Oral lesions caused by habits.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Odontology
• Oral Pathology
• Anthropology

Background:

• Habitual oral practices can lead to distinct dental and soft tissue lesions.
• These lesions can manifest on teeth, soft tissues, or both, with some being permanent.
• Understanding these changes is crucial in forensic and anthropological contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the diagnostic potential of oral lesions caused by specific habits.
• To highlight how recognizing these lesions can aid in identifying individuals or their remains.
• To demonstrate the link between oral changes and personal circumstances.

Main Methods:

• Review of documented cases of oral lesions associated with habitual practices.
• Analysis of characteristic changes in teeth and oral soft tissues.
• Correlation of observed lesions with known habits (e.g., betel chewing, tobacco use).

Main Results:

• Oral lesions from habits are classifiable based on affected tissues (teeth only, soft tissues only, or both).
• Permanent dental lesions persist even with soft tissue destruction.
• Specific lesion patterns can indicate sex, ethnicity, geographic origin, occupation, and past dental treatment.

Conclusions:

• The recognition of habit-induced oral lesions is a valuable tool in forensic identification.
• Dental and gingival changes provide significant insights into a person's life history and circumstances.
• This diagnostic approach enhances the ability to establish identity from skeletal or dental remains.