Prehistoric chewing gum sheds light on diet in the Stone Age

The DNA of a type of ‘chewing gum’ used by young people in Sweden 10,000 years ago is shedding new light on diet and oral health in the Stone Age, according to a study. DThe study of the genetic material showed that the diet of Stone Age teenagers included deer, trout and hazelnuts. Anders Götherström, co-author of the study published in the journal ‘Scientific Reports’, told AFP news agency.

Traces of apples, ducks and foxes were also found. The ‘chewing gum’ consists of birch bark pitch, a tar-like black substance, and was discovered thirty years ago next to bones at an archaeological dig north of the Swedish city of Gothenburg. The finds are mixed with saliva and show clear teeth marks.

Most likely, the birch pitch was chewed to be used “as glue” for tools and weapons, Götherström said. People could also have chewed the pieces “because they liked them or because they thought they had a medicinal purpose,” he continued.

In 2019, a study looked at the genetic profile of the people who had the ‘chewing gum samples’ in their mouths. In the current study, Götherström and his team of paleontologists from Stockholm University were able to use DNA to determine parts of the diet and also the dental health of the chewers.

In a piece chewed by a teenager, researchers found “a number of bacteria indicative of a severe case of periodontal disease.” i.e. gingivitis, said Götherström. The woman probably lost her teeth shortly after chewing the rubber. “It must have hurt too,” the scientist continued. (saw/sda/afp)