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Did cavemen make any effort to clean their teeth?

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Improvised hygiene tools like toothpicks or chewing sticks were definitely used, but conscious daily hygiene probably wasn't done. Tooth wear and periodontal (gum) disease were the biggest problems and not so much tooth decay. read more

Although teeth wouldn't hold up as long the wear and tear of their diets, the pronounced tooth wear would in fact reduce the potential for pit and fissure tooth decay (cavities in the grooves on the chewing surfaces of teeth) because the chewing surfaces of teeth would gradually be worn flat. read more

Researcher Karen Hardy used calcified plaque from this fossil to determine that early humans used crude toothpicks to clean their teeth. (Courtesy of Karen Hardy) The earliest known toothbrushes date back to 3500 B.C., found in Egyptian tombs next to their owners. read more

Back to the cavemen, I note that with domestic dogs, a diet which includes plenty of raw bones keeps their teeth and gums extremely healthy and clean. Good point. Adaptation to environment is the key. read more

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