engleski

The influence of oral health on the mandibular cortex in three archaeological populations from Croatia

Three skeletal series from Croatia were examined for four dento-alveolar pathologies: caries, calculus, alveolar resorption and tooth wear. Digital orthopantomograms were recorded and the mandibular cortical index (MCI) was determined. The aim of the study was to es- tablish differences in MCI values between the three populations, and possible influence of oral health status on mandibular cortical bone quality. The first series consisted of 26 skeletons from Šibenik Sv. Lovre site (10th – 13th century), the second of 33 skeletons from the late medieval Dugopolje site (13th - 16th century) and the third of 18 skeletons from the early modern Koprivno Vlach site (16th -18th centu-ry). Results showed no statistically significant differences in MCI be-tween three groups. Of the four examined dento-alveolar pathologies, only tooth wear showed significant positive correlation with MCI. MCI was in positive correlation with age in the complete sample. In conclu-sion, aging and mastication forces were factors influencing cortical bone quality.

paleodontology ; archaeology

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