Tooth decay in the medieval period was a real problem, particularly for those who consumed a diet high in starches and sugars. However, tooth decay was not as prevalent as it would become in later centuries, largely due to the lack of sugar in the modern sense. Refined sugar, which is one of the primary culprits behind cavities today, didn’t become widely available in Europe until after the 16th century, when sugarcane plantations in the Caribbean were established and refined sugar became more affordable.

That said, medieval people did experience cavities. The cause of tooth decay is the same now as it was in the past: bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars and carbohydrates from food, producing acid that attacks tooth enamel. The difference is that medieval people likely didn’t consume sugar in the concentrated quantities we do today, but they did still consume honey, fruit, and other natural sweeteners, which were enough to cause tooth decay over time.

Dental research and archaeological evidence, including skeletal remains from the period, suggest that while tooth decay was present, it was not as widespread as in later centuries. The rich, who could afford refined grains, honey, and sweet fruits, likely suffered from more cavities than the poor, who ate a more monotonous and less refined diet. The wealthy also tended to live longer, giving their teeth more time to deteriorate.

How Common Was Tooth Loss?

Tooth loss was a common problem in the Middle Ages. Poor dental hygiene, combined with the high incidence of tooth decay, meant that many people lost their teeth at an early age. Archaeological studies of medieval skeletons show that tooth wear and tooth loss were widespread. In fact, it is believed that by the time medieval individuals reached their 30s or 40s, many had lost at least one tooth, and some had lost several.

The lack of oral hygiene practices like brushing and the absence of fluoride in drinking water contributed to this high rate of tooth loss. Medieval people likely did not understand the importance of brushing their teeth or using a toothpaste-like substance to clean their teeth. Instead, they might have relied on chewing sticks or cloths to clean their teeth, but these methods were far less effective than modern brushing with toothpaste. shutdown123