print

Publication date: Dec 2013

Date created: 2013-11-05

Date completed: 2014-02-20

Medline document status: MEDLINE

Electronic publication date: 2013-07-02

Source attribution: Medline, © Publisher specific

Accession number: 24188345

First available: 2013-11-06

Updates: 2013-11-06 2013-12-17 2014-01-15 2014-02-21

Database: MEDLINE® (1946 - current)

Abstract (English): BACKGROUND

Estimation of age of an individual can be performed by evaluating the pattern of dental

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Journal classification: Index Medicus

Correspondence author: Jayaraman, Jayakumar Paediatric Dentistry &Orthodontics, Prince Philip

Language of abstract: English

Document type: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review

Publication title: Journal of forensic and legal medicine

ISSN: 1752-928X (ISSNLinking)

Electronic ISSN: 1878-7487

Publication type: Journal

Journal code: 101300022

Publisher location: ENGLAND

Notes: Publication model: Print-Electronic;; Cited medium:Internet

Publication date: Jul 2013

Date created: 2013-06-12

Date completed: 2014-02-26

Medline document status: MEDLINE

Electronic publication date: 2013-04-13

Source attribution: Medline, © Publisher specific

Accession number: 23756500

First available: 2013-06-13

Updates: 2013-06-13 2013-08-02 2013-12-17 2014-02-27

Database: MEDLINE® (1946 - current)

Dental orthopantomogram biometrics system for human identification

Author: Singh, Sandeep1; Bhargava, Darpan; Deshpande, Ashwini

Journal classification: Index Medicus

Language of abstract: English

Document type: Journal Article

Publication title: Journal of forensic and legal medicine

ISSN: 1752-928X (ISSNLinking)

Electronic ISSN: 1878-7487

Publication type: Journal

Journal code: 101300022

Publisher location: ENGLAND

Notes: Publication model: Print-Electronic;; Cited medium:Internet

Publication date: Jul 2013

Date created: 2013-06-12

Date completed: 2014-02-26