The prevalence of dental diseases has been a longstanding problem throughout human history. However, there is evidence that suggests that dental health had improved in some populations around 1,800 years ago.

The question is, what led to this improvement?.

Dietary Changes

One significant factor that contributed to better dental health in ancient communities about 1,800 years ago is dietary changes. Paleoanthropologists discovered that prior to this period, people mainly consumed meat, vegetables, and fruits.

However, around 1,800 years ago, the cultivation of grains and cereals became more widespread, leading to significant changes in the diet of many communities. These changes included a shift towards more starchy and carbohydrate-rich foods, such as bread and pasta.

The introduction of grains and cereals to the diet of ancient communities led to an increase in the intake of carbohydrates and sugar, which are detrimental to dental health.

However, analysis of this period shows that many communities did not rely on refined sugars, which are highly destructive to teeth. People instead consumed natural sugars from fruits, which contained high nutrition values that might have been beneficial for oral health.

Improved Oral Hygiene

Improved oral hygiene is another factor that might have been responsible for better dental health in ancient communities 1,800 years ago.

Archaeological evidence shows that ancient communities began to develop innovative oral hygiene methods such as the use of chew sticks.

The chew stick is a pointed piece of wood that people would use to clean their teeth. It was a popular dental hygiene tool for many ancient communities, and it was widely used in many cultures up to about a century ago.

The chew stick was sourced from tree bark, roots, or twigs, depending on the culture. Chew sticks had natural fibers that acted as bristles on toothbrushes and could clean teeth effectively. They did not have any of the negative effects of modern toothpaste and toothbrushes and had long-term benefits in keeping teeth naturally clean.

Mouth Rinsing

The use of mouth rinses during this period was also a likely factor that contributed to improved dental health. There are records of ancient communities using herbs such as myrrh, saffron, and cinnamon to rinse their mouths.

These herbs are well known for their antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This suggests that these mouth rinses could have effectively prevented tooth decay and other oral diseases.

Fluoride in Water

The presence of fluoride in water sources is another possible reason for improved dental health 1,800 years ago. Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been shown to be effective in preventing tooth decay.

During this period, many communities lived close to natural water sources, which contained high levels of fluoride.

An example of this is the discovery of a Roman toothpaste recipe that included resin and wax. However, the recipe also contained small amounts of lead, which could be dangerous.

The reason why the Roman toothpaste was so effective is because it contained natural sources of fluoride like fir tree resin and wild sage. The communities that used these types of toothpaste regularly were likely exposed to the naturally occurring fluoride in the water, which would have been beneficial for their dental health.

Genetic Factors

Genetic and environmental factors can also contribute to dental health. During the period under discussion, genetic differences between the populations could also have contributed to better dental health.

Some populations might have had stronger teeth and a lower propensity for tooth decay than others, which reflected genetic differences between the two.

Conclusion

Overall, it is clear from the evidence available that diet, dental hygiene, use of mouth rinses, fluoride-rich water, and genetic factors all contributed to improved dental health in some populations about 1,800 years ago.

However, it is important to recall that there were many environmental and cultural differences, and some communities might not have experienced the same benefits to their dental health. Further research is needed to explore the intricacies of these factors and what this might imply for dental health in the present and future.