Palatal Rugae – Another Forensic Tool?

It is a well known fact that with changing times, an increase in the number of natural disasters, crimes and fatalities have taken place. In such a challenging time, identification of human remains is an issue which is the call of the hour and is a grave responsibility as well [1]. Teeth are highly resistant to fire, decomposition and other extreme conditions and so they are vital in forensic investigations. However, if required, other oral and perioral tissues can also serve the same purpose [1]. Palatal Rugae also referred to as plicae palatine transverse or Rugae palatine are asymmetrical and irregular elevations of the mucosa located in the anterior third of the palate, made from the lateral membrane of the incisive papilla arranged in transverse direction from palatine raphe located in the midsagital plane [2].