[Proximal grooves in Danish mesolythic and neolythic molars].

In 24 out of 350 mesolithic and neolithic sets of teeth from Denmark approximal grooves were found in the side teeth. 30 molars, 15 premolars and one canine tooth showed cervical, horizontally running grooves, i.e. 45 on distal and 21 on mesial tooth surfaces. The grooves lay in the root dentine with slight overlapping on the cervical enamel. They were polished smooth and well demarcated from the surrounding tooth surface. These grooves occurred in wellworn teeth (75%), and were associated with marginal bone absorption (70%) and caries (30%). These grooves could have been caused by toothpicklike bone clasps used for therapeutic and palliative purpose.