Abstract: A total of 262 skulls from the Mogou cemetery of the Qijia Culture in Lintan County, Gansu Province, were examined for the incidence of observable dental diseases, including dental caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease and dental calculus. The results of statistical analysis indicate the following patterns: 1) Significant difference of dental diseases rates found between males and females, with females having higher rates of dental caries and periodontal disease, and males having higher rates of periapical disease and dental calculus. 2) Dental disease rate was positively correlated with age. 3) There was a higher prevalence of caries, periodontal disease, periapical disease in molars, and dental calculus in anterior teeth. 4) Severely attritted teeth had higher prevalence of periodontal and periapical diseases. 5) The prevalence of dental diseases is also associated with the mode of subsistence and diet, specifically farming and gathering.

Key words: Dental caries; Periodontal disease; Periapical disease; Dental calculus; Mogou cemetery