Have you ever thought about where your teeth came from? It may seem like a strange question, but there is some very interesting history in your mouth if you know where to look! Human teeth have undergone many changes through evolution, and archeologists have used them to understand a lot about ancient societies. If you want to learn all about the evolution of your teeth, continue reading. You’ll go on a journey through time to see how your jaw came to be!
The Durable Teeth of Early Man
Human’s earliest ancestors lived around 4 million years ago. They had large, robust teeth and powerful jaws, designed to handle a diet of tough, fibrous plants and raw meat. Their molars were much larger than modern ones, helping them grind down vegetation.
Their canines were also more prominent compared to modern humans. These allowed them to grip and tear food more effectively, but some archeologists believe they might have also been used in self-defense.
How Cooking Changed the Evolution of Your Teeth
Early humans needed bigger teeth because their diet was made of tougher foods. However, at some point in history, fire was discovered, and it changed everything. Humans could now cook their food, making it more tender, and easily digested. As time wore on, their teeth and jaws began to grow smaller even as their skulls became larger to house more developed brains.
The Modern Mouth
As humankind continued to evolve, their brains began to take up the majority of their skulls. Tool use and farming development continued to shape human teeth and jaws until they resembled the modern mouth. Teeth became smaller and more uniform because the shift to farming produced softer, processed foods, reducing the need for large, tough teeth.
Today, your teeth are smaller, and your jaw is weaker than your ancestors. However, you can simply order what you need from the comfort of your home! Your ability to survive no longer depends on your jaw size but on the power of your mind to work and provide sustenance. So, don’t feel too bad that you can’t bite a stick in half; it’s not really necessary.
By understanding the evolution of human teeth, you can gain many insights into the past. It may make you more grateful that you don’t need to fight with your bite or chew on tough seeds to survive! Best of all, you learn that taking care of your oral health is a much easier prospect than it was thousands of years ago. So, continue your dental hygiene routine and admire your brilliant, modern smile.
About the Author
Dr. Craig R. Harder is a talented and passionate dental expert with a degree from Creighton University. He loves helping his patients discover their best smiles through personalized treatments and dental education. If you want your teeth to be stronger and healthier, call (509) 765-4351 to schedule an appointment at Moses Lake Family Dentistry. Or, you could visit the website to learn more.