World’s oldest wet mummy had tooth decay

The Neolithic mummy Otzi had a large number of oral diseases and dentition problems that are still widespread today, a new study has revealed.

The Neolithic mummy Otzi had a large number of oral diseases and dentition problems that are still widespread today, a new study has revealed.

HT Image

The Iceman, which is the oldest wet mummy in the world, suffered from heavy dental abrasions, had several carious lesions — some severe — and had mechanical trauma to one of his front teeth, which was probably due to an accident, explained professor Frank Ruhli, head of the study.

Since the discovery of the mummy in 1991, numerous scientific examinations have taken place.