Enamel and forensic odontology - revealing the identity

Teeth have been extensively used as a source of information in human identification, especially when the soft tissue cannot provide reliable information. Dental enamel is the most mineralized tissue, and resists post-mortem changes. The enhanced probability of personal identification from histological stress markers is said to be due to the pattern being specific to an individual. The timing of birth preserved in enamel, termed the neonatal line is a predictable consequence of the birth process and occupies a characteristic position and can be used in the assessment of pathological striae and has medico-legal implications. Though Amino acid racemiza- tion in dentin is extensively studied, enamel also offers certain advantages. Enamel can be used for sex deter- mination based on AMEL gene using molecular biology. These highlight the importance and potential of enamel in forensic dental identification.