Evaluation of Human Tongue Morphology and Tongue Groove Patterns to Explore its Potential as a Forensic Aid

Abstract

Introduction: Use of lingual impression or the tongue print as a method of biometric authentication is an emerging area. Tongue is a vital internal organ that has unique features which differ from individual to individual and even between identical twins. The shape and surface features are characteristic of each individualwhich may serve as a tool for identification.

Aim:The present study was conducted with the purpose to evaluate the tongue morphology in terms of its shape, size and fissure/groove pattern.

Materials and Methods:The study consisted of 100 participants in the age group 18-45 years visiting dental hospital.The tongue morphology was evaluated for shape, size and tongue patterns formed by grooves/fissuresbymeans of clinical examination, photograph and tongue impression.

Results:The present study revealed the prevalence of vertical groove pattern and rectangular/U-shaped tongue in study participants with female predilection. Notably, the single vertical groove pattern and double horizontal groove pattern were found to be prevalent in males. While the reverse was true in females wherein the single horizontal groove pattern and double vertical groove patternwas prevalent. The variation in the size of the tongue was the least common finding.

Conclusion:This study represents a preliminary analysis of tongue patterns, its distribution and variation with respect to gender. The continuation of this work to explore the tongue morphology using broader sample will have an immense contribution to the forensic odontology for identification purpose.