Ancient Ice Age Piercings and Their Impact on Dental Care

At By The Lake Dental, your favourite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough, we know how important it is to take care of your dental health. But did you know that even ancient civilizations had unique ways of influencing their dental care? A recent study on Ice Age Europeans reveals fascinating insights into how cheek piercings, as early as 30,000 years ago, may have impacted dental health. This discovery sheds light on the long-lasting effects of piercing practices, even in ancient times, and the connection to dental wear and crowding, offering a glimpse into the early history of dental care.

The Link Between Cheek Piercings and Dental Health

Paleolithic skeletons discovered in Central Europe, specifically from the Pavlovian people who lived between 25,000 and 29,000 years ago, have long puzzled researchers. These skeletons exhibit unusual wear on teeth, especially around the canine and cheek tooth areas. While these patterns have perplexed archaeologists for years, one researcher, John Willman, a biological anthropologist from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, may have solved the mystery: cheek piercings.

According to Willman, the wear patterns on these ancient teeth are likely caused by the use of labrets, a type of piercing placed in the cheek area, which could shift teeth over time. In his study, published in the Journal of Paleolithic Archaeology, Willman examined the teeth of these ancient Europeans and found evidence suggesting that cheek piercings were common among people as young as 10 years old. This form of body modification likely signified belonging to a specific social group, but it also had notable effects on dental health.

Impact on Teeth: Piercings and Dental Crowding

Just like today, ancient dental care was affected by daily behaviors. Enamel naturally wears down due to activities like chewing and grinding, and sometimes by holding objects in the mouth. However, the wear patterns found on the Pavlovian teeth were different, particularly on the cheek side of the teeth. Willman hypothesized that the dental wear was caused by the pressure of labrets against the teeth, especially as individuals inserted larger piercings over time.

While labret use is generally considered safe in modern practices, improper application can lead to complications like dental crowding. This mirrors the effects that early piercings had on ancient peoples' dental health, where the constant pressure of the piercings caused teeth to shift over time. Dental crowding remains a prevalent issue today, serving as a reminder of how body modifications can impact our teeth if not properly managed.

Lessons for Modern Dental Care

These ancient practices offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, but they also remind us of the importance of caring for our teeth, even when engaging in body modifications. At By The Lake Dental, our dentists and dental team emphasize the need for regular check-ups and proper dental care, using top-tier technology while helping you navigate how lifestyle choices can impact your dental health.

The Lasting Effects of Ancient Practices

The discovery of cheek piercings and their impact on dental health in Ice Age Europeans opens a fascinating chapter in the history of dental care. Understanding how ancient practices shaped dental development can help modern researchers and dental professionals learn more about human evolution and dental health over time. At By The Lake Dental, we’re committed to ensuring that your smile stays healthy, no matter the influence of age-old traditions or modern-day choices.

If you’re looking for a dental office in Ajax or Scarborough, book your appointment today and experience modern, efficient, and effective dental care. Whether it’s for a hygiene visit, routine check-up, or addressing specific dental concerns, our dental clinic is here to support you every step of the way.

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