Are “pink teeth” relevant to current forensics?

Authors

Keywords:

forensic dentistry, legal medicine, pink teeth, asphyxia, post mortem changes.

Abstract

Introduction: “Pink teeth” are a post-mortem phenomenon characterized by a rose, reddish and even purple shade of color which may be observed in teeth. Their first reference dates back to 1829, when Thomas Bell described them. They have been a topic of debate for almost two centuries. The subject poses several questions: Would it be more logical to name them “red teeth” or “purple teeth”? What causes the increase in color intensity? Does the pink shade signal a specific cause of death? Does it remain forever or may it disappear for a variety of reasons?

Objective: Describe the indicators that “pink teeth” may still be considered an important element in current forensic research.

Main remarks: Based on the experience gathered from the cases analyzed in the last 20 years and the bibliographic review conducted, it is evident that the phenomenon appears mainly in anterior teeth and single-rooted premolars. On the other hand, pink teeth may be observed ante mortem as well as post mortem. For a number of reasons, post mortem pink teeth take several days to form, and they are a taphonomic phenomenon, present in violent as well as natural deaths, though their change in tone depends on various factors.

General considerations: Founded on the experience obtained by the authors and the bibliography about the topic, it is evident that this sign, phenomenon or finding (upon clarification of the questions posed) may still be very significant and enlightening in the current forensic context.

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Author Biographies

Dodany Machado Mendoza, Instituto de Medicina Legal, Departamento de Medios Diagnóstico. La Habana, Cuba.

Antropólogo forense, del Instituto de Medicina Legal desde 1998

Valia Pérez Pérez, Hospital General Docente “Dr. Antonio Luaces Iraola”, Departamento de Medicina Legal. Ciego de Ávila, Cuba.

Especialista de primer grado en Medicina Legal y Medicina General Integral

References

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Published

2022-03-16

How to Cite

1.
Machado Mendoza D, Pérez Pérez V. Are “pink teeth” relevant to current forensics?. Rev Cubana Estomatol [Internet]. 2022 Mar. 16 [cited 2025 Jun. 19];59(2):e3743. Available from: https://revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/3743

Issue

Vol. 59 No. 2 (2022): APR- JUN

Section

Current View

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