The Viking Era and Dental Care: A Glimpse Into the Past
When we think of Vikings, we often picture fearless warriors sailing across the seas, raiding villages, and proudly displaying their battle scars. But behind the scenes, many Viking-era Scandinavians likely suffered from chronic ear infections and severe dental problems due to the lack of modern dentistry. Without antibiotics or proper dental care, painful conditions like gum disease and tooth infections were common.
Viking Dental Health: What the Research Says
A recent study provides fascinating insights into the oral health of Vikings. In 2005, archaeologists in Varnhem, Sweden, unearthed the remains of over 300 Vikings dating back to the 10th to 12th centuries. To gain a deeper understanding of their health, researchers conducted CT scans on 15 skulls belonging to individuals aged 20 to 60. The scans were analyzed by radiologists and a dentist, revealing significant dental issues.
Key findings from the study:
Periapical lesions – 12 out of 15 skulls showed signs of bacterial infections at the root of a tooth, a condition that would have caused severe pain.
Periodontal disease – 10 skulls exhibited bone defects, bone loss, and furcation involvement, where infection deteriorated the jawbone.
Malformed or poorly healed jawbones – Many individuals had evidence of past injuries or infections that affected their jaw structure.
Ear infections – One skull showed hardened tissue near the temporal bone, suggesting a severe ear infection that likely caused significant discomfort.
Despite the absence of modern toothpaste or professional dental care, only six of the studied Vikings had missing teeth before they died. This suggests that while dental problems were widespread, tooth loss was not as common as one might expect.
How Does Viking Dental Health Compare to Today?
While Viking-era dental care was practically nonexistent, today’s advancements in dentistry make it possible to prevent and treat oral health issues effectively. By The Lake Dental has been providing modern, effective, and efficient dental care to the communities of Ajax and Scarborough for more than a decade. Regular visits to our dental team can help ensure that problems like gum disease, tooth infections, and jawbone deterioration are addressed before they become severe.
Unlike the Vikings, who had no access to antibiotics or pain relief, modern dental offices provide comprehensive dental care solutions, including preventive checkups, periodontal treatments, and emergency dentistry services. At By The Lake Dental – your favorite dental office in Ajax and Scarborough – our team focuses on preserving your oral health using state-of-the-art technology and personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
Lessons from the Vikings: Prioritizing Oral Health
While Viking warriors endured toothaches and infections without relief, you don’t have to. With today’s advancements in dental care, maintaining a healthy smile is easier than ever. Book your appointment today at By The Lake Dental and leave painful dental problems in the past - where they belong!
Why Choose By The Lake Dental:
✅ +10 years caring for our community’s oral health needs
✅ A Platinum+ Invisalign dental office
✅ Direct billing to benefit provider
✅ Cutting-edge technology
✅ Full service family care
✅ Concierge experience
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Call us today: Ajax 905-428-2111, Highland Creek 416-284-8282.
