Swedish Vikings Battled Tooth Decay, Study Reveals

Over 60% of examined Viking remains showed signs of dental issues, with evidence of attempted treatments including tooth filing and picking.

Swedish Vikings from the 10th to 12th Century CE suffered from dental problems, including tooth decay and oral diseases, according to a study published in PLOS ONE.
Over 60% of the adult Viking remains examined showed signs of tooth decay, with some showing evidence of attempted dental treatments.
The Vikings' diet, which consisted of local produce, meat, fish, dairy, porridge, and breads made from rye, wheat, and barley, is believed to have contributed to their dental issues.
Vikings attempted to treat their dental issues in various ways, including tooth filing and tooth picking.
Future studies plan to examine the types of bacteria present in the body and their impact on the dental health of the Vikings.