Floss after every meal? At least one Neanderthal did.
Floss after every meal? At least one Neanderthal
did.
Two molar teeth of around 63,400 years old show that Neanderthal predecessors of humans may have been dental hygiene fans.
The teeth have “grooves formed by the passage of a pointed object, which confirms the use of a small stick for cleaning the mouth,” Paleontology Professor Juan Luis Asuarga told reporters, presenting an archaeological find in Madrid.
The fossils, unearthed in Pinilla del Valle, are the first human examples found in the Madrid region in 25 years, the regional government’s culture department said.
“There are two (teeth), perfectly preserved, in which the wear and tear of a human of about 30 years old is perceptible,” a government statement said.
I’ll bet you thought the toothpick was invented just for diners.
Posted: Thu - September 13, 2007 at 04:52 PM