Entstehung und Musterbildung von Macro- und Microwear auf menschlichem Zahnschmelz. Diachrone Untersuchung vom Mesolithikum bis in das frühe Mittelalter im Süddeutschen Raum, sowie unter Simulationsbedingungen

摘要

The aim of the study was to analyse the wear (macrowear) and the electronmicroscopical features (dental microwear) on human dental enamel. The macro- and microwear were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized and statistically analysed. As a consequence of different dietary behaviour of pre- and historical human groups a variety of patterns of features should be expected.The survey is organized in two parts, the first describes two experimental simulation devices and the second describes and quantifies real dental wear and microwear features on the surfaces of teeth from mesolithic to early medieval individuals of different human groups originating from southern Germany.The two simulations (ACTA, Kaukraftsimulator MUC III) were realized under standardized conditions according to the procedures in dental medicine and dental anthropology. The progress of abrasion was determined by the velocity and the total amount of wear and the development of microwear features and patterns. In comparison to the ACTA-samples, on samples simulated by the Kaukraftsimulator an increasing evidence of stress was indicated by multiple fissures and cracks, and microscopically irregularities of the surfaces. Similar signs of overload were scarcely detectable on natural teeth.The simulation procedures were associated with some specific microwear features but did not reflect the complexity of natural chewing procedures in elaborate microwear patterns. The acting forces in direction and space also according to the physical properties of the diet, which would be expressed on microwear, could only have been constructed as a model. One important factor was the methodological restriction of elastic absorption and of the supporting force of compensation, which are physiologically realized by the chewing apparatus. One second factor was the continuing change of food intake during natural consumption which was not achieved during the simulation.The results of real complex microwear give evidence that features and patterns of features of different human groups are distinguishable. Molars of human groups, in certain cases also of individuals, can be differentiated in time and location. The instant record of the abrasion process presents an individual balance between the continuing development and erasion of features, which reflects the dietary behaviour. Selected features and their patterns are illustrated in a catalogue included to serve as a reference.The possibilities as well as the restrictions of the methods which were used are illustrated. Particularly the Dental Microwear Analysis (DMA) offers good potential to support dental medicinal science in preservation of dental health as well as to support the food industry in the development of modern food and its physical effect on the surface of teeth. Within the scope of aspects concerning the evolution of dietary behaviour of fossil animals including primates the DMA is already established to the methodological equipment.