From childhood growth to ancient beauty practices, three recent studies on fossil teeth offer new insights into human history, revealing aspects of our distant past and extending all the way to the present.
Here are three key findings, in chronological order:
1. Evolutionary shift towards longer childhoods
A study published in Nature analyzed the fossilized teeth of an 11-year-old from the Homo genus, dating back 1.77 million years. The individual showed a surprising delay in the growth of molars and premolars, a human-like trait, followed by a growth spurt later in life.
“This delay may reflect an evolutionary shift towards longer childhoods, providing more time for learning and social development,” said Christoph Zollikofer, a paleoanthropologist at the University of Zurich. While some classify these fossils as Homo erectus, Zollikofer’s team identifies them as an undetermined Homo species. For context, modern Homo sapiens emerged around 300,000 years ago.
Read the full study on Nature here.
2. Tooth ablation as a beauty ritual in ancient Taiwan
Fossilized teeth from 40 sites across Taiwan reveal the practice of tooth ablation, where people voluntarily removed their healthy front teeth. This painful tradition, lasting from 4800 BCE to the early 1900s, was driven largely by aesthetic values.
“The primary motivation was beautification,” noted researchers from the Australian National University and the University of Guam. The gap created by missing teeth was seen as a mark of attractiveness and a distinction from animals, reflecting deeply rooted cultural values.
“The high symmetry and regularity of removed teeth among individuals with good oral health suggest that the ablation was intentional, rather than caused by dental disease or injury,” the researchers observed.
Additionally, the study identified practical reasons behind the practice. Some populations removed teeth to improve pronunciation or prevent overcrowding in the mouth (hyperdontia). A third motivation was memorial in nature, with tooth removal seen as a “test of courage” or a way to visibly display bravery to younger members of society. Finally, tooth ablation served as a signal, marking the transition to adulthood or differentiating individuals within their communities.
Read more about this fascinating ritual on New Atlas here.
3. Dental calculus: unlocking the secrets of human migration in Oceania
A recent study published in Nature Communications explores how dental calculus—hardened plaque found on teeth—can reveal insights into human migrations in Oceania. Researchers analyzed ancient dental calculus from prehistoric human remains to trace the movement of early populations across the Pacific Islands.
“By studying the chemical composition of dental calculus, we can track diet, health, and even migration patterns of ancient humans,” said lead researcher Dr. Vanessa M. Wong from the University of Queensland. This method provides a novel approach to studying past populations, shedding light on the journeys and interactions of people who inhabited Oceania thousands of years ago.
The study suggests that dental calculus acts as a time capsule, preserving traces of plants, animals, and even microorganisms that early humans encountered during their migrations. By analyzing these remnants, researchers can map the movement of these groups across the Pacific, offering new perspectives on human population spread.
Read more about this groundbreaking study on Nature Communications here.
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