Postmortem Changes in Oral and Dental Tissues: Implications for Forensic Odontology and Forensic Oral Histology
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2026.43.02.17Keywords:
Forensic odontology; Oral autopsy; Postmortem interval; Oral histopathology; Thanatochemistry; Dental tissues; Gingiva; Forensic identificationAbstract
Oral tissues undergo early and characteristic postmortem changes that offer valuable yet underutilized opportunities for forensic investigation. This review aims to evaluate the forensic significance of oral cavity tissues—particularly gingiva, tongue, lips, and teeth—in postmortem examinations, with emphasis on their role in postmortem interval (PMI) estimation and medico-legal interpretation. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases to identify studies examining morphological, histological, biochemical, and molecular changes in oral tissues following death. Evidence was synthesized narratively due to methodological heterogeneity across studies. Findings consistently demonstrate progressive and time-dependent cellular alterations in gingival, lingual, and mucosal tissues, including epithelial disorganization, nuclear pyknosis, karyorrhexis, cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and loss of tissue architecture. Dental tissues also exhibit distinctive postmortem changes, such as the pink tooth phenomenon, further supporting their forensic value. Advances in thanatochemistry and molecular profiling, particularly RNA degradation analysis, have enhanced early PMI estimation, complementing traditional histopathological approaches. Despite variability in environmental conditions and limited standardization across studies, oral tissues—especially gingiva—emerge as practical, accessible, and cost-effective substrates for forensic analysis. This review highlights the importance of integrating structured oral autopsy and oral tissue histopathology into routine medico-legal practice. A comprehensive oral autopsy protocol encompassing teeth, gingiva, tongue, lips, palate, and dental pulp, alongside molecular techniques, has the potential to significantly improve PMI estimation and forensic interpretation. Strengthening methodological standardization and expanding multidisciplinary research are essential to fully harness the diagnostic potential of oral tissues, thereby advancing the role of oral pathology and forensic odontology in modern forensic science.
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