Dentists and Dentistry through the Ages

 

Humanity has been plagued by the effects of dental disease throughout history. Based on their knowledge, our predecessors used the instruments and therapies that were available to them and the available therapeutic options. Even though they might not have known what caused their dental pain, our ancestors managed to develop strategies to reduce their agony, stop the spread of infection, and get their teeth back to working order.

It may sound cruel by today's standards for some of the early theories on oral health and for some of the treatments that were used, but it's fascinating to look back in time to see how dentistry has changed over the centuries.

Early Beliefs Explaining the Cause of Tooth Decay:

While there is evidence that some societies attributed pain and illness to evil spirits, for much of recorded history, people generally held the dental office near by  belief that tooth decay was brought on by worms boring holes in teeth. This belief was based on observations of how worms bore holes in wood. The concept of tooth worms has been around since 5000 BC.

There are several allusions to the belief that worms cause tooth decay in the literature of ancient Greek philosophers as well as in the civilizations of the Japanese, Chinese, Indian, and Egyptian peoples. The "worms" were removed using a variety of herbs, charms, and amulets. To pry or take out the problematic teeth, metal and stone tools were utilized, and compounds were developed to fill in the wounds.

The Dental Practices of Ancient Civilizations:

At least 9000 years have passed since the beginning of what we now know as dentistry. Evidence from Pakistani archaeological sites suggests that troublesome teeth were drilled with a flint-headed bow drill to remove decay or perhaps to expel evil spirits thought to be the source of discomfort. Because it showed that dentistry existed 4000 years earlier than previously thought, this archaeological find was noteworthy.

A brush-like tool was used to clean teeth in ancient civilizations, and it was made by crushing or chewing a twig. According to their culture, they were also known to use animal bones, bird feathers, or porcupine quills to brush their teeth. Briefly stated, people took care of their teeth using the tools and procedures that were accessible to them.

Dentistry as we know it now has been practiced for at least 9,000 years in some kind. A flint-headed bow drill was used to remove decay from problematic teeth at archaeological sites in Pakistan, or possibly to ward off evil spirits that were thought to be the source of discomfort. This archaeological find was important since it demonstrated that dentistry existed 4000 years earlier than previously thought.

With a brush-like tool made by hammering or chewing on a twig, people in ancient cultures cleaned their teeth. According to their culture, they were also known to brush their teeth with animal bones, bird feathers, or porcupine quills. In brief, people took care of their teeth with the available instruments and procedures.

It's been done in some form or another for at least 9,000 years before we even knew what dentistry was. Using a flint-headed bow drill to remove decay or perhaps to dispel evil spirits that were thought to be the source of discomfort, troublesome teeth were apparently drilled at archaeological sites in Pakistan. The significance of this archaeological find was that it provided evidence that dentistry existed 4000 years earlier than previously thought.

An tool like a brush that was made by hammering or chewing on a twig was used to clean teeth by people in ancient cultures. Also, according to their culture, it was known that they used animal bones, bird feathers, or porcupine quills to brush their teeth. In summary, individuals took care of their teeth using the methods and supplies at their disposal.