What does Stone Age chewing gum reveal about ancient diets?

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Stone Age Chewing Gum Offers Insights into Ancient Diets and Oral Health

DNA extracted from 10,000-year-old "chewing gum" found at the Huseby Klev archaeological site in Sweden has provided significant details about the diet and oral health of Stone Age teenagers. This birch bark pitch resin, marked with teeth impressions, was likely used as an adhesive for tool assembly but may also have been chewed for pleasure or medicinal reasons. Analysis of the DNA within these ancient wads has revealed the types of food consumed by these individuals.
Diet of Stone Age Teenagers

The DNA analysis of the chewing gum demonstrated that the diet of these Stone Age teenagers was varied and included a range of animal and plant-based foods. Specifically, the genetic material indicated the consumption of deer and trout, alongside hazelnuts. Further traces detected in the gum also pointed to the inclusion of apple, duck, and fox in their diet.
Insights into Oral Health

Beyond dietary information, the chewing gum also offered a rare glimpse into the oral health conditions of the time. In one instance, DNA from a sample chewed by a teenage girl revealed the presence of numerous bacteria. These bacteria were indicative of a severe case of periodontitis, a serious gum infection that likely would have led to tooth loss and discomfort for the individual.
Use of Birch Bark Pitch

The material itself, birch bark pitch, is a black, tar-like resin. While its primary hypothesized use was as a practical adhesive for assembling tools and weapons, the presence of teethmarks strongly suggests it was also chewed. Researchers propose that this chewing may have occurred for enjoyment or for potential medicinal benefits, though its role as a tool-making substance is considered the most probable primary function.
Individuals Who Chewed the Gum

Genetic analysis confirmed that both male and female adolescents were the primary users of this ancient chewing gum. The samples were not exclusively linked to one gender, indicating a common practice among the youth of the Huseby Klev community. This broader usage across genders and age groups within the teenage demographic underscores its integration into their daily lives.

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What does Stone Age chewing gum reveal about ancient diets?

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