Scientists explore oral microbiome of 4,000-year-old man

Researchers have recovered preserved microbiomes from two teeth found in an Irish cave from 4,000 years ago. The teeth belonged to the same person and provided a snapshot of his oral health. 

The study’s authors identified several bacteria linked to gum disease and provided the first high-quality ancient genome of Streptococcus mutans, a major culprit that causes tooth decay.

"We were very surprised to see such a large abundance of S. mutans in this 4,000-year-old tooth," said Lara Cassidy, Ph.D., an assistant professor at Trinity's School of Genetics and Microbiology and senior author of the study. "It is a remarkably rare find and suggests this man was at a high risk of developing cavities right before his death." 

Read more: ScienceDaily

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