Original Article

Written By Journals SDC

Year : 2024 | Volume : 9 | Issue : 1 | Page : 8-26

The Anthropological Significance of dental calculus deposits as proxy identity signatures of the host and oral microbiota: A scoping review

JS Serawat1

1-Assistant Professor, Department of Anthropology, Punjab University, Chandigarh (India).

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. Neda Ahsan

Central Hospital, South Eastern RailwaysGarden Reach, Kolkata, West Bengal, India Pin –700043

Mobile no. –+91-8755199308

Email –drahsanjnmc@gmail.com

Abstract

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

Keywords: Forensic odontology, Forensic anthropology, Dental Calculus, Dietary and disease Status, Oral Microbiome, ancient DNA.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest

How to Cite this Article: SERAWAT, J. S. (2024). The Anthropological Significance of dental calculus deposits as proxy identity signatures of the host and oral microbiota: A scoping review: Original Article. International Journal of Forensic Odontology, 9(1), 8–26. https://doi.org/10.56501/intjforensicodontol.v9i1.1087

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