From Color to Clue, Unraveling the Forensic Significance of Pink Teeth in Postmortem Analysis

Author: Meilana, Andi Nur Sakina Tri; Syaifuddin, Mohammad Ardhian; Suhartono, Antonius Winoto; Ganda, Michael; Auerkari, Elza Ibrahim
Informations
JournalInternational Journal of Medical Toxicology and Forensic Medicine
PublisherShaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences and Health Services
Volume & IssueVol. 15,Issue 2
Pages1 - 8
Publication Year2025
ISSN22518762
Source TypeScopus
Citations
Scopus: 1
Google Scholar: 1
PubMed: 1
Abstract
Background: The postmortem pink teeth phenomenon (PTP) is a notable change in tooth color, resulting in a pinkish hue after death. Observed in various forensic contexts, including drowning, poisoning and physical trauma, the correlation between PTP and specific causes of death has remained ambiguous. Case Presentation: This study discusses two cases involving cadavers exhibiting the PTP, where we conducted an analysis of pink teeth alongside other findings concerning the postmortem interval. Conclusion: A comprehensive analysis of PTP requires consideration of various forensic elements. The phenomenon is closely associated with decomposition processes and is often observed in water immersion cases. A multidisciplinary approach involving forensic medicine and odontology is essential for understanding the physiological changes after death and assessing the potential significance of PTP as a postmortem indicator. By integrating these diverse aspects, forensic investigators can gain deeper insights into the circumstances surrounding death. Although PTP is not pathognomonic for any specific cause of death, it serves as a valuable indicator that can assist in forensic investigations. Further studies are necessary to clarify its implications in various forensic contexts and enhance its application in medico-legal assessments. © 2025 The Author(s); This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC-By-NC: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/legalcode.en), which permits use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited and is not used for commercial purposes.
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