By TrivBits, History Desk — Published October 27, 2026
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- The Surprising Discovery of Bizarre Viking Dental Modifications
- Dental Health in the Viking Era
- Viking Toothpicks and Oral Care Tools
- 1. Horizontal Tooth Grooves as Status Symbols
- 2. Red Resin Filled the Grooves
- 3. Dental Abscesses Were Treated with Draining
- 4. Chewing on Resinous Pine Tar
- 5. No Evidence of Tooth Extractions
- 6. Salt Water Rinses for Oral Health
- 7. Diet Changes During Raids Affected Teeth
- 8. Jawbone Strength from Tough Foods
- 9. No Sweeteners Meant Fewer Cavities
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
When we picture Vikings, we often imagine fierce warriors with horned helmets (which they never actually wore) sailing across stormy seas. But what about their teeth? The bizarre Viking dental practices of these medieval Norse seafarers reveal a civilization far more sophisticated—and stranger—than popular history suggests. From the 8th to 11th century, Vikings developed unique approaches to oral care that would make modern dentists scratch their heads in bewilderment.
Archaeological evidence from ancient burial sites across Scandinavia has uncovered dental modifications so unusual that researchers initially struggled to explain them. These historical findings challenge our assumptions about hygiene in past civilizations and reveal the Vikings’ surprising attention to their smiles.
Key Takeaways
- Vikings filed horizontal grooves into their front teeth and filled them with colored resin, likely as status symbols
- Despite lacking modern tools, Viking-era populations showed relatively good dental health compared to later medieval civilizations
- Norse traders likely learned dental filing techniques from contact with other cultures during their extensive travels
- Vikings used rudimentary toothpicks and chewed on twigs to maintain oral hygiene
- Evidence suggests Vikings understood the connection between diet and dental health
- Dental modifications were predominantly found in male skeletons, suggesting warrior or status significance
The Surprising Discovery of Bizarre Viking Dental Modifications
In the late 20th century, archaeologists examining Viking-age skeletons made a startling discovery. Horizontal grooves had been deliberately carved into the front teeth of numerous individuals. These weren’t accidental wear patterns or battle damage—they were precise, intentional modifications. The grooves, typically found on the incisors and canines, ran parallel to each other with remarkable consistency. Some skeletons showed evidence of colored pigments, possibly red resin, that had been carefully applied to make the grooves more visible. This practice appears most commonly in remains dating from the 9th and 10th centuries, during the height of Viking expansion across Europe and beyond.
The procedure would have been excruciating. Without anesthesia, Vikings endured having their teeth filed down by skilled practitioners using small files or abrasive materials. The dedication required to undergo such modification suggests these grooves carried significant cultural meaning within Norse society.
Dental Health in the Viking Era
Contrary to expectations, Vikings actually maintained better dental health than many later medieval populations. Their diet played a crucial role. Before widespread sugar consumption reached Scandinavia, Vikings ate primarily fish, meat, grains, and dairy products. This low-sugar diet meant cavities were relatively uncommon compared to populations just a few centuries later.
Examination of Viking-age jaw bones reveals moderate tooth wear consistent with a coarse diet, but surprisingly little decay. The absence of refined carbohydrates meant that the acid-producing bacteria responsible for most modern dental problems had less fuel to work with. However, Vikings did suffer from gum disease and tooth loss in older age, problems exacerbated by their lack of sophisticated dental care.
Viking Toothpicks and Oral Care Tools
Vikings weren’t entirely without dental hygiene tools. Archaeological digs have uncovered small picks made from bone, wood, and metal that served as toothpicks. Groove marks on teeth consistent with regular toothpick use appear in many skeletal remains. Some Vikings carried ornate toothpicks as personal items, occasionally wearing them as jewelry on chains around their necks.
Twigs from certain trees, particularly those with antiseptic properties, were chewed to clean teeth and freshen breath. This practice wasn’t unique to Vikings—many ancient civilizations used similar methods. The frayed ends of these twigs functioned much like primitive toothbrushes, scraping away food particles and stimulating gums.
1. Horizontal Tooth Grooves as Status Symbols
The deliberate filing of horizontal grooves into front teeth represents one of the most bizarre Viking dental practices discovered. These modifications appear almost exclusively in male skeletons, suggesting they marked warriors, traders, or individuals of particular social standing. The grooves required skill to create evenly and without cracking the tooth—a testament to specialized knowledge within Viking communities. Some researchers theorize the practice originated from contact with other cultures Vikings encountered during their extensive travels, as similar dental modifications appear in disparate civilizations across the globe.
2. Red Resin Filled the Grooves
Chemical analysis of some grooved teeth has revealed traces of colored compounds, likely resin-based pigments. Vikings apparently filled their tooth grooves with red or other brightly colored substances to make the modifications more striking. Imagine a Viking warrior smiling to reveal teeth marked with vivid horizontal bands. The visual impact would have been memorable and possibly intimidating. The resin would need periodic replacement as it wore away, meaning Vikings committed to ongoing maintenance of these modifications throughout their lives.
