Paleomicrobiological study in dental calculus: Streptococcus mutans
A Linossier1, M Gajardo, J Olavarria
1Department of Pathology, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile. alinossi@abello.dic.uchile.cl
Scanning Microscopy
|January 1, 1996
Summary
Ancient human tartar reveals the presence of Streptococcus mutans, a key bacterium in tooth decay, across diverse prehistoric populations. Its occurrence varied, but could not be definitively linked to diet or subsistence patterns in most cases.
Area of Science:
- Paleomicrobiology
- Dental Anthropology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- Ancient dental calculus (tartar) preserves microbial life, offering insights into past oral microbiomes.
- Previous research confirmed bacteria in ancient tartar, but specific pathogen presence and its ecological context remained unclear.
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