Evaluation of DNA in Human Teeth—Ante-Mortem and Post-Mortem Factors Affecting Degradation and Preservation: A Literature Review

Abstract

The identification of human remains is a major challenge in forensic science, particularly in cases of advanced decomposition. Human teeth are among the most resilient tissues to environmental and post-mortem degradation, making them a valuable source of DNA for forensic identification. However, DNA preservation in teeth is influenced by multiple factors that can compromise the success of genetic analysis. OBJECTIVE: This review analyzes the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting DNA preservation in human teeth, focusing on ante-mortem and post-mortem variables rather than the methodological aspects of DNA extraction and analysis. METHODOLOGY: A review of the literature was conducted, evaluating studies that assess the impact of biological factors (such as dental structure, pathology, and treatment) and environmental conditions (such as burial environment, temperature, and humidity) on DNA degradation in human teeth. RESULTS: The findings indicate that DNA preservation is significantly influenced by the type of tooth, the presence of dental restorations or pathological conditions, and exposure to environmental factors. While some studies address these variables individually, forensic cases often involve complex interactions among multiple factors, making DNA recovery outcomes unpredictable. CONCLUSIONS: The degradation of DNA in human teeth results from a multifactorial process where intrinsic and extrinsic elements interact dynamically. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for optimizing sampling strategies and improving DNA recovery success rates in forensic applications. Future research should aim to develop predictive models that account for these variables, enabling more effective case-specific approaches to forensic DNA analysis.

Topics & Concepts