Study suggests Neanderthals may have practiced primitive dentistry 59,000 years ago
By
Sabrina Imbler
The kind of bagel that ruins lesser bagels for you.
Summary
A new study published in PLOS One suggests that Neanderthals may have practiced primitive dentistry. Researchers analyzed a 59,000-year-old Neanderthal molar from the Altai Mountains in Siberia, which showed signs of tooth decay and evidence of being manipulated with a sharp tool—possibly a toothpick or early dental instrument. The findings indicate that Neanderthals had the cognitive ability and cultural knowledge to treat dental pain, challenging the perception of them as simple, brutish beings.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledSuch a dilemma is diabolically familiar to us modern humans, but at least we are fortunate to have dentists, who inflict upon us mild pain and terror in exchange for lasting relief.
But a new paper in the journal PLOS One suggests that this Neanderthal had a dentist all of their own.
After analyzing this ancient molar, which showed signs of having been manipulated with a sharp tool, researchers believe Neanderthals may have had rudimentary dental care practices.
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