Ancestors often had healthier teeth than modern individuals. Despite lacking modern dental tools, ancient human remains reveal fewer cavities, less gum disease, and straighter tooth alignment. This difference prompts examination of factors contributing to their robust oral health.
The Ancestral Diet
Ancestral diets significantly contributed to superior dental health. Unlike modern diets, ancestral food sources were devoid of processed sugars and refined carbohydrates, primary contributors to tooth decay. Hunter-gatherers ate natural foods like meat, fish, nuts, fruits, and vegetables, limiting fuel for acid-producing bacteria. This absence of fermentable sugars reduced bacterial acid attacks that demineralize tooth enamel and cause cavities.
Fibrous, abrasive foods were common in ancestral diets. Chewing tough raw foods naturally cleaned tooth surfaces. This scrubbed away food particles and plaque. Constant mastication stimulated a healthy flow of saliva, which buffers acids and aids in enamel remineralization.
Nutrient-dense ancestral foods supported strong teeth. Unprocessed foods provided essential vitamins and minerals for strong enamel and jawbones. These diets supplied building blocks for resilient oral tissues, contributing to decay resistance.
Jaw Structure and Chewing
Ancestral diets influenced jaw and facial bone development. Consistent chewing of hard, unprocessed foods stimulated proper jaw growth. This constant mechanical stress encouraged wider dental arches and more developed jawbones.
Robust jaw development ensured adequate space for proper tooth alignment. Ancestral populations exhibited naturally straight teeth with minimal crowding, and impacted wisdom teeth were rare. Ample space allowed optimal tooth settling, contributing to bite stability and reducing food traps.
Modern diets, with soft, processed foods, require less chewing. This leads to underdeveloped jaws and narrower dental arches. Insufficient space results, causing orthodontic problems like malocclusion, crowding, and impacted third molars, rare in ancestors.
The Oral Microbiome
The ancestral mouth’s microbial balance resisted decay and disease. The ancestral diet, low in sugar and high in fiber, fostered a diverse and balanced oral microbiome. This ecosystem was less dominated by acid-producing bacteria (Streptococcus mutans for cavities, Porphyromonas gingivalis for gum disease).
Saliva composition, influenced by diet and chewing, played a role. Saliva production, stimulated by fibrous foods, had superior buffering capacity, neutralizing bacterial acids effectively. This constant flow and balanced makeup protected enamel from demineralization and supported a healthy oral environment.
The ancestral oral cavity was not exposed to modern disruptors like antibacterial mouthwashes or processed foods. These elements disrupt oral flora, favoring opportunistic pathogens. The stable, balanced microbial community contributed to resistance against dental pathologies.