The Claim
Dental calculus from a 1.2-million-year-old hominin fossil contained non-edible wood fragments adjacent to an interproximal groove, suggesting possible use of tools or objects for oral hygiene or material processing.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Scientists found pieces of non-food wood in the dental calculus of a 1.2-million-year-old hominin fossil, positioned near a groove between teeth, which may indicate the use of tools for cleaning teeth or processing materials.
See the scientific wording
Dental calculus from a 1.2-million-year-old hominin fossil contained non-edible wood fragments adjacent to an interproximal groove, suggesting possible use of tools or objects for oral hygiene or material processing.
A person used a small stick or similar object to poke between their teeth to remove stuck plant material, leaving behind wood fragments that became trapped and preserved in the hardened plaque around the teeth.
What the research says
1 studyScientists found tiny pieces of wood stuck between the teeth of a very old hominin, and they think it might mean the hominin used a stick to clean its teeth or handle plants — just like we might use a toothpick today.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.