Lip prints: An Overview in Forensic Dentistry

Introduction: Establishing a person's identity can be a very difficult process. Dental, fingerprint and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques used in this context. However there are many well-known implanted methods of human identification, one of the most interesting emerging methods of human identification which originates from the criminal and forensic practice, is human lips recognition Historical Background: The biological phenomenon of systems of furrows on the red part of human lips was first noted by anthropologists , R. Fischer was the first to describe it in 1902. Use of lip prints in personal identification was first recommended in France by Edmond Locard. Conclusion: Apart from identifying and evidential use, lip prints may also be used in detection work, being the source of criminalistic information. A lip print at the scene of a crime can be a basis for conclusions as to the character of the event, the number of the people involved, sexes, cosmetics used, habits, occupational traits, and the pathological changes of lips themselves.