Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 13.6
Thin section showing the red pigmentation from the red blood cells in the dentin. Color version of
figure is available in the online version of this volume.
a gravity-dependent reservoir. There is a strong correlation between dependent positioning
of the head and creation of pink teeth.
Conclusions
The findings of
Kroman and Marks (2003)
did not negate the relationship of pink teeth
with a variety of peri- and postmortem situations. However, they did experimentally
produce their occurrence as a byproduct of decomposition and gravity without trauma.
These results confirm the earlier speculation of
Clark and Law (1984)
and Whittaker and
MacDonald (1989). When pink teeth are discovered in decomposed or skeletal remains in
the absence of tell-tale traumatized soft and osseous tissue (i.e., a broken hyoid bone), guess-
timations about perimortem violence are unfounded. Similar to postmortem soft tissue
lividity, pink teeth are an indicator of body position.
S
O YOU'RE INTERESTED IN DENTAL HISTOLOG
Y
If you are interested in learning about and starting research in the area of dental histology,
the first place to start is with a good foundation in oral biology as well as in dental
