Have you ever wondered what people used to fill cavities before silver, gold and porcelain fillings came along? If so, you’re not alone. Scientists and dental professionals alike have been asking this very question forever. But it wasn’t until recently that they finally got their answer. Research studies now show that prehistoric humans had a working knowledge of dentistry and had the ability to fill cavities. According to researchers, people filled cavity-ridden teeth as far back as 6,500 years.
Dentistry in the Stone Age
Even in the Stone Age, dentists had ways to fill cavities, and they weren’t much different from methods of the modern day. After discovering a 6,500 year-old human jawbone, researchers were surprised to find that prehistoric humans had a different way of filling cavities. Instead of porcelain, gold or silver, prehistoric humans used beeswax. As the oldest dental filling ever found by man, a tooth in this jawbone had a large cavity and could have caused significant damage, if left untreated. At this point in history, wax was the modern, cutting edge method of dentistry.
The tooth with the cavity was covered by a deep layer of beeswax. The jawbone researchers discovered what appeared to have been well cared for, considering the fact that it had several beeswax fillings. After studying the jawbone’s teeth, researchers also found that the enamel on the left canine tooth had been worn away. It also had a vertical crack, and held a beeswax cap that partly filled the cavity.
Beeswax filling
The human jawbone found is believed to trace back to the Neolithic era. Its origins were traced back to a cave inSlovenia—a small country found in Europe. Researchers used radiocarbon or Carbon-14 dating to determine the approximate date that the jawbone existed.
Scientific speculation
There is still speculation that the beeswax may have been placed before the tooth cracked. Researchers also speculated that the beeswax filling may have been placed to prepare the dead body for a funeral. It appeared that the filling had been placed after the tooth cracked, but scientists can never be fully certain. The crack in the filled tooth would have produced excruciating pain, and scientists think that the beeswax may have eased this pain. They also believe that the beeswax may have served as insulation for the affected tooth.
Prehistoric fillings versus modern fillings
Modern fillings do the same thing, insulating teeth and protecting them from future damage. However, modern dentists use drills to remove decay from a tooth with a cavity. This proves that prehistoric human beings had a working knowledge of dentistry. However, they addressed dental issues in a different way.
Tip of the Day: You don’t have to buy the most expensive dental floss. They are virtually all the same. Spend you money on a name brand toothbrush like Oral B or Dr. Butler.
Very best regards,
Allan Melnick DDS
