A utilização da saliva na medicina dentária forense

: uma Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: Forensic dentistry is one of the branches of forensic science. Through the analysis of dental evidence and traces as well as evidence from dental records, it aims to identify or provide information about a particular individual or individuals. Through identification methods, the dentist can assist in age estimation, sex gender identification, and actual human identification. Currently the forensic interest in saliva has increased because in cases of forensic investigations saliva may be present in bite marks, lip prints, glasses, food remains etc. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the types of collection and analysis used in saliva and how it contributes to human identification. Materials and methods: The type of study developed was a Scoping Review, which aims to clarify less understood issues and identify gaps in existing evidence. The search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline ® and Web of Science® databases using free-text terms in conjunction with Boolean operators AND and OR. Results: We obtained a sample of 27 included articles in which it was possible to map and identify 2 types of collection, being the single swab and the double swab technique. These showed good applicability regarding the collection of saliva samples on different surfaces and in different stages of degradation. Regarding the types of analysis, they were divided into enzymatic, serological and molecular analyses. Thus, the forensic contributions mapped in this study were: gender identification, age estimation, genetic mapping, drug detection, disease diagnosis and blood group determination. Conclusion: Forensic dentistry and the use of DNA in this area offers us new concessions in relation to human identification through saliva and should be added to the means of investigation of forensic sciences.

Date of Award	13 Jul 2022
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Cristina Figueiredo (Supervisor), Maria José Correia (Co-Supervisor) & Nuno Rosa (Co-Supervisor)