Evaluation of Various Tongue Patterns in Namakkal District-Role in Forensic Dentistry

Abstract

Background: Human identification is one of the most challenging areas in forensic field that man has been confronted with. Identification of an individual plays an important role in any crime investigation, mass disaster and in deceased cases. Materials and Methods: Sixty healthy individuals, which included 30 males (Group I) and 30 females (Group II) in the age group of 11 to 60 years, were included in this study. An alginate impression of the dorsal surface and lateral borders of the tongue was also made in a pre-customized acrylic tray. Positive replica of the tongue was made by pouring type II dental stone on alginate impression and used for identification purpose. The various parameters that were recorded for each subject include shape of tongue (U/V shape), margins of the tongue (smooth/scalloped) and texture of tongue (normal, fissures, bifid/cleft). Results: The data collected was tabulated and statistical analysis was done using SPSS software (version 20). Pearson's chi"‘square test was performed to compare the results obtained from the different groups, and Cramer's V was determined to assess the relationship between gender and tongue morphological characteristics. Conclusion: The morphology of tongue margins, texture and shape showed significant variation among genders which can be reliable for personal identification.