Dental calculus is the richest known source of ancient DNA in the archaeological record. That stubborn mineralized plaque, once treated as little more than an unpleasant byproduct of life, has become ...

Daily brushing and flossing play a significant role in keeping plaque at bay, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, tartar can build up on our teeth. Tartar, also known as dental calculus, is a ...

A nuisance to dentists is now a boon for archaeologists. Researchers have successfully sequenced DNA from fossilized plaque on 700-year-old teeth. Calculus is the only part of your body to fossilize ...

Yuck factor aside, ancient tartar-encrusted teeth may be a biological goldmine for scientists, thanks to a new technique for extracting food particles from the teeth of prehistoric humans. The method ...

SOMETIMES you need a phone call from your dentist to remind you to schedule a teeth-cleaning appointment. Other times, just running your tongue over your teeth may get you to pay a visit to the ...