Entstehung und Musterbildung von Macro- und Microwear auf menschlichem Zahnschmelz. Diachrone Untersuchung vom Mesolithikum bis in das frühe Mittelalter im Süddeutschen Raum, sowie unter Simulationsbedingungen

The aim of the study was to analyse the wear (macrowear) and the
electronmicroscopical features (dental microwear) on human dental
enamel. The macro- and microwear were qualitatively and
quantitatively characterized and statistically analysed. As a
consequence of different dietary behaviour of pre- and historical
human groups a variety of patterns of features should be expected.
The survey is organized in two parts, the first describes two
experimental simulation devices and the second describes and
quantifies real dental wear and microwear features on the surfaces
of teeth from mesolithic to early medieval individuals of different
human groups originating from southern Germany. The two simulations
(ACTA, Kaukraftsimulator MUC III) were realized under standardized
conditions according to the procedures in dental medicine and
dental anthropology. The progress of abrasion was determined by the
velocity and the total amount of wear and the development of
microwear features and patterns. In comparison to the ACTA-samples,
on samples simulated by the Kaukraftsimulator an increasing
evidence of stress was indicated by multiple fissures and cracks,
and microscopically irregularities of the surfaces. Similar signs
of overload were scarcely detectable on natural teeth. The
simulation procedures were associated with some specific microwear
features but did not reflect the complexity of natural chewing
procedures in elaborate microwear patterns. The acting forces in
direction and space also according to the physical properties of
the diet, which would be expressed on microwear, could only have
been constructed as a model. One important factor was the
methodological restriction of elastic absorption and of the
supporting force of compensation, which are physiologically
realized by the chewing apparatus. One second factor was the
continuing change of food intake during natural consumption which
was not achieved during the simulation. The results of real complex
microwear give evidence that features and patterns of features of
different human groups are distinguishable. Molars of human groups,
in certain cases also of individuals, can be differentiated in time
and location. The instant record of the abrasion process presents
an individual balance between the continuing development and
erasion of features, which reflects the dietary behaviour. Selected
features and their patterns are illustrated in a catalogue included
to serve as a reference. The possibilities as well as the
restrictions of the methods which were used are illustrated.
Particularly the Dental Microwear Analysis (DMA) offers good
potential to support dental medicinal science in preservation of
dental health as well as to support the food industry in the
development of modern food and its physical effect on the surface
of teeth. Within the scope of aspects concerning the evolution of
dietary behaviour of fossil animals including primates the DMA is
already established to the methodological equipment.