Not fast, slow occlusal wear in Jomon hunter-gatherers

Jomon hunter-gatherers from northern Japan exhibited significantly slower occlusal wear compared to other prehistoric populations with abrasive, plant-based diets. This finding challenges the assumption that hunter-gatherers universally experience rapid dental wear due to dietary habits. Researchers analyzed molar wear rates using average score differences between adjacent teeth, a method independent of age. Their results showed that Jomon wear rates were comparable to or lower than those of cold-climate populations with minimal plant food reliance, suggesting that pottery use and cooking methods may have reduced abrasive exposure. This study provides new insights into the dietary and technological adaptations of prehistoric societies.

Nakamura, K., & Kondo, O. (2025). Not fast, slow occlusal wear in Jomon hunter-gatherers. Anthropological Science, 133(2), 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1537/ase.241122