BACTERIA THAT BLOOMED AS OUR DIETS CHANGED — BUT DON’T BLAME SUGAR

IN 2013, Australian researchers analysed the DNA in bacterial plaque found on teeth from ancient – and more recent – skulls.

Pg was found in small amounts in palaeolithic-era teeth. But far more people had it after farming began, when we started consuming soft carbohydrates, and stayed with us even after sugar consumption rose in the 1800s.

It isn’t clear why this happened as Pg doesn’t feed on sugar – it needs protein. One theory is that, as diets changed, so did the balance of mouth bacteria and this allowed Pg to flourish.