The application of tetracyclines in forensic dentistry

Therapeutic administration of tetracyclines, widely used antibiotic drugs, permanently labels layers of dentin that are calcifying at the same time. A method is described for detecting and photographing these stained layers of dentin. The presence of tetracycline-labeled dentin layers in the teeth of subjects of a forensic science investigation can be used for the individualization of specimens as well as to provide information about the age of the individual. When compared to medical records, the tetracycline-labeled dentin layers can also assist in establishing the identity of the subject. The interpretation of tetracycline-labeled dentin layers and its pitfalls are discussed.