Earliest evidence of dental caries manipulation in the Late Upper Palaeolithic

摘要: Prehistoric dental treatments were extremely rare, and the few documented cases are known from Neolithic, when adoption of early farming culture caused an increase carious lesions. Here we report earliest evidence caries intervention on a Late Upper Palaeolithic modern human specimen (Villabruna) burial in Northern Italy. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy show presence striations deriving manipulation large occlusal cavity lower right third molar. The have "V"-shaped transverse section several parallel micro-scratches at their base, as typically displayed by cutmarks teeth. Based vitro experimental replication complete functional reconstruction Villabruna arches, confirm that identified associated extensive enamel chipping mesial wall produced ante-mortem pointed flint tools during scratching levering activities. is therefore oldest intervention, suggesting least some knowledge disease treatment well before Neolithic. This study suggests primitive forms evolution entail adaptation well-known toothpicking for rather than drilling practices.