More than 500 years after his death, King Richard III of England is still teaching us new things — this time, about oral health.
When archaeologists uncovered his burial site beneath a Leicester car park in 2012, they found his skeletal remains remarkably well-preserved. Along with confirming his identity through DNA testing and historical clues, scientists noticed something else: his teeth were in good enough condition to allow a detailed look at his oral microbiome — the millions of bacteria that live in our mouths.
A Time-Capsule of Oral Bacteria
Researchers collected tiny samples of hardened plaque (called dental calculus) from three of the king’s teeth. Dental calculus is special because it can preserve microorganisms for centuries. The samples revealed an extraordinary amount of microbial DNA — one of the richest ever recovered from historical remains.
This allowed scientists to identify nearly 400 different bacterial species present in Richard’s mouth at the time of his death in 1485.
What they discovered was fascinating: his microbiome looked surprisingly similar to that found in well-preserved dental remains dating back thousands of years. Even royalty, with access to better foods and different lifestyles, had the same types of oral bacteria as everyday people.
Did King Richard III Have Gum Disease?
One particular bacterium stood out in the analysis: Tannerella forsythia. Today, this organism is strongly linked to periodontal disease — a chronic infection that can damage the gum tissue and destroy the bone that supports the teeth.
We know Richard III had cavities and likely dealt with poor oral hygiene, as was common in the 15th century. But does this mean he suffered from advanced gum disease?
Not necessarily. Many people carry harmful oral bacteria without developing clinical periodontitis. To know for sure, researchers would need to examine the bones supporting his teeth for signs of jawbone deterioration.
Still, the presence of these pathogens suggests that even powerful historical figures were not immune to serious gum infections.
Why These Findings Matter Today
Studying ancient dental calculus gives us a unique window into:
- How gum disease has existed throughout human history
- How lifestyle and diet influence oral bacteria
- Why early prevention still matters in modern dentistry
Even centuries ago, untreated gum infections could lead to:
- Tooth mobility
- Chronic inflammation
- Loss of jawbone
- Premature tooth loss
Today, we understand these conditions far better — and we have advanced periodontal therapies, including laser gum treatment (LANAP®) and regenerative procedures that can help save natural teeth.
A Reminder From the Past
King Richard III is remembered for battles, politics, and legends — but now also for reminding us of the importance of oral health to overall well-being.
Modern dentistry gives us the chance to detect and treat gum disease long before it becomes destructive. Something a king in the Middle Ages unfortunately never had access to.
If you’re concerned about bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or loose teeth — all possible signs of gum disease — our specialists are here to help.
Schedule a periodontal evaluation with our team at Laser Periodontics & Gum Surgery:
Request an appointment today by calling (877) 440-3564 and protect the foundation of your smile.