Archaeologists have an important job in studying fossil remains. While most people envision these professionals digging up dinosaur bones, others focus on human remains, particularly the teeth of those who existed hundreds of years ago. Keep reading to find out what these experts can learn by studying a person’s pearly whites and how they lived.
What Teeth Can Reveal About a Person
It’s no secret that your teeth are uniquely yours. This is why forensic experts use dental records to identify human remains. But what exactly can be determined when looking at a person’s teeth? The following are just a few of the many details that are commonly discovered:
- A person’s age
- A person’s diet
- Whether the individual had cavities or tooth wear and tear
- Unique patterns of dental disease
- Tooth eruption and tooth loss
What Recent Studies Suggest About Ancestral Teeth
According to a 2023 study by the University of Nottingham, researchers discovered that ancient teeth could preserve antibodies for hundreds of years. The purpose of these proteins is to combat infectious diseases – a historical component that experts can now study in an attempt to better understand.
The project involved extracting antibodies from 800-year-old human teeth. It was found that they were not only stable but could also recognize proteins commonly generated by a virus.
This means that researchers can learn more about how these antibodies interact with various diseases that once existed during a specific period of time.
Hundreds of years from now, the same is likely to be true of your teeth. When archaeologists look at the dental footprint you leave behind, the antibodies found in your pearly whites may provide a clearer understanding of how they responded to viruses like COVID-19.
There is a reason that teeth remain such a fascinating topic among dental professionals and archaeological experts. Their story reveals much about the human condition and how the smallest details can have a lasting impact.
About the Author
Dr. Alison Fitzgerald brings nearly 15 years of experience to our dental office in Tucson. After graduating from the Creighton School of Dentistry with her dental degree, she pursued advanced training and coursework with Partners in Synergy, the Kois Center, Progressive Orthodontics, and the American Orthodontic Society. Her range of experience allows her to treat patients of all ages. If you need help to take better care of your smile and want to inquire about preventive treatment, visit our website or call (520) 338-2980.