[Archaeological Research on Dental Caries].

Area of Science:

• Paleopathology
• Archaeology
• Dental Anthropology

Background:

• Dental caries is a chronic infectious oral disease with a long history.
• Its prevalence and characteristics have evolved alongside human dietary and societal changes.
• Understanding historical patterns offers insights into modern prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the deep-time epidemiological evolution of dental caries.
• To analyze the relationship between diet, subsistence, and caries prevalence throughout human history.
• To provide historical context for contemporary caries management.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of carious lesions in ancient human dentition from various archaeological periods.
• Examination of fossil evidence from the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras.
• Review of early written records, such as Chinese oracle bone inscriptions.

Main Results:

• Dental caries existed in the Paleolithic period among hunter-gatherers, with low prevalence linked to fiber-rich, low-sugar diets.
• The advent of agriculture and starchy plant consumption in the Neolithic era led to a significant increase in caries incidence.
• Early written records indicate growing human awareness of dental health concerns.

Conclusions:

• Archaeological research on dental caries provides crucial insights into disease pathogenesis and historical dietary patterns.
• Understanding the long-term interplay between societal changes, diet, and oral health is vital for effective population-level prevention strategies.
• Historical perspectives inform contemporary approaches to dental caries prevention and treatment.