Characterization of dental calculus in the South American Quaternary proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis (Ameghino, 1888)

ABSTRACT Dental calculus, or tartar, is a mineralized biofilm that develops on the teeth, and is often observed on the teeth of the South American proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis. This structure can provide details on paleoecological, paleoenvironmental and paleopathological aspects of a specie...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Journal of quaternary science Vol. 39; no. 8; pp. 1216 - 1224
Main Authors:	Fonseca De Paiva, Ana Clara, Alves‐Silva, Laís, De Souza Barbosa, Fernando Henrique
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-11-2024
Subjects:	Biofilms Dental calculi Dental calculus Distribution patterns megafauna Molars Notiomastodon platensis paleobiology Paleoecology paleopathology Pleistocene tartar Teeth
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Summary:	ABSTRACT Dental calculus, or tartar, is a mineralized biofilm that develops on the teeth, and is often observed on the teeth of the South American proboscidean Notiomastodon platensis. This structure can provide details on paleoecological, paleoenvironmental and paleopathological aspects of a species. However, characterization of tartar in N. platensis is lacking. The aim of this study was to provide a macromorphological characterization of tartar on N. platensis molars, and evaluate its prevalence, distribution patterns and severity. A total of 117 molariforms from Brazilian Quaternary fossiliferous assemblages were analyzed. Thirty‐five (29.9%) molars presented tartar. The majority displayed moderate severity. Calculus was present at least on one inteloph(id) of each molar, and prevailed on the posterior region. It predominated on lower and third molars. Adult individuals showed a predominance compared to juveniles. These patterns in N. platensis are probably due to the susceptible oral environment, molar morphology, mature age and tooth replacement. These results suggest that N. platensis and probably other proboscideans were relatively susceptible to tartar development.
ISSN:	0267-8179 1099-1417
DOI:	10.1002/jqs.3602