Ancient Romans likely did not need dentists, as they all possessed extremely healthy teeth. Nearly 2,000 years ago, toothpaste and toothbrushes did not exist, but their secret lay in a diet rich in fiber and low in sugar.
This discovery was confirmed by Giovanni Babino, a radiologist, after he scanned the remains of 30 men, women, and children buried beneath the ancient city of Pompeii, dating back to 79 AD.
“The people of Pompeii consumed a lot of fruits and vegetables but very little sugar. They had a healthier diet compared to us today and maintained excellent oral health,” said Elisa Vanacore, a dental expert. “Studying their teeth can reveal much more about their lives.”
A low-sugar diet helped ancient Romans maintain extremely healthy teeth.
In 79 AD, a volcanic eruption in Rome buried part of Pompeii along with more than 2,000 residents of this ancient city. Earthquakes had caused parts of the city to collapse, resulting in the deaths of over 2,000 people.
The volcanic ash buried the bodies, which later hardened into a layer of pumice. Over time, the internal organs of the victims decayed, leaving cavities along with their skeletons. Archaeologists had to pump plaster into the pumice layer to create molds of the remaining body shapes of the victims.
Nearly 2,000 years later, 30 preserved body casts in the rubble and dense ash revealed vivid details about the volcanic eruption. Many victims suffered head injuries when the city collapsed due to the earthquake. They were buried beneath the debris of homes, taverns, and public baths.
A body of a boy about 4 years old was found in a large villa-like house, alongside the remains of his parents. A woman was found sitting, holding a baby on her lap. Most of the victims showed signs of deformity before death.
By scanning these bodies with a full-body CT scanner, scientists discovered an astonishing detail: The teeth of these Romans were incredibly healthy. Some skeletons with their teeth remained intact over time displayed beautifully on the scans.
A CT scan image showing the teeth of ancient Romans were extremely healthy.
Experts believe that this is the result of a healthy Roman diet, in which the people consumed plenty of fruits and vegetables while limiting sugar.
“This study is a significant step in our understanding of the Roman world,” said Massimo Osanna, director of the archaeological area of Naples. “Their diet was balanced and healthy, similar to our Mediterranean diet today.”
Another surprising finding is that the water supply for Pompeii may have been very rich in fluoride, which could also explain the strong teeth of the city’s inhabitants.
This research project brought together a large team of experts in Italy, including radiologists, archaeologists, anthropologists, and dentists.
A body mold of a victim from the volcanic eruption in Pompeii being scanned.
In fact, the Romans were not the only community in the past to have healthier teeth than we do today. Evidence also shows that the English before the 17th century had strong teeth. Once again, the reason was their diet being low in sugar.
Cane sugar as we know it today was developed in India in the 5th century by crystallizing juice from sugarcane, and it became extremely popular in Europe when New World colonists established massive sugar plantations in the Caribbean. |
However, everything changed after the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who is historically noted for her decayed teeth. This coincided with the 1600s, when sugar production surged in Europe and prices dropped significantly.
Sugar found its way into the diets of Europeans and wreaked havoc on their teeth. It became so common that films set in 17th-century England were later criticized for being unrealistic if actors were portrayed with overly white and beautiful teeth.
The ancient Romans (and Pompeii residents) did not neglect their oral hygiene Without toothbrushes and toothpaste, they cleaned their teeth with sticks and abrasives made from oyster shells, pumice, and ground hooves. The people of Pompeii even had some chemical assistance from the fluoride in pumice. |
Over time, diets changed, technology advanced, and society became more sophisticated, leading to a more modern way of life. Nutrient-rich foods were discovered and transformed into nourishing dishes. The civilized lifestyle gradually made people more complacent, and the care and protection of oral health diminished over time.
Therefore, to best prevent serious oral health issues, in addition to taking good care of our teeth, we also need to pay more attention to a balanced diet. Reducing foods high in sugar and starch, such as candies, is essential. Avoid stimulating beverages like alcohol and limit sugary or carbonated drinks. It is important to create a clear plan for maintaining oral health to protect our teeth effectively.
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