Caracterização de cálculo dental em Notiomastodon platensis (Mammalia: Proboscidea) e o seu significado paleopatológico

Abstract

Dental calculus, or tartar, is a mineralized biofilm, composed mainly of calcium phosphate, that develops on the teeth. Tartar deposits have been recorded in molars of the Quaternary proboscidean of South America Notiomastodon platensis, although there is no comprehensive characterization of their occurrence in this species. The aim of this dissertation is to provide a detailed macromorphological characterization of tartar in N. platensis, including its prevalence, distribution patterns, and severity, as well as its paleopathological significance. A total of 117 molariforms from Quaternary fossiliferous deposits in the Northeast, Southeast and South of Brazil were analyzed to identify and evaluate the calculus. Among these, 35 presented tartar (29.9%), most of which were of moderate severity (54.3%). Calculus was present at least in one inteloph(id) of each molar, and prevailed on the posterior region. It predominated in lower and third molars. Adult individuals presented predominance compared to juveniles. These patterns in N. platensis are probably due to the susceptible oral environment, the morphology of the molar, mature age, and the process of teeth replacement. Individuals with severe deposits may have developed oral damage due to the tartar presence, although probably not experienced extreme limitations in their health. These results suggest that N. platensis was relatively susceptible to development of dental calculus.