Oral and dental health in the Neolithic skeletal population from Boncuklu Tarla, Mardin

Skeletal populations from archaeological excavations provide valuable sources for a detailed analysis of oral and dental health based on paleodemographic data derived. Such analyses offer crucial insights into the overall health status, dietary habits, food preparation methods, cultures, and subsistence economies of ancient societies. In this study, the dental and jaw pathologies of the Neolithic population that inhabited Boncuklu Tarla in the Dargeçit district of Mardin province were examined. Through these analyses, in-depth information is sought regarding the general oral and dental health, dietary habits, and lifestyle of the population during the Neolithic period. The paleoanthropological analysis of skeletons dating back to the Neolithic period at Boncuklu Tarla revealed a total of 158 individuals, including 1 fetus, 8 infants, 47 children, and 80 adults, with an additional 22 adults whose indivudual remains undetermined sex. Among these, 23 individuals (1 fetus and 22 of undetermined sex) were excluded from the study, leaving 135 individuals for analysis. A total of 1506 teeth were examined, with 1275 teeth included in the analysis. 77 teeth from individuals with undetermined sex and 154 teeth not attributed to any specific individual were excluded from the analysis. The study focused on determining the rates of tooth wear, dental caries, hypoplasia, dental calculus, periapical lesions (abscesses), periodontal diseases (alveolar loss), and antemortem tooth loss (pre-mortem tooth loss). The obtained results were compared with the averages of ancient Anatolian communities. Based on dental analysis, the mean tooth wear was calculated as x̄: 3.27, dental caries rate as 1.6%, hypoplasia rate as 14.9%, dental calculus rate as 34.68%, periapical lesions (abscesses) rate as 2.63%, periodontal diseases (alveolar loss) rate as 40.98%, and antemortem tooth loss rate as 2.63%. These findings provide detailed insights into the oral and dental health of the Boncuklu Tarla population. The study results indicate that the Boncuklu Tarla population reflects the early stages of cereal consumption, marking the transition to an agricultural society. The preference for fibrous foods in nutrition is crucial in demonstrating the continuation of hunting and gathering activities. Generally observed tooth wears suggest the consumption of incompletely ground products in food preparation techniques. The low incidence of dental caries is significant in indicating that refined sugars have not yet become part of the diet and there has not been an immediate noticeable increase in dental caries. High rates of hypoplasia, especially during childhood, young adulthood, and middle adulthood, point to nutritional deficiencies and health issues during these periods. Tooth wear rates emerge as a primary factor in jaw and dental diseases observed in the population.