Hominids used toothpicks to mitigate pain caused by oral diseases such as inflammation of the gums, a new research based on the Cova Forada Neanderthal fossil has shown.
It is the oldest documented case of palliative treatment of dental disease done with this tool.
Swollen Gums
Swollen gums, caused by infection or underlying conditions, can lead to pain, bleeding, and tooth damage.
Advertisement
The study was aimed to show the correlation between the use of toothpicks and an attempt to alleviate sore gums in a Neanderthal maxilla recovered from the archaeological site of Cova Forada.
The material studied consists of three teeth present in situ in the articulated right and left adult maxilla.
The maxilla showed evidence of periodontal disease and heavy dental wear, although it lacks other pathologies such as dental decay or abscesses.
![Bleeding Gums]( "Bleeding Gums")
Bleeding gums is a condition in which blood leaks from the gums and the spaces between the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the causes of bleeding gums which result in pain and swollen gums.
The heavily worn teeth in the specimen are evidenced by the loss of the majority of the dental crown and, on the occlusal surface, by large areas of exposed dentine surrounded by a thin rim of remnant enamel.
The occlusal surfaces show pitting, scratching and enamel chipping of antemortem origin, indicating the intense use of the teeth. The extreme and heavy occlusal load on the teeth throughout the lifetime of this individual resulted in this type of dental wear.
The study is published in PLOS ONE.
Source: ANI
The maxilla showed evidence of periodontal disease and heavy dental wear, although it lacks other pathologies such as dental decay or abscesses.
Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums is a condition in which blood leaks from the gums and the spaces between the teeth. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the causes of bleeding gums which result in pain and swollen gums.
Advertisement
The heavily worn teeth in the specimen are evidenced by the loss of the majority of the dental crown and, on the occlusal surface, by large areas of exposed dentine surrounded by a thin rim of remnant enamel.
The occlusal surfaces show pitting, scratching and enamel chipping of antemortem origin, indicating the intense use of the teeth. The extreme and heavy occlusal load on the teeth throughout the lifetime of this individual resulted in this type of dental wear.
The study is published in PLOS ONE.
Source: ANI
Oral Health And AIDS
AIDS has taken on massive proportions in modern times. It is estimated that over 15 million people are suffering from the disease and many more are harboring the dreaded Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Dental News
Oral conditions like dental caries, periodontal disorders, and infections are associated with metabolic profiles that raise the risk of heart diseases.
The pomegranate extract water additive Vet Aquadent FR3SH reduces the buildup of plaque and tartar on dogs' teeth and mitigates the risk of periodontal disease.
Groundbreaking home test for gingivitis and periodontal disease enables early detection of tooth decay risks.
Developing new organoid models resembling the outer layer of the tooth (enamel) that secretes required proteins may pave the way to future tooth-regenerative options.
A newly developed artificial intelligence (AI) platform could revolutionize dentistry by helping dentists to read radiographs for tooth decay accurately.