Histological appearance of postmortem pink teeth: Report of two cases

Abstract

This article presents images and histological changes in the dentin of two cases involving posmortem pink teeth. Postmortem pink teeth were noted among two deceased male individuals. Pink teeth were noted during autopsy examination after twelve days in one corpse, and eight days following death in the second case. During the examination decomposition and putrefaction of the body was noted. Cause of death was drowning in one case and haemorrhages and shock in another. A central incisor tooth was obtained from each body. Both teeth exhibited a pink appearance and the intensity was more pronounced in the cervical region. Although pink teeth can be noted in death due to asphyxia, carbon monoxide poisoning and so on, it is necessary to study the exact role behind the appearance of pink teeth and try to incorporate the finding medico legally.

Oral pathology in forensic investigation

“…[ 51 ] Trauma and moist environment may play a vital role in the appearance of pink teeth. [ 52 ] Ground sections of pink teeth will show reddish brown discoloration of dentin. [ 52 ] Clinically, the cervical region of the tooth will show pink appearance compared to the root portion, and it is highly appreciated in incisors, canines, and premolars.…”

“…[ 52 ] Ground sections of pink teeth will show reddish brown discoloration of dentin. [ 52 ] Clinically, the cervical region of the tooth will show pink appearance compared to the root portion, and it is highly appreciated in incisors, canines, and premolars. [ 51 ] Pink teeth are a common finding related to medicolegal cases such as strangulation, drowning, and suffocation.…”

Study on the Mechanism of the Pink Tooth Phenomenon Using Bovine Teeth: A Pilot Study

“…Furthermore, no criteria have been published for classifying the color of pink teeth, so any tooth with a pinkish tone that can be discriminated from teeth with a normal color have been simply regarded as pink teeth [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 17 , 18 , 20 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Their evaluations are considered to depend on the subjectivity of the observer, and it is thus considered necessary to introduce a more objective color evaluation method.…”

Erratum: Histological appearance of postmortem pink teeth: Report of two cases

“…In the article titled, “Histological appearance of postmortem pink teeth: Report of two cases” published in pages 168-170, issue 2, vol. 7 of Journal of Forensic Dental Sciences[ 1 ], the affiliation of the second author “Sivapathasundharam B” is missing. The affiliation is “Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College, Allapakam, Chennai”.…”