Lesson 9: Dentistry and History: Fun Facts!
A Fascinating History of Dentistry
Dentistry has been practiced for centuries, but let’s just say, the tools and techniques of the past were… creative! Here’s a fun look at how dental care has evolved over time:
The Toothbrush
- In Medieval Europe, wealthy individuals used sweet-smelling wood to clean their teeth.
- Surprisingly, most Americans didn’t brush their teeth until after WWII, when soldiers brought the habit home from Europe.
Toothpaste
- Ancient Egyptians, Chinese, Greeks, and Romans all created unique tooth-cleaning concoctions. Some ingredients were pleasant, like fruit and honey, while others were less appetizing—think lizard livers!
- Fluoride wasn’t introduced into toothpaste until 1956, marking a major step forward in dental care.
Flossing
Flossing’s roots go way back to 3500 BC, with the Babylonians using toothpicks to remove food between their teeth. While not quite modern floss, it was a step in the right direction!
The Dentist
- The earliest known dentist was Hesi-Re, an Egyptian doctor who lived around 3000 BC.
- From the 5th to 15th century AD, “barber-surgeons” handled both haircuts and tooth extractions—an all-in-one service!
False Teeth
- Believe it or not, human teeth were once used to make dentures. Poor individuals would pull their own teeth to sell them.
- Early dentures were tied to surrounding teeth for stability.
- Even George Washington, the first U.S. President, had dentures made of metal and carved ivory—not wood, as commonly believed.
Dental Fillings
- Cavities have been filled for thousands of years! Early fillings included materials like resins, beeswax, and linen.
- Many ancient cultures believed in “Tooth Worms”—tiny creatures they thought bored holes into teeth (thankfully, not true!).
From Past to Present
Dentistry has come a long way from sweet-smelling wood and barber-surgeons! Today, modern tools and techniques make caring for your teeth easier and more effective than ever.
Take a moment to appreciate your dentist—and maybe your toothpaste too!