title: Comparison of the bite mark pattern and intercanine distance between humans and dogs.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Bite marks show uniqueness due to specific characteristics and arrangement of teeth, but when it comes to bite mark analysis, it is complicated by numerous factors such as animal bite, abuse etc., Humans and pet animals (dog) bite marks analysis is by far the most demanding and complicated part of forensic dentistry.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To analyze and compare bite marks of humans and the pet animals (dog) using indirect method, so as to assess its usefulness and application in forensic odontology.
  
  
  METHODS
  40 samples including 20 humans (10 males and 10 females) and 20 dogs of different breed were included in the study. Bite registration of all the samples were obtained on modeling wax and intercanine distance were measured. Data were analyzed and results were tabulated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Arch size and intercanine distance showed variable differences among humans and on average dogs showed more intercanine distance and arch size. Among dog breeds larger dogs showed larger variables when compared to smaller dogs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assessment of bite marks evidences made by animals needs further investigation so that it can be a tool to assist the justice system to answer crucial questions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Bina
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kashyap
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Sanjeev
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Anand
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Sudhakara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Shruthi Basavaradhya
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Sahukar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Naga
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Supriya
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Swetha
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pasupuleti
keywords: Bite; dog; forensic; human; uniqueness
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