The intersection of modern clinical practice and historical inquiry often yields the most profound insights into human health. In a compelling bridge between the dental chair and the archaeological trench, a Parisian dentist is currently uncovering the biological secrets of Normandy’s past. By analyzing the dental remains of populations living between the 16th and 18th centuries, this research is providing a window into the dietary habits, social stratifications, and systemic health of early modern France.
Sandrine Jacquot-Barreau, a practicing dentist in the Paris region, has transitioned from treating contemporary patients to studying the oral health of those long deceased. In September 2025, she began a doctoral thesis at the École pratique des hautes études (EPHE), focusing on the dental state and dietary practices of Norman populations. Her work represents a sophisticated application of paleodontology—the study of ancient teeth—to reconstruct the lived experiences of historical communities.
The study is utilizing a diverse array of biological samples to ensure a representative overview of the region. Key datasets include remains recovered from the church of Saint-Germain in Flers, located in the Orne department, as well as collections from the aître Saint-Maclou. This multi-site approach allows researchers to compare dental health across different locales and socio-economic backgrounds, offering a granular view of how nutrition and environment shaped the physical bodies of the Normans over three centuries.
By examining these remains, the research aims to map the evolution of oral pathologies and their correlation with changing food sources. Because tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, it preserves a permanent record of a person’s life, from childhood malnutrition to adult dietary shifts, making it an invaluable archive for medical historians and bioarchaeologists alike.
The Science of Paleodontology: Reading the Teeth
To the untrained eye, an ancient molar is simply a relic; to a clinician and researcher like Jacquot-Barreau, it is a data-rich biological ledger. The study of the dental health of historical populations relies on several key markers that reveal the interplay between biology, and culture.
One of the primary focuses is the analysis of dental caries (cavities). The prevalence and location of caries are direct indicators of carbohydrate and sugar intake. In the context of the 16th to 18th centuries, this period coincides with the gradual introduction and increased availability of colonial sugars in Europe. By tracking the rise in caries across these three centuries, the research can help pinpoint when sugar became a staple for different social classes in Normandy.
Beyond decay, the research examines dental wear patterns. The grit and coarseness of food—often caused by stone-grinding techniques used for flour—leave distinct abrasion marks on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. These patterns not only reveal the texture of the diet but can also indicate the types of tools used for food preparation and the general nutritional quality of the diet.
the presence of dental abscesses and periodontal disease provides clues about the overall systemic health and immune resilience of the population. Chronic oral infections often mirror broader health crises, such as periods of famine or the spread of infectious diseases, which may have compromised the populations’ ability to maintain oral hygiene or fight off opportunistic bacteria.
Institutional Collaboration and Methodology
The complexity of this research requires a multidisciplinary framework, combining the clinical expertise of dentistry with the rigorous standards of archaeology. A critical partner in this endeavor is the Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives (Inrap), specifically through work conducted at Inrap Grand Quevilly. The collaboration ensures that the recovery and handling of skeletal remains are performed with the highest ethical and scientific standards.
The methodology involves a systematic recording of every specimen, utilizing high-resolution imaging and precise clinical charting. By applying the same diagnostic rigor used in a modern dental clinic to archaeological samples, the researcher can categorize pathologies with clinical accuracy. This bridge between the “clinic” and the “field” allows for a more nuanced interpretation of how historical dental conditions would have impacted the quality of life for individuals in the early modern period.
The focus on the aître Saint-Maclou collection is particularly significant. These sites often contain stratified remains that allow for a chronological analysis, enabling the researcher to observe how dental health shifted not just by location, but by generation. This temporal depth is essential for understanding the long-term impact of agricultural shifts and economic changes in the Normandy region.
Why Historical Dental Health Matters Today
While the study focuses on the distant past, the implications of paleodontological research extend to modern public health. Understanding the “baseline” of human dental health before the industrialization of food production helps clinicians understand the natural evolution of the human mouth and the impact of processed diets.
The transition from a diet based on coarse, whole grains to one rich in refined sugars and soft textures has fundamentally altered the human jaw and tooth alignment. By documenting the dental state of the 16th-18th century Normans, this research contributes to a broader understanding of the “mismatch” between our evolutionary biology and our modern environment.
this work highlights the importance of interdisciplinary scholarship. When a medical professional applies their specialized knowledge to the humanities, it breathes new life into archaeological finds, transforming “bones” into “biographies.” The work of Sandrine Jacquot-Barreau exemplifies how professional diversification—moving from clinical practice to a PhD at an institution like EPHE—can drive innovation in both medicine and history.
Key Insights from Paleodontological Analysis
| Dental Marker | Potential Historical Meaning | Health Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| High Caries Rate | Increased consumption of sugars/starches | Dietary shift/Social status |
| Severe Occlusal Wear | Coarse food particles (e.g., stone-ground grain) | Food processing methods |
| Hypoplasia (Enamel Lines) | Childhood stress, malnutrition, or illness | Early life health/Development |
| Periodontal Disease | Poor systemic health or lack of hygiene | Overall immune resilience |
As the research continues, the findings are expected to provide a more comprehensive map of the Norman population’s health, potentially challenging existing assumptions about the diet of the rural and urban poor during the Ancien Régime. The synthesis of clinical dentistry and bioarchaeology ensures that these historical figures are not merely statistics, but individuals whose lives are written in their teeth.
The next phase of this research will likely involve the continued analysis of the Flers and Saint-Maclou samples, with updated findings expected as the doctoral thesis progresses through the EPHE academic cycle. We will continue to monitor the developments of this study as it sheds more light on the ancestral health of the Normandy region.
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