Beyond dirty teeth: Integrating dental calculus studies with osteoarchaeological parameters

Area of Science:

• Osteoarchaeology
• Human Palaeoecology
• Environmental Archaeology

Background:

• Ancient dental calculus (mineralized dental plaque) is a valuable source of microremains and biomolecules.
• These components can link past humans to their physical, biological, and social environments.
• Integration with skeletal evidence is often limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review evidence from dental calculus in relation to osteoarchaeological parameters.
• To assess the synergy potential and limitations of macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular approaches.
• To contribute to a theoretical framework for this emerging subfield.

Main Methods:

• Review of macroscopic, microscopic, and biomolecular analyses of dental calculus.
• Critical assessment of data integration with osteoarchaeological parameters.
• Evaluation of synergy and limitations in current methodologies.

Main Results:

• Dental calculus analysis provides diverse microremains (starch, pollen, phytoliths) and biomolecules.
• Potential exists for linking calculus findings with skeletal remains for comprehensive insights.
• Current limitations hinder full integration, necessitating methodological advancements.

Conclusions:

• Dental calculus analysis is crucial for understanding past human environments and behaviors.
• Enhanced integration with osteoarchaeological data requires a robust theoretical framework.
• Further research should focus on synergistic approaches to maximize the potential of dental calculus.