New Study Reveals 17th-Century French Aristocrat Used Gold Wire to Keep Teeth From Falling Out
Scientists have made a fascinating discovery regarding the dental health practices of a 17th-century French aristocrat, Anne d’Alegre, who had been using gold wire to prevent her teeth from falling out. This revelation comes 400 years after her death, and sheds light on the lengths people went to maintain their appearance during that era.
The remains of Anne d’Alegre were originally found in 1988 during an archaeological excavation at the Chateau de Laval in northwestern France. The lead coffin in which she was embalmed had remarkably preserved her skeleton and teeth. Initially, archaeologists noticed a dental prosthetic, but without advanced scanning tools, further investigation was not possible.
Fast forward 35 years, and a team of archaeologists and dentists have finally been able to examine Anne d’Alegre’s dental condition. Their study, published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, revealed that she suffered from periodontal disease, which was causing her teeth to come loose.
Using a “Cone Beam” scan, which utilizes X-rays to construct three-dimensional images, the researchers discovered that gold wire had been utilized to hold together and tighten several of her teeth. Additionally, it was found that she had a prosthetic tooth made of ivory from an elephant, a unique choice considering hippopotamus ivory was more fashionable during that time.
However, rather than improving her dental condition, this ornate dental work had the opposite effect. Rozenn Colleter, an archaeologist at the French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research and lead author of the study, stated that the gold wires would have required regular tightening over the years, further destabilizing the surrounding teeth.
The researchers believe that Anne d’Alegre endured this painful dental treatment for reasons extending beyond mere medical necessity. During that period, the appearance of aristocratic women held immense significance, as it was directly linked to their value and rank in society. Ambroise Pare, a contemporary of Anne d’Alegre’s and the physician to various French kings, argued that “if a patient is toothless, his speech becomes depraved,” emphasizing the importance of an attractive smile.
Anne d’Alegre, described as a “controversial” twice-widowed socialite with a questionable reputation, would have likely felt additional pressure to maintain a pleasant smile. She lived through a tumultuous period in French history, having been a Huguenot and fighting against Catholics in the French Wars of Religion. By the age of 21, she had already been widowed once and had a young son. During the Eighth War of Religion, she and her son were forced into hiding while their property was seized. Tragically, her son eventually converted to Catholicism and died in battle at the age of 20. Anne d’Alegre herself passed away at the age of 54 from an illness.
By examining her teeth, researchers can now understand the immense stress she faced during her life. Colleter expressed hope that this research will go a long way towards rehabilitating Anne d’Alegre’s reputation.
This discovery also highlights the prevalence of severe periodontal diseases worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, nearly a fifth of adults suffer from these conditions.
In uncovering this long-buried secret, scientists have not only provided insight into the dental practices of a French aristocrat from the 17th century but also shed light on the pressures faced by women during that era. The quest for beauty and societal acceptance, it seems, has endured throughout history.
(Note: This article is based on content from an Agence France-Presse report, with additional details and context added.)