The Potential of Dental Calculus as a Novel Source of Biological Isotopic Data

Abstract Stable isotope analysis has become an essential tool in investigations of ancient migration and paleodietary reconstruction. Because the biogeochemistry bone collagen apatite is well known, current methods rely almost exclusively on analyses bones teeth; however, dental calculus represents a potentially additional biological source isotopic data from skeletons. Dental mineralized bacterial biofilm that forms surfaces teeth. Sampling does not damage dentition thus can be used cases where it possible to perform destructive conventional tissues. Like dentine, contains both inorganic organic components, allowing measurement C, N, O, H, Sr isotopes. Additionally, as serial, non-remodeling laminar accretions tooth surface, opening up possibility analyzing discrete time points during lifetime individual. However, microbial human tissue, biochemistry complex, containing multiple calcium phosphate mineral phases, food remains, hundreds proteins, diverse biomolecules thousands endogenous taxa. Isotopic investigation still its infancy, many questions remain regarding formation processes diagenesis. This chapter (1) reviews unique advantages presented by novel data, (2) critically evaluates published studies calculus, (3) explores challenges stable through case study Ancient Puebloan Basketmaker II population American Southwest.