Nearly Half of Vikings Suffered from Dental Caries

SWEDEN: A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, delves into the dental health of Vikings, shedding light on the prevalence of dental problems and the intriguing ways in which they maintained oral hygiene. The study, published on January 5, 2024, examined 3,293 teeth from the skeletal remains of 171 Vikings buried in Varnhem, Sweden, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

Extensive Dental Examination

The researchers clinically examined the teeth using a dental probe under a strong light source, with some teeth undergoing X-rays for confirmation. The investigation aimed to identify carious lesions, tooth wear, apical pathology, and other dental conditions. Additionally, the study recorded the number of remaining and lost teeth, examining the alveolar bone to determine whether tooth loss occurred before or after death.

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The findings revealed that nearly half (49%) of the individuals examined exhibited at least one carious lesion. Intriguingly, individuals with deciduous or mixed dentition were caries-free, while approximately 62% of those with permanent dentition had at least one carious lesion.

Viking Dental Hygiene Practices

The study uncovered evidence suggesting that Vikings used toothpicks to dislodge food particles, and notably, no carious lesions were found on teeth with abrasions caused by tooth picking. 

This implies a concerted effort by some Vikings to maintain dental cleanliness. Around 4% of the teeth exhibited signs of infection, with large carious lesions indicating potential tooth pain. The Vikings even resorted to filing their teeth to alleviate discomfort caused by infection.

The research team identified more sophisticated dental practices among Vikings. Some teeth showed evidence of opened and widened pulpal chambers, resembling modern-day dental treatments. Carolina Bertilsson, the lead author of the study and a dentist at the University of Gothenburg, expressed her sentiments on the findings, emphasizing the unimaginable suffering some Vikings endured without modern dental methods.

In the upcoming phase of their research, the team plans to investigate the bacteria present in the bodies of Vikings and its potential impact on their oral health. The study provides a fascinating glimpse into the dental practices of Vikings, revealing a level of sophistication that may surprise modern observers.

For more detailed insights, read the full study: Caries prevalence and other dental pathological conditions in Vikings from Varnhem, Sweden

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