07/26/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/192ig2Xz4W/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Scientists May Have Found The Oldest Known Evidence Of Dental Treatment
A 59,000-year-old Neanderthal tooth discovered in Siberia is offering a remarkable glimpse into how our ancient relatives may have dealt with severe tooth pain.
The molar contained a deep cavity extending into the pulp—the soft tissue that houses nerves and blood vessels. Under high-powered microscopes, researchers identified microscopic scratch marks that are consistent with intentional drilling using a sharp stone tool, likely to remove decayed tissue and reduce pain.
Even more remarkable, the tooth showed signs of healing and continued use after the procedure, suggesting the individual survived and continued chewing with the treated tooth. Researchers also found wear patterns linked to toothpick use, hinting that Neanderthals may have practiced a basic form of oral hygiene.
If these findings are confirmed by future research, this could represent the oldest known evidence of invasive dental treatment ever discovered—pushing the origins of dentistry back tens of thousands of years and revealing that the desire to relieve tooth pain may be one of humanity's oldest shared experiences.
📖 Source: Zubova A, Zotkina LV, et al. Earliest evidence for invasive mitigation of dental caries by Neanderthals. PLOS ONE (2026).
