Dental Corrosion in Preindustrial Societies: A Case Study of a Child from “Pedra do Cachorro” Dating to 1,470 BP, Northeastern Brazil

Abstract

Reflux, frequent vomiting, and the high intake of acidic beverages in industrial societies result in a relatively elevated frequency of dental corrosion. In the past, however, chemical dental wear was rather rare. Here we present and analyze a child from the Fifth Century CE that evidenced a growth pattern which was below that expected for an infant of its age. Furthermore, the child also had a peculiar pattern of dental erosion. This 3-year-old child dated to 1470±30BP from the archaeological site of Pedra do Cachorro (northeastern Brazil) had its bones and teeth analyzed macroscopically, radio-graphically (X-ray and tomography), and microscopically (SEM). Harris lines, linear enamel hypoplasia, and the poor linear growth presented by this sub-adult suggest malnutrition or some other physiological stress. The unique pattern of chemical wear on the lingual surfaces of upper incisors was compatible with dental corrosion, reinforcing the diagnosis of frequent vomiting possibly caused by an undefined gastric disorder, which could have been a factor in the early death of this child.