Pompeii citizens had perfect teeth
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- Published: Tuesday, 06 October 2015 07:51
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Researchers in Italy say that the victims of Pompeii had perfect teeth right up to the moment when they were covered in and petrified by volcanic ash by Vesuvius in 79AD. Scientists speculate that the Pompeians’ teeth were perfected by their healthy diets (which consisted of a lot of fruits and vegetables) and the high levels of fluorine that exist around the volcano.
In the 1800s, the skeletal remains of Pompeii were cast in plaster for protection. Unfortunately, this protective casing also made them extremely hard to research. In fact, it was only very recently that scientists—with the help of multi-layer CT scans—have been able to make 3-D reconstructions of the skeletons to provide insights into Pompeian life.
Results of the CT scans of the plaster casts of Pompeiians who perished in the 79 AD eruption of are in, and they are spectacular. As smoke suffocated the populace and ash fell on their bodies, they were gradually made into pumice shells, their flesh rotting away and leaving bone and teeth. In the 19th century, archaeologists poured plaster into the pumice shells, creating the twisted but resilient bodies tourists can view when they visit the ruins of the ancient city. Months of research by the Archaeological Superintendency of Pompeii has now revealed images of the inside of these casts — bones, teeth, roots, and all.
After looking at nearly three dozen people, archaeologists have found little evidence of dental cavities. This is thought to be due to a mainly vegetarian diet and to an almost total lack of sugar in the diet, explained dental surgeon Elisa Vanacore.
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