August 29, 2024

Dentistry has come a long way from its primitive and sometimes flat-out bizarre beginnings. The journey from ancient remedies to modern dental care is filled with strange practices, unusual beliefs, and creative—if not always effective—solutions to oral health problems. Here's a look at some of the craziest facts about how dentistry was done through the ages, offering a glimpse into the often painful and peculiar history of keeping our teeth in check.
1. Tooth Worms: Ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians and Egyptians, believed that toothaches were caused by tiny "tooth worms" that burrowed into the teeth. This myth persisted for thousands of years and led to various bizarre remedies aimed at expelling these imaginary worms.
2. Flint Drills: Around 7,000 BC, Neolithic people used flint-tipped drills to treat tooth decay. These primitive dental drills, which were likely operated by hand, were incredibly painful and would have made any modern patient wince at the thought.
3. Barber-Surgeons: In the Middle Ages, dentistry was often performed by barber-surgeons who were more accustomed to cutting hair and performing bloodletting than pulling teeth. These barbers used the same tools for dental extractions as they did for haircuts and minor surgeries.
4. Excruciating Extractions: Before the advent of anesthesia, tooth extractions were excruciatingly painful. Patients often had to be physically restrained, and the procedure was sometimes so brutal that it could result in broken jaws or other severe injuries.
5. Honey and Mint as Fillings: The ancient Egyptians attempted to fill cavities with a mixture of honey, mint, and other herbs. While these substances might have provided temporary relief, they did little to prevent further decay.
6. Urine Mouthwash: The Romans believed that urine was an effective mouthwash due to its ammonia content. This practice was so common that Roman physician Pliny the Elder even recommended the use of Portuguese urine, considering it the most effective.
7. Ritualistic Tooth Removal: Some ancient cultures, such as the Mayans, practiced ritualistic tooth removal or modification. They would file their teeth into specific shapes or inlay them with precious stones as a form of body modification and status symbol.
8. First Dental Schools: The first dental school was established in 1840 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. Before this, dentistry was learned through apprenticeships with little formal education, meaning many dentists had limited knowledge and experience.
9. Mercury Fillings: In the 19th century, dentists began using mercury amalgam as a material for dental fillings. While effective, the use of mercury raised concerns due to its toxicity, leading to debates that continue to this day about the safety of such fillings.
10. Tooth Extraction Chains: In medieval times, some dentists used a tool known as the "dental pelican" or a primitive chain to extract teeth. These devices often resulted in more damage to the mouth than just the removal of the tooth, leading to infections and other complications.
11. Tooth Replacement with Animal Teeth: During the 18th century, it was not uncommon for people to have missing teeth replaced with teeth taken from animals or even from other humans. These "transplanted" teeth were often not adequately sterilized, leading to severe infections.
11. First Braces: The first attempts at orthodontics date back to ancient Egypt, where crude metal bands were found on mummies' teeth. These were likely used in an effort to preserve the shape of the teeth after death, not for straightening them during life.
12. Whiskey as Anesthesia: Before the introduction of anesthesia, alcohol was one of the few pain relief options available during dental procedures. Patients were often given whiskey or other strong spirits to dull the pain of tooth extractions and other dental work.
13. Teeth as Talismans: In various cultures, teeth were often considered powerful talismans. Some people carried extracted teeth for good luck or even wore them as jewelry, believing they held protective powers.
14. First Toothbrushes: The first toothbrushes used in ancient China were made from hog bristles attached to bamboo or bone handles. While effective to some extent, these early toothbrushes were far from the soft, nylon-bristled brushes we use today.
Thankfully, since those times, dentistry has come a long way! Today, thanks to many of these trial-and-error procedures we now have much better ways of treating even the most complicated oral health issues with little to no discomfort. If you've been nervous about seeing the dentist, keep this list in mind, and it should definitely help quell any concerns you've had about seeing them! Need a checkup? Request a booking online today.