Have Scientists Uncovered an Early Example of Dentistry?

Heading off to the local dentist to clean our teeth, to fill a cavity or to address an issue with our smile is a decidedly modern practice. However, this observation may soon be changing. A set of teeth dated to no fewer than 13,000 years in the past is beginning to challenge these perceptions.

Several modifications seem to be related to medicinal requirements. These could indicate that a crude understanding of oral hygiene was present much earlier than previously thought.

– They found bitumen within the teeth; a possible indication that it was used to treat an infection.

– Some chipping of the surfaces could have been done to remove a damaged portion of enamel.

– It is not yet known whether these are signs of a rudimentary dental intervention.

“So, was this therapeutic dentistry? Maybe not—after all, lots of these neolithic groups modified their teeth for non-health related reasons, write the authors.”

Read more:

http://gizmodo.com/going-to-the-caveman-dentist-was-probably-a-nightmare-1794128593

Posted by adwords on 24th June 2017, under Miscellaneous

Dr. Kishanie Wijesinghe Little BDS

Dr. Kishanie Little is passionate about delivering excellent dentistry and dental restorations that are life-like and indistinguishable from natural teeth. She believes that restorations (fillings/crowns/veneers) should look beautiful – and that they should last. Dr. Little keeps abreast of new developments in restorative dentistry through post-graduate training.

Dr. Little is also an experienced Facial Aesthetistician, including Botulinum toxins (such as Botox) and Dermafillers. She appreciates how simple and subtle changes to smooth and relax muscles can “freshen” a face, to look younger.

In her personal time, she loves to cook, read, run, practice yoga and pilates, play a bad game of tennis and am now learning to play golf. She loves Art and Theatre and support the Tate Modern. She also enjoys writing and has a book in the works.