[Contributions of dentistry to physical anthropology: example of the medieval cemetery of Coxyde].

Abstract

The role of the odontologist is crucial for the study of archaeological material. The excavations at the site of the ancient abbey of the Dunes of Koksijde led to the discovery of more than a thousand burial places. It is possible to estimate the age of the skeletons by studying molar dental wear. This method is however less appropriate for the industrialised populations of the 21st century, because of the switch to more diverse and processed (less abrasive) food.