Aspects of teeth from archaelogic sites in Sweden and Denmark.

• The purpose of this study was to examine ground sections of primary second molars and permanent first molars from the same jaws. Teeth from 11 individuals were collected from archaeologic sites in Sweden and Denmark. Longitudinal buccolingual sections were examined in a polarization light microscope and in a Philips scanning electron microscope (SEM). The seven teeth from Sweden appeared to have been subjected to environmental influences at their burial site, which had affected both the dentin and the enamel. The teeth from the Danish sites had a normal color, and no disintegration of the dentin was seen. The general morphologic appearance was normal in all primary and permanent teeth. The position of the neonatal line indicated a normal full-term gestational age. The observed accentuated incremental lines in both the primary and permanent enamel suggested periods of dietary changes, possibly related to periods of illness. SEM images of the surface area of the Swedish teeth showed an extremely porous enamel surface with severe changes in the prism structure as an effect of acid penetration. The Danish teeth did not show any marked changes in the enamel.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Odontologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Dentistry (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Acids

adverse effects

Burial

Child

Child

Preschool

Denmark

Dental Enamel

anatomy & histology

embryology

ultrastructure

Dentin

anatomy & histology

ultrastructure

Environment

Food Habits

Gestational Age

History

Ancient

Humans

Microscopy

Electron

Scanning

Microscopy

Polarization

Molar

anatomy & histology

ultrastructure

Paleodontology

Porosity

Postmortem Changes

Sweden

Tooth Abrasion

pathology

Tooth

Deciduous

anatomy & histology

embryology

ultrastructure

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)