While the idea of prehistoric dentistry may not sound enticing, anthropologists have discovered evidence Neanderthals practiced an early form of dental hygiene. Examining a wisdom tooth and premolar from the Late Pleistocene era, anthropologists in Poland found evidence their owners used a rudimentary toothpick. Toothpick grooves in Neanderthal teeth have been discovered in other parts of Europe, but these findings suggest the practice was widespread, perhaps even learned. It appears that the owner of the tooth used oral hygiene. 'No one has ever found an actual toothpick at a Neanderthal site, even though many Neanderthals used them,' he added.

Source: Daily Mail March 22, 2021 22:40 UTC