If our teeth are hurting these days we’ll often reach for an aspirin and book an appointment with our dentist. But surely they couldn’t have done that in pre-historic times?
Well, of course they didn’t have access to a dentist, but they did use “aspirin” for pain in their teeth.
According to new research by Laura Weyrich, of the Australian Center for Ancient DNA at the University of Adelaide, plaque found on a Neanderthal tooth suggests that they were using the active ingredient in aspirin for pain relief.
When examine the tooth from the Neanderthals smile they also found evidence of a natural antibiotic mold, i.e. penicillium, that we would not discover for 40,000 years. It seems crazy to think that Neanderthals cared for their smile as much as we do now!
“Dental plaque traps microorganisms that lived in the mouth and pathogens found in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract,” she explained in a university news release. Plaque also harbors “bits of food stuck in the teeth — preserving the DNA for thousands of years.”
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Dr. Colin Conway BDS BSc South AfricaWith more than 20 years experience in dental practice, Colin has never been more excited and passionate about his dentistry!
Colin grew up in South Africa, and completed studies toward research science and dentistry degrees in South Africa. He moved from Cape Town to the UK in April 2002, and has worked in some of the UK’s leading dental practices - gaining the experience and confidence to offer a wide range of dental services.
Says Colin: "I often joke that I moved to the UK for the weather! But actually I moved because the UK offers world-class opportunities for dentists to expand their knowledge and skillset, a fact which I have embraced. I am equally comfortable doing a dental check-up and cleaning, placing a dental implant or fitting braces to straighten teeth."
Colin lives in Windsor with his partner and two dogs, enjoying the city/country balance offered by its close proximity to London. On weekends, you’re likely to find him cycling along the river or in some of the great parks surrounding the town.
Dr. Bruce Mutch BDS South Africa Bruce has been in General Dental Practice for 30 years. Says Bruce: "I have always concentrated on Dental Health, getting patients healthy and showing them how it is possible to keep their own teeth for life.” Bruce has a special interest in Cosmetic Dentistry and Children’s Orthodontics. When he's not doing dentistry, you will find Bruce on the tennis court or walking his dog. "Animals have always been a big part of my life, and in my younger days I used to show jump competitively".
