Non-masticatory dental lesions in the Samnite necropolis of Alfedena (3rd–5th centuries BCE; central-southern Italy)

In skeletal remains, teeth are a valuable source of information regarding the biological profile of an individual, as well as dietary patterns and health. Atypical dental wear and oral lesions are especially helpful in reconstructions of dietary patterns in populations of varying subsistence and the use of teeth as “a third hand” or as “a tool”. Four oral lesions were recorded in the dental remains of Alfedena: chipping, notching, interproximal grooving and lingual surface attrition of the maxillary anterior teeth. Teeth (N = 400) from 23 individuals were examined macroscopically to document these lesions as evidence of habitual behavior. Results suggest that teeth were used in a habitual manner at Alfedena, based on the morphology, distribution and grade of the patterns of the dental lesions. Differences were observed between the sexes, indicating gender-related differences in the habitual use of teeth.