ABSTRACT This study presents a palaeoepidemiological analysis of edentulism in an early medieval population from northern Serbia, using the Kennedy Classification system as a diagnostic tool. Drawing on data from three necropolises, Site 40—Potes Gornje Sajlovo, Čik, and Pionirska Ulica, located in the Bačka district and dated between the 6th and 9th centuries ad during Avar dominance, this study explores edentulism, not only as a dental condition but also as a possible proxy for dietary habits, disease risk, and potential patterns of ancient dental practices. A total of 159 individuals were analyzed, with 141 maxillae (75.2%) and 156 mandibles (83.1%) examined. Edentulism in at least one jaw was identified in 82 individuals (51.6%). Statistical analysis revealed a clear age‐related increase in edentulism for both jaws. In the maxilla, significant differences were observed between young and mature adults ( p < 0.001), young and old adults ( p < 0.001), as well as between middle and older age cohorts. Similar patterns were identified in the mandible, suggesting that age was a key factor in tooth loss. Notably, a lower frequency of Kennedy Class III edentulism, typically associated with carious lesions, may imply a lower prevalence of caries in this population. The presence of well‐healed alveolar ridges, with no signs of complications, could suggest that tooth extractions were often conducted with care and possibly by skilled individuals. This study contributes to the growing understanding of oral health in past populations and raises questions about the intersection of biology and culture in shaping dental status. Future research will further explore edentulism as a bio‐cultural phenomenon, focusing on healthcare, dietary patterns, and social determinants of tooth loss in early medieval contexts.
Mihajlović et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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