And new research now reveals that the surgery involved a lot more knowledge and skills than we previously thought.

Decorating the teeth with precious stones: it must have been a real trend among the classical Maya who lived hundreds of years ago in Central America (such as present-day Guatemala and Honduras). Because for every three elite Mayan men found here by archaeologists, on average one has been found each time who has had the teeth decorated with gemstones such as jade or turquoise or minerals such as hematite and pyrite. Those minerals and precious stones were thereby inlaid in the teeth; quite a complex operation that does indicate that the Mayan dentists knew what they were doing. But new research now reveals that not only the intervention testified to the great knowledge and skill of the Mayan dentists. The glue that the dentists used to fix the gemstones and minerals in the tooth was also well thought out. An analysis of that glue shows that it had antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

strong glue

For the study, the scientists looked at eight mineral and gem-encrusted teeth from Maya people who lived in what is now Guatemala, Honduras and Belize during the first millennium AD. The focus was therefore on the glue that was used to fill the deliberately created cavities in the teeth with minerals and gemstones. We know little about this glue, the researchers say in their research article. In particular, it is unclear which components it contains. What we do know is that the glue was quite strong. Because in many cases the gemstones – more than 1000 years after the Maya had them set – are still firmly anchored in the teeth.

Composition

To find out the composition of this superglue, the researchers used various methods, including spectroscopic techniques and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In all, the researchers found in the glue used to anchor gems and minerals in the eight teeth examined, as many as 150 organic compounds, which are particularly common in tree-produced resins. The mix of those organic substances appeared to differ depending on the location where the examined teeth were found, suggesting that dentists were working with the materials available in their environment. But they certainly didn’t just grab something from their backyard; the resins seem to have been selected not only for their binding capacity, but also for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. “Our study confirms that it wasn’t just glue,” the researchers write in their article. “Instead, the Maya developed complex recipes for their glues in order to obtain a glue that could not only last more than 1,000 years, but also had hygienic and therapeutic properties.”

For example, the researchers encountered abitic acid in the glue. “This is one of the main components of pine resin and has anti-microbial and antiviral properties, among other things,” said researcher Gloria Hernández. Scientias.nl† Also found in the glue were common components of essential oils that are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and anti-microbial properties. “We also found sclareolide; a substance with a fragrant smell that is therefore often used in the cosmetic industry and for making perfumes, but which is also very effective against fungi.”

No coincidence

With all those components, the super glue was ‘super’ in several respects: it stuck well, but also reduced the risk of infections. It does of course raise the question whether the Mayans really were after that, or whether the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties were a coincidental, but nice coincidence of the ingredients that together were most suitable as glue. Hernandez doesn’t believe in that. “Mayan medicine is seen as very advanced and rich; able to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions,” she says. “It is therefore not surprising that similar progress has been made in dentistry. We think they made very conscious use of these ingredients and their medicinal properties.”

color

What the Maya probably also did very consciously was that they colored the glue. Usually that color matched the color of the gemstone or mineral that was pressed into the glue.

Prior to this research, archaeologists were already quite impressed by the knowledge and skills of the Mayan dentists. Because the inlay of gemstones and minerals was quite complicated. “Drilling into the enamel and dentin to place an object in the tooth is very similar to the modern procedure where dentists fill cavities,” Hernández explains. Scientias.nl† “In both cases you run the risk of secondary caries (cavities that reappear next to or under fillings, ed.). It is believed that the Mayans completed the process in two to four stages: after an indentation was first made in the enamel, the enamel and dentin were drilled. The walls and bottom of the drilled hole were then smoothed.” And then the gem or mineral could then be pressed into the glue-filled hole. “In fact, you’re already at risk during the first step of the procedure: making the indentation in the enamel,” says Hernández. But the greatest risks come later, when a hole is made in the dentin or when the hole is polished. Then there is always a chance that one goes just a little too deep and hits the dental pulp (the living tissue in the tooth, filled with blood vessels and nerves).

Impressive

That the Mayan dentists performed this procedure on a large scale and successfully is significant, archaeologists have previously stated. And the new research praises these dentists even further. “The complexity of the dental procedures and the unique recipes for making the adhesive reveal just how advanced Mayan dentistry was,” Hernandez said. “It further reinforces the idea that the Maya lived in close connection with their environment and had an extensive knowledge of plants and their possible uses.”

And while the most eye-catching gems may have been found in the teeth of the Mayan elite, Hernández would like to emphasize that it wasn’t just the rich and powerful ancient Mayans who took their seats in the dental chair. She points out that an analysis of the graves in which the eight teeth inlaid with minerals and gems were found shows that the intervention was not only for the elite. “Instead, a diverse group within Maya society benefited from the expertise of the individuals who made this glue.”

And that is something to take your hats off to – more than a thousand years later. “What I find most interesting is that the procedure – which was so invasive – was performed so skillfully that it rarely resulted in injuries. In addition, the complexity of the recipe used to make the glue and the fact that the natural raw materials that were available are also surprising. The diversity of materials used resulted in a blend of such high quality that many of the inlaid materials are still in place, and the blend had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. And also often a color; something that was also very important to the Maya.”