Dental calculus as a useful tool for public health evidence in past populations: The case of two individuals from Begho-Ghana (10th—19th C. AD)

Abstract

Background. — Numerous studies have demonstrated that dental calculus is a concrete store house of the oral microbiome and micro-remains of dietary and non-dietary origin. Dental calculus analysis allows insight into past populations’ dietary contents and public health con cerns. This study aimed at questioning whether two individuals from Begho (Ghana) were at risk of industrial pollution from their dental calculus samples. Materials and method. — Three calculus samples from the two adult individuals were subjected to X-ray fluorescence analysis using the Rigaku NEX CG X-ray fluorescence machine. After cali bration with a bead of borosilicate, the 3.5 g samples were run for 15—20 minutes along with the Rigaku NEX CG XRF fundamental parameters (FP) double determination approach and a helium gas test flow rate of 0.660 ml/min. Results are semi-quantitative determinations in percent values.Results. — In total, 59 elements and 55 molecular fingerprints were automatically generated. Oxygen and calcium elements were high for all samples, and variations in Fe, Si, and Al ele ments and corresponding oxides were evidenced in the three samples. The dental calculus analysis revealed an expected composition of calcified aluminium silicate, minimal traces of industrial pollutants such as lead, mercury, and chromium, and no trace of arsenic, antimony, and cadmium. Conclusion. — By analyzing dental calculus in direct correlation with alimentation, we assert that the two individuals sampled were not exposed to lead, chromium, mercury, arsenic, anti mony, and cadmium in Begho (10th—19th C. AD). We infer that industrial pollutants did not jeopardize the health of these Begho individuals.