The Historical Facts of Dentistry

Thanks to modern technology, dentistry is relatively painless and has been made much easier for the dentist and patient alike. We can use x-rays, we can replace rotten teeth, use safe numbing creams, and the list goes on! Let’s take a trip back in time to see just how far modern dentistry has come with these fun facts!

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• There is evidence that suggests dentistry has been practiced since all the way back in 7000 BC! 
• At one point, dental fillings were made from beeswax. We can only imagine how problematic that might be!
• Gum disease has been detected in mummies from Ancient Egypt. Make sure that flossing is a part of your daily dental care to help avoid issues with your gums and teeth.
• Ancient Greek philosophers Hippocrates and Aristotle both reference studying teeth in their works as it is connected to the body’s overall health and well-being.
• Dentistry in China was much more advanced than its western counterparts by nearly 1,000 years with their invention of silver amalgam paste that they used for fillings.
• Romans used gold crowns for decayed teeth, and they believed that tooth decay was caused by a tooth worm! Yuck! Thankfully, we now know the truth about dental hygiene, and we know there are no tooth worms crawling around our mouths!
• Paul Revere was actually a dentist! He is known in the field for being one of the first to identify human remains using forensic dental evidence, now an important part of investigations and historical findings with human and animal remains.
• In 1844, Dr. Horace Wells discovered/invented inhalation anesthesia to provide people with the option for a pain-free dental experience. This is likely one of the most important and crucial discoveries in all of dental history!
• The first female dentist, Emiline Roberts, was only seventeen years old when she began practicing dentistry.

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Many dental tools were inefficient, and caused patients to experience quite a bit of pain. Drills used foot pedals in order to get them to rotate, and pain was a normal part of the process when visiting a dentist. Thankfully, modern dentistry is all about comfort, and we have so many more tools for prevention. Before the invention of the toothbrush, it was recommended that people simply rub their gums and teeth each day with their fingers in order to keep good oral health. 

After so many years of studying, dentists have come a long way! At Apple Tree Dental, we are continuously studying, and updating our methods to keep up with the ever-evolving world of dentistry. When looking for a dentist, it’s important to find a dental practice that can guarantee current methods and is well-versed in whatever dental needs you may have. Apple Tree Dental is here to solve all your dental needs and wants, whether you have a dental emergency or are looking for cosmetic dentistry. Contact Apple Tree Dental to find a dentist who values your smile just as much as you do!