Periodontal Disease in a Classic Maya Population from Ambergris Caye, Belize: A CEJ-AC Analysis

Author

• Avery R. McNeil, University of MississippiFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-9-2026

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Chemistry and Biochemistry

First Advisor

Carolyn Freiwald

Second Advisor

Katherine Centellas

Third Advisor

Jodi Skipper

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Dental remains provide a durable and information-rich record of biological, dietary, and health-related processes in past populations. This study examines periodontal disease, dental wear, and morphometric variation in a Classic period Maya population from coastal Belize (ca. A.D. 700-900) using cementoenamel junction-alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) distance as one measure of periodontal health. Dental remains were assessed using standardized bioarchaeological methods, including tooth identification, crown measurements, and periodontal scoring based on mean CEJ-AC distances recorded at preserved surfaces. The results indicate widespread mild to moderate periodontal disease across the sample, with posterior teeth exhibiting greater alveolar bone loss than anterior dentition. These patterns are consistent with expectations for agricultural populations reliant on maize-based diets and align with findings from other Classic Maya sites. This thesis demonstrates that CEJ-AC measurement provides a good proxy for periodontal disease with poorly preserved skeletons. The results revealed predominantly mild to moderate disease with greater severity in posterior dentition and highlighting patterns of oral health shaped by masticatory stress and agricultural diet in this Classic Maya population.

Recommended Citation

McNeil, Avery R., "Periodontal Disease in a Classic Maya Population from Ambergris Caye, Belize: A CEJ-AC Analysis" (2026). Honors Theses. 3445.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3445