Researchers have discovered that our ancestors had many more types of oral bacteria in their mouths. While more bacteria sounds like a bad thing, the reality is just the opposite! A study of the evolution of human teeth over the past 7,500 years has shown that ancient diets were better for our teeth.

The research, which was published in Nature Genetics, involved researchers from the University of Aberdeen, Australia. They analyzed the DNA of calcified bacteria on human teeth throughout the past 7,500 years. The scientists explained that there were negative changes in oral bacteria as our diets changed when we moved from being hunter-gatherers to farmers. further changes occurred when people started manufacturing food during the Industrial Revolution. Lead author, Dr. Alan Cooper, said “This is the first record of how our evolution over the last 7500 years has impacted the bacteria we carry with us, and the important health consequences.”

Dr. Cooper also explained that “The composition of oral bacteria changed markedly with the introduction of farming, and again around 150 years ago. With the introduction of processed sugar and flour in the Industrial Revolution, we can see a dramatically decreased diversity in our oral bacteria, allowing domination by caries-causing strains. The modern mouth basically exists in a permanent disease state.” The scientists are now expanding their studies geographically and over longer periods of time, even including Neanderthals.

We have good bacteria and bad bacteria throughout our bodies and illness happens when the good bacteria are unable to keep the bad in check. Many of the good bacteria which protect our oral health were the ones wiped out by the dietary changes, this allowed the bad bacteria that cause tooth decay to thrive. Brushing, flossing and getting regular dental cleanings are necessary to fight these bad bacteria and protect against tooth decay. When decayed teeth need to be restored today we use tooth colored composite fillings which do not contain mercury. Avoiding mercury based amalgam filling material is safer for our patients and for our environment.

To schedule your next dental cleaning appointment please contact Columbus cosmetic dentist Dr. Mark Levy at 614-476-6696 today.