Tooth decay bacteria evolved as diet changed

No laughing matter: bacteria that causes dental disease became more frequent with the introduction of farming, and even more so after the Industrial Revolution (iStockphoto: crossbrain66)

Mesolithic hunter-gatherers living on a meat-dominated, grain-free diet had much healthier mouths that we have today, with almost no cavities and gum disease-associated bacteria, a genetic study of ancient dental plaque has revealed.......