[Dental caries in ancient Chinese in Xia Dynasty].

OBJECTIVE

To study the ancient teeth helped us to acquaint with the evolution of oral diseases.

METHODS

Teeth and jaws excavated in Erlitou, Henan province and Youyao, Shanxi province were observed clinically with care. The total specimens included 56 individuals (38 males and 18 females, including 894 permanent teeth and 86 dental arches). The dental caries were observed. The incidence of dental caries was calculated.

RESULTS

The rate of dental caries was 6.9% in 894 observed teeth. The prevalence was 39% among individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of dental caries in ancient Chinese in Xia Dynasty was lower than that in modem people. There were more caries in elderly people while no sex difference was found in Chinese in Xia Dynasty, which was similar to the situation in modern society. Cervical caries was more common than occlusal caries. The second molars and the third molars were frequently involved, which was different from the phenomenon nowadays.