Bite Mark Analysis

Students create and analyze bite impressions to compare with a photographic bite mark from a crime scene. By measuring distances between teeth and looking for unique dental features, they determine which suspect’s bite could have caused the injury.

1. Introduce forensic odontology with a slideshow or discussion about how bite marks are used in investigations.
2. Provide each student with a piece of wax (or other soft material) to make their own bite impression.
3. Show students how to measure distances between key points in their impressions (such as between canines or across molars).
4. Present a photo of the bite mark from the case scenario.
5. Have students compare measurements from their impressions with those from the photo evidence.
6. Encourage close inspection for unique traits such as missing teeth, crooked teeth, or irregular spacing.
7. Use a spreadsheet or data table to organize measurements and identify the best match.
8. Guide students in making a final judgment on which bite impression matches the crime scene evidence.

“Bad Impressions” A Laboratory Investigation of Forensic Odontology - CambrianEd:

Bite Mark Evidence - sciencentral:

📄 Make Your Own Bite Impression - Fizzics Education: https://www.fizzicseducation.com.au/150-science-experiments/digging-dinosaurs/make-your-own-bite-impression/?srsltid=AfmBOopcHl2uraxVntcMSgCAWoAmEQ_PO2jZtu63hGkOZ-hJKHj2JS2h

📄 Forensic Science – Bite marks - Home School Science Geek: https://homeschoolsciencegeek.wordpress.com/2017/04/25/forensic-science-bite-marks/

• Use clay, Play-Doh, or dental impression material instead of wax for making impressions.
• Compare impressions from different foods (apples, cheese) to see how surfaces affect bite marks.
• Introduce disguised bites (pressing harder or at an angle) to explore challenges in analysis.

• Use only clean, non-toxic materials for bite impressions.
• Ensure students do not share impression materials to avoid hygiene concerns.
• Handle sharp tools (if used to trim wax/clay) with care.
• Wash hands before and after handling materials.

• What makes a bite impression unique to an individual? (Tooth spacing, alignment, shape, and dental work.)
• How accurate is bite mark evidence in court cases? (It can suggest a match, but it is not always definitive without supporting evidence.)
• What challenges arise when analyzing bite marks on skin? (Skin stretches, bruises fade, and swelling can distort the mark.)
• Why might two different people’s bite marks look similar? (Similar tooth sizes or spacing, or lack of distinct dental features.)