Surprising Facts Of Dental History

While regular visits to the dentist aren't always a cause for joy, they're a necessity. They can mean the difference between good dental health and developing infections that can cause a lot to treat. The next time you hesitate to keep a dental appointment or feel bored sitting in the dental chair, recall some of these interesting bits of information about dentistry. They'll help to while away the time.

1. Early Endosseous Implant - A mandible fragment belonging to a Mayan was found in 1931. It dated all the way back to 600 A.D. What's intriguing is that it contained three pieces of tooth-shaped shell in the sockets of several missing lower incisors. This was evidence that the Mayans used early forms of endosseous implants.

2. Hippopotamus Dentures - General George Washington wore dentures made of hippo tusk and human teeth. He began losing his teeth early in life and was compelled to turn to dentures. Rather than having them made of wood, which was common at the time, he chose this option. Dr. John Baker was the man behind the creation and was also the first dentist to make false teeth for Washington.

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3. Dental Patroness - A piece of dental history that's likely more legend than fact involves Saint Apollonia. She, along with others, suffered during an uprising against Christians and part of the torture consisted of having her teeth pulled out. This led to her being noted as the patroness of dentistry.

4. First Bristle Toothbrush - Bristle Toothbrushes aren't a new concept. In fact, the first, which was made out of hog hair, traces back to China during the Tang Dynasty. The toothbrush was brought to Europe by travelers in the 17th century. From then up to the mid-20th century, toothbrushes became mass-produced and were exported to England from China. It was the year 1938 when we humans are introduced with the nylon toothbrushes.

5. Odd Fillers - An interesting dental fact has to do with the fillers that have been used over the years. Modern fillers are primarily made of composite, ceramic, gold, and amalgam, but many different materials were used in the past. They ranged from cork and lead to stone chips and even turpentine.

6. First Toothpaste - The toothpaste has been used in India and China since 500 B.C. Over the years, numerous compounds were added to it including soap and chalk. It was only after the Second World War that fluoride was included.

7. Tooth Extraction - Tooth extraction would have been a nightmare in ancient times. It was done using a mallet and a chisel. In the 18th century, a chemist called Humphry Davy produced the 'laughing gas' or nitrous oxide, which was later combined with oxygen. Other anesthetics have included cocaine.

8. Tooth Burning - England in the Middle Ages saw several superstitions arise such as burning fallen baby teeth to prevent children from suffering in the afterlife. They believed that they would forever search for their baby teeth if they didn't burn them. Medieval Europe also witnessed similar superstition where it was feared that witches could control children if they got hold of their teeth.

Dr Bhutani Dental Clinic is the leading Dental Clinic in Delhi. To know more, visit their website.

Also Read: Invisalign Cost in Delhi

Article Source: Ezine Articles