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Indonesian teeth push habitual betel-nut use back as far as 25,000 years
Ancient teeth from Sulawesi preserve evidence consistent with repeatedly holding and chewing betel nut as far back as about 25,000 years.
Molecular residues and wear converge on the habit, but cannot reconstruct each person’s motive or a community-wide prevalence.
Evidence
Researchers compared molecules in calculus and on tooth surfaces with characteristic staining and wear.
Date
The oldest associated remains reach about 25,000 years, far earlier than the roughly 3,500-year benchmark often cited. It is an archaeological range, not an exact date.
Motives
Stimulation, pain relief and ritual are possibilities; archaeology cannot select one motive.
Health limit
Modern use is linked to oral disease and cancer risk. Antiquity is not evidence of safety or a recommendation.
Next check
Residues from more Southeast Asian sites could map spread and separate routine from ritual use.
Primary source and independent checks
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