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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology

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Intrapopulation variation in macro tooth wear patterns--a case study from Igloolik, Canada.

Anna F Clement¹, Simon W Hillson

¹Institute of Archaeology, University College London, London, WC1H 0PY, UK. annaclement@hotmail.com

American Journal of Physical Anthropology

|November 6, 2012

Summary

This study reveals that Canadian Inuit exhibit extreme anterior tooth wear due to cultural practices and environment. Significant differences in wear patterns between males and females suggest a sexual division of labor influencing tooth wear.

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Area of Science:

Paleoanthropology
Archaeology
Human Biology

Background:

Tooth wear patterns are crucial for understanding past human diets, behaviors, and population dynamics.
Little is known about age- and sex-related variations in tooth wear, especially in living populations mirroring archaeological samples.
High rates of tooth wear in preindustrial archaeological records are not commonly observed in contemporary populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate macroscopic tooth wear patterns in a unique group of living Canadian Inuit with known age and sex.
To understand how tooth wear develops with age and differs between males and females in this population.
To interpret the findings in the context of cultural practices and environmental factors.

Main Methods:

Analysis of macroscopic tooth wear patterns on dental casts from living Canadian Inuit in Igloolik.
Data collection from individuals with known age and sex.
Statistical analysis to identify significant differences in wear patterns between sexes.

Main Results:

The Igloolik Inuit displayed exceptionally heavy anterior tooth wear relative to posterior teeth.
This heavy anterior wear was established early in life and persisted throughout adulthood.
Statistically significant differences in tooth wear patterns were observed between males and females.

Conclusions:

Anterior tooth wear in the Igloolik Inuit is attributed to the use of front teeth in cultural activities and harsh environmental conditions.
Observed sex-based differences in wear patterns likely reflect a sexual division of labor.
Understanding intra- and interpopulation variation in tooth wear is essential for interpreting archaeological evidence of past human behavior.