Beyond dirty teeth: Integrating dental calculus studies with osteoarchaeological parameters

Anita Radini; Efthymia Nikita

doi:10.1016/j.quaint.2022.03.003

Beyond dirty teeth: Integrating dental calculus studies with osteoarchaeological parameters

Quat Int. 2023 Apr 20:653-654:3-18. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2022.03.003.

Authors

Anita Radini^{1

2}, Efthymia Nikita³

Affiliations

¹ BioArCh, Department of Archaeology, The University of York, Wentworth Way, York, UK.
² York JEOL Nanocentre, The University of York, Science Park, York, UK.
³ Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 2121, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus.

Abstract

The study of ancient human dental calculus (mineralized dental plaque, also known as tartar) is becoming increasingly important in osteoarchaeology, human palaeoecology and environmental archaeology. Microremains of different origin (e.g. starch granules, pollen, phytoliths, feather barbules) as well as biomolecules and chemical compounds retrieved from its mineral matrix may represent an important link between past humans and their physical, biological and social environment, but they are rarely fully linked to the evidence from skeletal remains. This paper critically reviews the lines of evidence retrieved from dental calculus in relation to osteoarchaeological parameters, employing macroscopic, microscopic and biomolecular approaches, assessing synergy potential and limitations. The scope of this paper is also to contribute to the building of a much needed theoretical framework in this emerging subfield.

Keywords: Dental calculus; Environment; Life history; Osteoarchaeology.