Researchers from The Natural History Museum in London have discovered some of the earliest evidence of tooth decay in hunter-gatherers who lived in Africa around 15,000 to 13,200 years ago. The starch-heavy diet of the early humans was believed to be the reason behind their poor oral health. An article by John Roach in TODAY.com provides more info on this discovery:
Excruciating toothaches and pus-filled, swollen gums were a part of life for an ancient population of hunter-gatherers who regularly sat around the campfire feasting on acorns and pine nuts, according to a new study.
The starchy foods glommed onto the hunter-gatherers’ teeth, providing nourishment to mouth-dwelling bacteria. These bacteria ferment carbohydrates and produce acid that “essentially dissolves away the enamel,” Louise Humphrey, a human origins researcher at the Natural History Museum in London, told NBC News.
She and colleagues found cavities in more than half of the 52 teeth they examined from adult skeletons in a cemetery at the back of a cave in Morocco, a country in North Africa. The remains date to between 15,000 and 13,200 years ago, several thousand years before the origins of agriculture. Only three skeletons in the Taforalt cave showed no signs of cavities.
Clearly, ancient men did not have access to oral care during their time, making this a prime example of why you should never ignore visiting the office of one of the most trusted dentists in Greenville, SC, regularly.
With dental care, prevention is usually the best medicine, and this begins with regular dental checkups and cleanings. By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can prevent any oral health problems before they cause pain or require more expensive treatment. Regular dental visits also allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and address any potential or existing concerns.
One huge advantage of a regular dental visit is that it allows you to ask a dental professional if you are applying the right dental hygiene techniques or using the right products. Whenever your appointment nears, jot down a list of items you want to check with your dentist, including the toothbrush, toothpaste, or floss that you’re using. If you’re feeling any oral discomfort or pain, don’t let it fester. Visit an emergency dentist in Greenville, SC, immediately.
Don’t be like the people of old. Make sure your teeth are always clean, free of food debris, and in good condition with the help of good oral hygiene and regular visits to a dependable dental office like Downtown Dental.
(Source: Carb-loading rotted ancient hunter-gatherers’ teeth, study says, TODAY.com, Jan. 6, 2014)