Unveiling the Evolution of Human Diet through Bronze Age Teeth
A team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin uncovered an ancient genetic treasure trove within these teeth, showcasing the bacteria responsible for gum disease and tooth decay. One of the teeth harbored the first high-quality ancient genome of S. mutans, a notorious culprit behind dental cavities.
By analyzing these ancient genetic remnants, the scientists embarked on a journey through time, unraveling the impact of dietary changes on the oral microbiome across millennia. From the dawn of farming to the sweet seduction of sugar and the onset of industrialization, each era left its mark on our ancestors' oral health.
One intriguing revelation was the rarity of S. mutans DNA in ancient mouths, hinting at the species' historical absence or less favorable habitats. The adoption of cereal agriculture marked an uptick in dental cavities among early populations, evolving over the centuries into a widespread oral health concern.
The sampled teeth, attributed to a Bronze Age individual, provided a glimpse into a prehistoric oral ecosystem. Surprisingly, one tooth revealed an abundance of S. mutans, indicating a high susceptibility to cavities in its owner, highlighting a potential pre-disease state.
The study's findings supported the "disappearing microbiome" theory, suggesting that our ancestors harbored a more diverse oral microbial community compared to modern populations. The reconstruction of ancient genomes for T. forsythia, a bacterium implicated in gum disease, unveiled significant genetic diversity unseen in today's strains.
Notably, recent centuries witnessed dramatic changes in the oral microenvironment, driven by cultural transitions like the consumption of sugar. Disease-causing bacteria such as S. mutans and T. forsythia underwent evolutionary transformations, with distinct genetic adaptations linked to their rise in prevalence and pathogenicity.
As S. mutans continued to diversify and adapt, fueled by genetic exchange across lineages, T. forsythia experienced a selective sweep, leading to the dominance of certain strains in modern populations. These evolutionary shifts underscored the profound impact of dietary habits and lifestyle changes on our oral health over time.
From the Bronze Age to the present day, our teeth have borne witness to the changing landscape of human diets and their intricate dance with oral microbiomes. As we peer into the ancient genetic relics of our ancestors, we gain valuable insights into our own journey through the evolution of oral health.
(Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1038485)
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