SoA Forum

History => Ancient and Medieval History => Topic started by: Keraunos on Aug 31, 2026, 01:25 PM

Title: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: Keraunos on Aug 31, 2026, 01:25 PM
IMG_4235.jpg

This question is posed in a recent article on dental health and dental modifications in the Viking Age found in the 'Shield of Skuld' Wordpress site.  I'm not sure how to create a link to this.

The answer seems to be that while the Norse were less prone to caries than Southern Europeans of the time, the high proportion of foodstuffs preserved in acidic whey in their diet was not good for their dental health.
Title: Re: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: DBS on Aug 31, 2026, 06:23 PM
Hmmm, biting one's shield rim might be considered by dentists a tad sub-optimal...
Title: Re: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: stevenneate on Sep 01, 2026, 06:51 AM
Quote from: DBS on Aug 31, 2026, 06:23 PMHmmm, biting one's shield rim might be considered by dentists a tad sub-optimal...

I chewed my toothbrush ever since my mum took my shield away.
Title: Re: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: Imperial Dave on Sep 01, 2026, 06:27 PM
Perhaps the shield rim served as flossing?
Title: Re: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: stevenneate on Sep 01, 2026, 11:04 PM
I kept finding the monk's blood getting stuck between my teeth. Next time, I take the bow & arrows.
Title: Re: Did the Norse have healthy Teeth?
Post by: Imperial Dave on Sep 02, 2026, 05:58 AM
Definitely flossing