Vikings' Dental Dilemma: Coping with Toothache and Decay
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
Analysis of over 3,200 teeth from 171 Swedish Vikings buried between the 10th and 12th century reveals that almost two-thirds of Viking adults had at least one cavity, leading to painful infections and abscesses. Without access to modern dental treatments, Vikings resorted to drilling their own teeth and pulling them out to cope with the pain. The study also found evidence of dental hygiene practices such as using toothpicks. The Vikings' starchy diet, consumption of beer and mead, and lack of clean water contributed to their dental problems.