Decay afflicted even the Vikings. It was a prevalent issue among adults.

Tooth decay and dental inflammations were common problems among Swedish Vikings in the medieval period. Back then, Vikings attempted dental treatments, but it often resulted in tooth loss and, prior to that, severe pain.

Vikings are often remembered as fearless and formidable warriors who wreaked havoc in Europe a thousand years ago, especially during their raids on the British Isles. However, they were also human and suffered from diseases and ailments known today.

Even a Viking’s teeth ache.

Swedish scientists have just published in the prestigious journal ‘Plos One’ the results of analyses on nearly 3300 teeth belonging to 171 individuals. These individuals were buried between the 10th and 12th centuries in the Varnhem cemetery in southern Sweden.

What are the conclusions? Over 60 percent of the examined adult teeth showed signs of decay, most commonly on the root surface. Interestingly, none of the young individuals had tooth decay.

Experts also observed other pathologies, including tooth infections and signs of tooth loss before death. For several individuals, decay was severe enough to cause toothache.

Decay was common in the medieval period.

Researchers point out that the frequency of tooth decay in the population they studied is similar to that noted in other European populations during the same period. However, they note that almost one-quarter of the teeth from Varnhem had been lost before or after death, which likely could somewhat distort the analysis results. What does this indicate?

For instance, it was observed that the frequency of tooth decay in this population decreased with the age of adults. This is an unexpected result that probably reflects increased tooth loss in older individuals. Indeed, decay problems decreased among them, but the quality of life likely diminished due to it.

“Viking dental floss”

Vikings attempted to deal with dental diseases. Traces of ‘dental’ procedures (in the form of wear) are visible on the teeth, likely aimed at reducing the pain associated with decayed teeth. There are also signs indicating frequent attempts to remove food particles between the teeth.

Were Viking diets the cause of dental diseases?

Most Swedish Vikings, including the population buried in Varnhem, lived in agricultural communities. People consumed meats like beef, pork, and mutton, as well as fish and dairy products from domesticated animals.

Their diet was complemented by bread and porridge, along with vegetables like legumes: grey peas and broad beans, cabbage, and turnips. Vikings also ate hazelnuts and mushrooms. Fermentable carbohydrates came only from three natural sources: fruits or berries, honey, and malt. Other carbohydrates came from barley, wheat, oats, rye, and peas, used to make bread, porridge, and soup.

“High consumption of starchy foods, combined with a lack of dental care and hygiene, and places where food residue accumulates between the teeth, partly explains the occurrence of decay in this population,” believe the scientists. They also emphasize that decay arises from various causes.

Decay then and now

The prevalence of decay during Viking times shouldn’t be particularly surprising. Decay is a serious problem that an increasing number of children face, appearing earlier in life due to the widespread consumption of sugary beverages and sweets.

Research indicates that tooth decay affects over half of three-year-olds globally, 80 percent of five-year-olds, and a staggering 90 percent of seven-year-olds. Statistics reveal that 35 percent of seven-year-old children worldwide have at least one filling, and 12 percent have had at least one decayed tooth removed. Overall, approximately 2.4 billion people around the world suffer from tooth decay.

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