
Every six months when you visit your dentist for your regular, biannual exam and cleaning appointment, your teeth tell her a story about your lifestyle and oral health. Whether you have cavities, uneven wear, or swollen or bleeding gums, there’s a lot the mouth can reveal about a person. In fact, the condition of teeth that are centuries old and have been unearthed in archaeological digs often reveal fascinating details about their owner, such as their age, diet, and even what kind of a society they lived in. That information can then be used to help give dentists a better understanding of teeth that they can use to improve modern oral health techniques. Here’s a closer look at how dental archaeology helps teach scientists about the past, so they can protect your smile in the future!
(more…)