Palaeoproteomic characterization of archaeological dental calculus reveals precarious periodontal health in pre-Roman Italy (7th–4th century BCE)

Key Points

• Precarious periodontal health is identified in pre-Roman individuals based on palaeoproteomic analysis.
• Dental calculus samples indicate significant oral microbiome diversity and health issues from 7th to 4th century BCE.
• Analysis of archaeological dental calculus highlights the challenges of oral hygiene in early Italian societies.
• Findings suggest a long-standing history of periodontal health challenges in ancient populations.