Captain Caveman's Cavities

Archaeologists in Pakistan have found evidence which suggests dental drills may have been used to treat tooth decay in prehistoric times, 8-9,000 years ago.

Working in Baluchistan, the team found remains of two men with perfectly round 2.5mm holes in their molar teeth. The holes were too round to have been caused by Bacteria and jewellery found in the same area suggests that the civilisations of the time were capable of working to such precision.

It is believed that plants or other decaying material would then have been packed into the hole to treat decay.

The Egyptians are known to have used dental drills in 3,000 BC for a range of dental work, also using salt as a remedy for tooth decay.

Friday, 4 May 2001