If you have ever wondered how dental care has progressed through the ages, the following information can help you better understand how our ancestors addressed dental health, the development of modern dentistry, and some interesting facts may surprise you.
Dental Tools
Toothbrushes - The first toothbrushes were made from twigs. From as early as 4000 B.C., Hindus from India would fray the ends of a small branch or twig into fibers that cleaned their teeth relatively well. “Chewing sticks” and similar natural and improvised tools were commonly used throughout history up until the 17th century when hog bristles were made into toothbrushes in China. In 1780, William Addis of England added a handle made of bone and not until 1857 did the toothbrush look anything like it does today.
When it comes to the essential companion to the toothbrush, toothpaste, this innovation began its infancy around 500 B.C. as scientists discovered in China and India.
Toothpaste - Dental toothpaste, or powder, has been used since 500 B.C. and in 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield created the first collapsible tube dispenser. The 1940’s, brought much experimentation with different additives, with fluoride ultimately being deemed the most effective protectant for teeth.
Dental Floss - The first Dental floss available to consumers was invented in 1815 by a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly and was made from a thin thread of silk. While commercial dental floss now comes in many varieties and may seem like a rather modern invention, floss-like materials such as hair, strands of silk and other natural fibers have not only been used by early humans but are still being used by some primates today. Just goes to show, even monkeys know it’s important to floss.
The Cause of Tooth Decay – A Long-held Myth
A widely held belief that spread across America and lasted until as the 19th century, was that much like moth worms invade apples, a tooth worm was responsible for dental pain and cavities. Finally, in 1960, Dr. Paul Keyes discovered that tooth decay was actually caused primarily by bacteria known as Streptococcus Mutans.
American History and Dentistry – The Cavities are Coming!
Paul Revere, the famous rider and United States forefather was the first person to practice forensic dentistry in America. As an amateur dentist, he often crafted wire dentures made from animal teeth or ivory for his patients. In 1776, Revere’s friend, Joseph Warren, who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill and who’ remains went unclaimed for nine months was finally identified by Revere through the wiring he had previously placed on his friend’s tooth
George Washington is famous both as the father of our country and for wearing wooden teeth. This is a myth and the truth is that Washington had teeth made from ivory and gold as well as from the teeth of animals and humans.
When Washington sat for his inaugural painting, the artist, Gilbert Stuart, thinking that his dentures looked too small, padded the President’s mouth with cotton, making his face look puffy in the portrait.
Modern Dentistry in Tonawanda
With all the trial and error that brought us into the age of advanced dentistry, there is little that a skilled dentist can’t fix.
The Tonawanda dental office of Dr. Mark Danziger is known for providing high-quality, advanced, comprehensive dental care. We are currently accepting new patients and would love to help you maintain, enhance, or restore your dental health.
To learn even more, call Dr. Danziger today at (716) 875-4243
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Children smile about 400 times a day, women, 62 times a day, and men only eight.