High frequency of dental caries and calculus in dentitions from a British medieval town

Objective: Dental pathology and tooth wear data can offer valuable insights into the diet and behaviou r of past populations. This study aimed to investigate the presence of dieta r y continuity by examining different types of dental pathology and tooth wear in a medieval sample from the United Kingdom, comparing them to earlier and later samples from the same location.Design: A comprehensive examination was conducted on 41 individuals (comprising 914 permanent teeth) retrieved from the medieval cemeter y of St. Owens Church in Southgate Street, Gloucester, UK . The research focused on documenting and analysing various types of dental patholog y and tooth wear, such as dental caries, calculus, and tooth chipping. The frequency of these specific pathologies and wear patterns was then compared to existing literature. Additionally, non-masticator y tooth wear was also evaluated as part of the study.Results: The sample exhibits high levels of carious lesions and calculus (24 % and 74 % of teeth respectively). Anterior teeth also show an elevated chipping frequency, and along with occlusal notches on the maxilla r y central incisors suggest teeth were regularly used for non-masticator y purposes.Conclusions: Caries frequency is similar to sites from later periods and may relate to the early adoption of consuming refined carbohydrates. However, remains from the same area, but the earlier Roman period, also show s high rates of caries and calculus, suggesting a continuation of consuming certain cariogenic foods, or certain behavioural/environmental factors, may instead be responsible for these patholog y and wear patterns.