"Uncovering Ancient Diets: Bacteria in Bronze Age Teeth Shed Light on Human Health"

Two 4,000-year-old teeth discovered in Ireland contained an abundance of cavity-causing bacteria, shedding light on the impact of changes in the human diet on oral health. The presence of Streptococcus mutans, rare in ancient teeth due to its acid-producing nature, suggests a connection between dietary changes and tooth decay. Analysis of the ancient bacteria's traits and comparison to modern samples revealed its evolution alongside changes in human diet, particularly the popularization of sugar and cereal grains. The findings highlight the impact of dietary change on oral health and provide insight into the evolution of the human oral microbiota.