Abstract: Dental caries were observed from five samples of Bronze Age and Early Iron Age populations excavated in the southern central area of Inner Mongolia. Compared with other ancient populations available in the Great Wall region of Inner Mongolia, the relationship between dental caries and archaeology, culture and economy were discussed. The prevalence of dental caries is clearly related to the types of economy; agricultural groups having the highest rates, mixed cultural groups having moderate rates, and nomadic groups having the lowest rates of caries.

Key words: Inner Mongolia; Bronze Age; Early Iron Age; Dental caries