Published January 18, 2026 | Version v1
Journal article Open

DENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL STATUS IN HISTORICAL SOCIETIES

Authors/Creators

Description

Dental health has long been influenced not only by biological and environmental factors but also by social and economic conditions. Throughout history, social status has played a decisive role in shaping access to nutrition, healthcare, and hygienic practices, all of which directly affect oral health. This article examines the relationship between dental health and social status in historical societies using archaeological, bioarchaeological, and historical evidence. By analyzing dental pathologies such as caries, periodontal disease, tooth wear, and antemortem tooth loss across different social strata, this study reveals clear patterns of inequality in oral health outcomes. The findings demonstrate that dental health functioned as both a biological indicator and a social marker, reflecting broader disparities in living conditions, labor demands, and cultural practices. Understanding these historical patterns provides valuable context for modern discussions of health inequality and social determinants of oral health.

Files

9-12 Burxonova JMPH.pdf

Files (654.8 kB)

Name Size Download all
md5:dc7d5382600831b6904a3e7b3d756675
654.8 kB Preview Download

Additional details

References

  • 1. Larsen, C. S. (2015). Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • 2. Hillson, S. (2005). Teeth. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • 3. Roberts, C., & Manchester, K. (2007). The Archaeology of Disease. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
  • 4. Lukacs, J. R. (2017). Sex differences in dental health and diet. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 164(3), 505–517.
  • 5. Waldron, T. (2009). Palaeopathology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
  • 6. Mays, S. (2010). Social status and health in medieval populations. International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, 20(1), 56–73.
  • 7. Goodman, A. H., & Armelagos, G. J. (1989). Infant and childhood stress and adult health. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 79(1), 51–63.