The Anthropological Significance of dental calculus deposits as proxy identity signatures of the host and oral microbiota: A scoping review
Original Article
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56501/intjforensicodontol.v9i1.1087Keywords:
Forensic odontology, Forensic anthropology, Dental Calculus, Dietary and disease Status, Oral Microbiome, ancient DNAAbstract
Dental calculus is a creamish-yellow to brownish-black hard crust deposited on teeth, and having preserved the dietary microremains, biomolecules, oral microbes and secretions deposited over a long period of time. It has been widely used as a valuable material in the anthropological, archaeological, microbiological and forensic research work. The microbial and host DNA extracted and sequenced from the dental calculus deposits (DCD) may help researchers of diverse scientific disciplines to establish identify of the unknowns, entrapment of drugs and the infectious agents in past or contemporary human populations. The archaeological dental calculus can contribute in reconstruction of dietary habits, food practices and disease status of past individuals, thus help in attributing the geographical and occupational affinity of ancient skeletal remains. Advancing dental calculus analysis through validation studies, technological innovations, interdisciplinary collaborations, longitudinal research, and ethical considerations holds promise for its robust forensic applications. The current status of anthropological, archaeological and microbial research involving dental calculus deposits and its forensic importance have been presented in a nutshell in this article
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