Everyone has a unique bite impression just like the fingerprints. Toothprints are bite impressions for children, which are created using thermoplastic wafers that the child bites into. Toothprints create a permanent record, which can be used for identification purposes.
Who can use the Toothprints?
Toothprints are typically recommended for children between the ages of 3 and 13. New impressions should be taken at regular intervals as the child’s teeth change. The first impressions can be taken around the age of three, after all primary teeth have erupted. New impressions can be taken at the age of 7 or 8, after the permanent first molars have grown in. Final impressions can be taken around the age of 12 or 13, after all permanent teeth have grown in other than the third molars.
How are Toothprints created?
Toothprints wafers are first softened in warm water for a few minutes. Then, the child bites down on the wafer for about 10 seconds. This impression is then stored in a sealed plastic bag. In addition to the tooth impression, the Toothprints wafer stores some of the child’s DNA, along with a small amount of saliva, which can be used in scent tracking. The bag should not be opened unless needed, to avoid contaminating the saliva sample and the DNA sample stored therein.
Where do you use Toothprints?
Like fingerprints, Toothprints can be used for child identification in case the child goes missing. Tracking dogs can also use them for scent tracking. The DNA from the saliva can also help authorities match the DNA of the child if necessary.