3. Dental Abscesses Were Treated with Draining
When infections did occur, Vikings had limited options. Evidence from skeletal remains shows that some individuals suffered from dental abscesses—painful infections at the root of teeth. In some cases, holes appear in the jawbone where abscesses were deliberately drained. This crude surgical intervention would have provided temporary relief from pressure and pain, though without antibiotics, infections often returned. The willingness to undergo such procedures speaks to the severity of dental pain and the resourcefulness of Viking-era healers.
4. Chewing on Resinous Pine Tar
Archaeological sites have yielded lumps of chewed birch bark tar and pine resin bearing clear tooth impressions. Vikings chewed these sticky substances, which served multiple purposes. The mechanical action helped clean teeth, while the resins possessed mild antiseptic properties. Some lumps show impressions of diseased or missing teeth, providing researchers with detailed records of individual dental health. This ancient “chewing gum” was common across Scandinavia and represented one of the few pleasant aspects of Viking dental care.
5. No Evidence of Tooth Extractions
Surprisingly, Vikings appear to have rarely if ever extracted problematic teeth. Unlike some contemporary civilizations that developed forceps and extraction techniques, Viking remains show teeth that were kept until they fell out naturally or the individual died. Severely decayed or damaged teeth were simply left in place, likely causing chronic pain and infection. This suggests either a cultural taboo against extraction or simply a lack of knowledge about the procedure. Either way, Vikings endured dental problems modern people would find unbearable.
6. Salt Water Rinses for Oral Health
As a seafaring people, Vikings had ready access to salt water, and evidence suggests they understood its cleansing properties. While direct proof is limited, the practice of rinsing the mouth with salt water to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria was known in other contemporary cultures Vikings contacted. Given their maritime lifestyle and trading connections, it’s reasonable to conclude they adopted similar practices. Salt water rinses would have provided some relief from gum disease, one of the most common dental problems found in Viking remains.
7. Diet Changes During Raids Affected Teeth
Vikings who participated in raids and extended voyages experienced dietary shifts that impacted their dental health. During expeditions, they consumed more dried and preserved foods, which were tougher and more abrasive. This increased tooth wear. Conversely, successful raiders who brought back exotic foods, including early access to honey and fruits, may have experienced more decay. Skeletal evidence shows variation in dental health that correlates with likely social status and travel patterns, painting a picture of how lifestyle affected Viking smiles.
8. Jawbone Strength from Tough Foods
The Viking diet of tough meats, coarse grains, and hard foods required powerful chewing. This constant work strengthened jaw muscles and bones, resulting in robust mandibles that archaeologists still admire today. While this didn’t prevent dental disease, it did mean Vikings could continue eating even with damaged teeth. The physical demands of their diet shaped their facial structure in measurable ways, creating the strong-jawed appearance we associate with Norse peoples. Modern soft-food diets produce weaker jaw development by comparison.
9. No Sweeteners Meant Fewer Cavities
Perhaps the most significant factor in Viking dental health was the near-complete absence of refined sugars. Honey was rare and expensive, used sparingly for special occasions. Without the constant sugar exposure that feeds cavity-causing bacteria, Vikings experienced decay rates far lower than populations just a few centuries later. When sugar became widely available in Europe during subsequent centuries, dental health plummeted. The Viking-era serves as an unintentional experiment showing how diet fundamentally shapes oral health across entire civilizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Vikings brush their teeth?
Vikings did not brush their teeth in the modern sense, but they did practice oral hygiene. They used toothpicks made from bone or wood to remove food particles, and likely chewed on twigs with frayed ends that functioned similarly to primitive toothbrushes. Some evidence suggests they may have used cloths to wipe their teeth clean, though direct proof of this practice is limited.
Why did Vikings file grooves in their teeth?
The exact reason remains debated, but most researchers believe the horizontal grooves filed into Viking teeth served as status symbols or markers of warrior identity. The practice appears almost exclusively in male skeletons and required skill to perform, suggesting it marked individuals of particular social standing. Some theories propose the grooves intimidated enemies or signaled group membership.
Were Viking teeth healthier than medieval teeth?
Yes, generally Viking-era populations had healthier teeth than people living in later medieval periods. The key difference was diet—Vikings consumed very little sugar, which meant lower rates of cavities. However, they did suffer from gum disease, tooth wear from coarse foods, and had no way to treat serious dental problems, leading to chronic pain and infections.
What did Vikings use for toothaches?
Vikings had limited options for treating toothaches. They may have used herbal remedies with mild pain-relieving properties, and chewed resinous substances that provided some numbing effect. In severe cases involving abscesses, crude surgical draining was performed by cutting through the gum to release pressure. Without modern pain medication, Vikings largely endured dental pain as an unavoidable part of life.