Ameloglyphics why Not with Stains?- An Observational Study

Background: In forensic Odontology, the term ameloglyphics refers to the study of enamel rod end patterns. These enamel rod end patterns are specific and are different for each individual. Enamel is the hardest tissue and it is resistant to several environmental factors like fire, acid exposure and microbial decomposition.

Aims: This study was done to evaluate various stains and staining methods in tooth prints under stereomicroscope. The purpose of the study is to find out the utility of several stains for studying the enamel rod end patterns in forensic Odontology.

Methods: Twenty seven freshly extracted maxillary premolars were collected for the study from the Department of Oral & maxillofacial Surgery. All the teeth collected were irrespective of age to avoid the bias related to different enamel characteristics of deciduous teeth.

Results: In our study, hematoxylin and toluidine blue showed the surface score of 7 out of 9 which was the highest when compared to remaining stains. On comparing 3 different staining methods using hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains in soak method showed superior score when compared to other two methods.

Conclusions: To conclude, Ameloglyphics patterns can be studied by staining the tooth. Hematoxylin and toluidine blue stains can be used for studying the Ameloglyphics pattern. Soak method of staining the tooth can be done to study the pattern. Ameloglyphics patterns can play an important role in personal identification using staining methods and shows promising future in field of forensics.