Archaeologyhealth News

The Hidden Dental Solution of a 17th-Century Aristocrat

Scientists have discovered that a 17th-century French aristocrat, Anne d'Alegre, used gold wire to hold her teeth together and prevent them from falling out. The discovery was made 400 years after her death during an archaeological excavation. A recent study revealed that d'Alegre suffered from periodontal disease, which loosened her teeth. The gold wire, along with an ivory artificial tooth, worsened her dental condition over time. The findings shed light on the pressures faced by aristocratic women during that era, where appearance was closely tied to social status.