'Microbial Pompeii:' 1,000-year-old plaque preserves bacteria, microscopic particles of food on skeleton teeth

A ‘microbial Pompeii’ has been discovered, preserved on the teeth of skeletons around 1,000 years old. The research team discovered that the ancient human oral cavity carries numerous opportunistic pathogens and that periodontal disease is caused by the same bacteria today as in the past, despite major changes in human diet and hygiene. “The study of ancient microbiomes helps us understand the evolutionary history of human health and disease," says a senior author of the study. “It informs modern medicine.”

Source: http://feeds.sciencedaily.com/~r/sciencedaily/health_medicine/dentistry/~3/Svm5TGs245k/140223131629.htm

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