In Varnhem, a village in Sweden’s Västergötland region, archaeologists have made a fascinating discovery that sheds light on the dental practices of the Viking Age.
A recent study conducted by the University of Gothenburg has revealed that Vikings were not only fierce warriors but also surprisingly adept at managing dental health.
The study, which examined a vast collection of 3,293 teeth from 171 individuals, uncovers the complexities of Viking dental care, highlighting both the challenges they faced and the innovative solutions they devised.
The research, carried out in collaboration with an osteologist from Västergötland’s Museum, involved transporting skulls and teeth to Gothenburg for detailed examination.
Using modern dentistry tools and X-ray techniques similar to those in contemporary dental practices, the team was able to get an unprecedented look at the dental conditions of the Viking population in Varnhem.
The findings, published in the journal PLOS ONE, reveal a community grappling with widespread dental problems.
Nearly half of the population had caries (tooth decay), and adults, in particular, suffered from root caries, leading to a significant amount of tooth loss.
On average, adults had lost 6% of their teeth (excluding wisdom teeth) over their lifetimes, with the risk of tooth loss increasing with age.
Interestingly, children’s teeth, whether milk or a mix of milk and adult teeth, showed no signs of caries, suggesting that dental issues became more prevalent with age and diet changes.
Despite these challenges, there is evidence to suggest that the Vikings made concerted efforts to care for their teeth. Signs of toothpicks, dental filing, and even treatments for infections were observed, indicating a rudimentary form of dentistry.
Some molars had holes filed into them, likely to relieve pressure and pain from infections—an approach not unlike modern dental practices where infected teeth are drilled to alleviate discomfort.
The study also touched on the cultural aspects of Viking dental practices.
The filing of front teeth, observed in male cases, could have been a form of identity marker within the Viking community, although the exact reasons for this practice remain speculative.
Carolina Bertilsson, a dentist and associate researcher who led the study, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, “This study provides new insights into Viking oral health, and indicates that teeth were important in Varnhem’s Viking culture.”
The evidence of dental treatments and modifications suggests that Vikings possessed a certain level of knowledge about dental care, although it is unclear whether these procedures were performed by the individuals themselves or with assistance.
The discovery of these dental practices among the Vikings of Varnhem offers a unique glimpse into the past, revealing a side of Viking life that goes beyond their well-known history as raiders and settlers.
It suggests a society that valued dental health and took steps to address dental issues, demonstrating a level of sophistication in their medical practices that was previously unrecognized.
As research continues, these findings will undoubtedly contribute to a more nuanced understanding of Viking culture and their approach to health and hygiene.
The research findings can be found in PLOS ONE.
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