Abstract: The Xiaohe cemetery is an important Early Bronze Age cemetery in Lop Nur, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The degree of wear and calculus deposition was observed and quantified using statistics. We also used some simple statistics on the other oral diseases, such as temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis, dental abscesses, and ante mortem tooth loss. This study found the following results. Compared to other ancient populations in China, Xiaohe human teeth were characterized by a high degree of tooth wear and with a higher frequency of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis and maxillary torus. Front and rear teeth wear was unremarkable. We believe that the manner of food processing in the Xiaohe populations was relatively simple, with more tough foods eaten than in other groups. On the other hand, the economic lifestyle and foods of the Xiaohe residents was complex with different foods causing different attrition levels, with the environment playing a role. The severe dental calculus deposition shown in the Xiaohe populations was attributed to a high protein, carbohydrate diet, and due to water quality. Statistical analysis showed that Xiaohe populations had sexual differences in canine tooth wear, implying women and men had a division of skills within the family.

Key words: Tooth wear; Tooth calculus; Diet; Paleopathology; Xiaohe cemetery