The Paleodental Pathology of Ancient Mesopotamians

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Abstract
The dentition of the skulls excavated from the ancient city of Kish, Mesopotamia 3,000 - 538 B.C. was studied for abnormalities and pathology. The studied materials were composed of juvenile and adult skulls. The approximate age of each specimen was determined from an evaluation of dental growth and development, attrition and cranial sutures. The teeth were absent in most cases because of post-mortem loss. Although X-rays were not taken in every case, roentgenographic examination was necessary in some instances. There were caries, attrition, poor oral hygiene resulting in calcareous deposits and marginal bone loss of the alveolar process. Abnormalities involving genetic and environmental influences, (anodontia and impacted teeth) were observed. The inhabitants of Kish usually had dental disease characteristic of the present populations.

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