Wagner, G. N.2014-12-222014-12-221986Wagner, G. N. (1986). Bitemark identification in child abuse cases. Pediatric Dentistry, 8(1), 96-100.http://www.aapd.org/assets/1/25/Wagner-08-S1.pdfhttp://hdl.handle.net/11212/2000Bitemarks in children represent child abuse until proven differently. They are rarely accidental and are good indicators of genuine child abuse. There is a spectrum in the appearance of bitemarks throughout childhood. In infancy the bites tend to be punitive in nature and generally are located anatomically differently from bitemarks inflicted later in life. Older children reflect bitemarks which represent either assault or sexual abuse. These "tool marks" often can be separated on the basis of appearance as well as location. Human bitemarks are identified by their shape and size. They have an elliptical or oval pattern containing tooth and arch marks. These impressions can be matched against the dentition and dental impressions of the victim and suspects. Using tool-mark technology, comparisons are possible even in limited material. Computer enhancement of bitemark photographs increases a favorable comparison by further delineating unique characteristics of the arch and individual teeth.en-USchild abusephysical abuseidentificationbitemark photographbitemarkArticle