THE IMPACT OF DIET ON DENTAL HEALTH IN ANCIENT SOCIETIES

Diet plays a central role in shaping oral health, influencing the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and other pathologies. In ancient societies, food composition, preparation techniques, and cultural practices directly affected dental health outcomes. This article examines the impact of diet on dental health in ancient populations by integrating archaeological evidence, skeletal analysis, and historical sources. Findings indicate that carbohydrate-rich diets, coarse grains, and abrasive food particles increased caries and tooth wear, while high-protein and fibrous diets contributed to oral robustness. Understanding dietary influences on dental health in antiquity provides insights into the evolution of human nutrition, health, and cultural adaptation, highlighting the interplay between environment, diet, and oral biology.