Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ice Age Fashion: Cheek Piercings Impacted Dental Health

2/3/2025

42 6

Summary

Story summary

Cheek piercings, or labrets, were a striking fashion statement among Ice Age Europeans, starting as early as age 10, according to John Willman's research. Analyzing 30,000-year-old teeth from Pavlovian individuals in Central Europe, he discovered that these piercings left distinct dental wear patterns, significantly affecting tooth health and alignment.

1 of 1

Story summary

Cheek piercings, or labrets, were a striking fashion statement among Ice Age Europeans, starting as early as age 10, according to John Willman's research. Analyzing 30,000-year-old teeth from Pavlovian individuals in Central Europe, he discovered that these piercings left distinct dental wear patterns, significantly affecting tooth health and alignment.