05/15/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/1B6mUi13sV/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Neanderthals used stone tools to treat cavities nearly 59,000 years ago, according to a newly studied tooth discovered in Siberia.
Scientists found a Neanderthal molar with a deep drilled hole reaching the pulp — the inner tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. Microscopic analysis revealed scratch patterns consistent with intentional drilling using a sharp stone tool, likely to remove infected tissue and relieve severe tooth pain.
The tooth also showed signs of healing and continued use afterward, suggesting the individual survived the procedure.
Researchers additionally found grooves linked to toothpick use, indicating Neanderthals may have cleaned their teeth long before modern dentistry existed.
This could represent the oldest known evidence of complex dental treatment in human history.
Source: Zubova A, Zotkina LV, et al. (2026). Earliest evidence for invasive mitigation of dental caries by Neanderthals. PLOS ONE. (2026)
