Mysterious wear marks on the teeth of Paleolithic people in Central Europe have long puzzled scientists. Now, a new study suggests an unexpected cause—cheek piercings.

Anthropologist John C. Willman of the University of Coimbra analyzed the teeth of Pavlovian hunter-gatherers from 25,000–29,000 years ago and found unusual flat wear on their cheek-facing surfaces. He believes labrets—piercings worn through the cheek—caused this distinct pattern.

Previous theories suggested Pavlovians might have held small objects in their mouths to trigger salivation, but Willman’s analysis of dental remains and historical comparisons points to labrets as the likely cause. His findings suggest that cheek piercings were common, possibly starting in childhood as a rite of passage.

Though no labrets have been found in Pavlovian burials, they may have been made from perishable materials like wood or leather. Whether future discoveries confirm the theory, these dental marks offer rare evidence of Ice Age cultural practices—challenging the notion that body piercings are a modern trend.