How Did They Fix Teeth in Ancient Times?

Have you ever wondered how people fixed their teeth in ancient times? Dental care has come a long way since the days of our ancestors.

From primitive methods to modern technology, the field of dentistry has made great advancements. Let’s take a look at how dental problems were treated in ancient times.

The Ancient Egyptians

The ancient Egyptians were known for their advanced medical practices, and dentistry was no exception. In fact, they were the first civilization to have written records about dental procedures.

The Egyptians believed that toothaches were caused by tiny worms that burrowed into the teeth. To treat this, they would mix a variety of ingredients such as honey, barley, and ground animal bones into a paste and apply it to the affected area.

They also used a mixture of herbs and spices as mouthwash to freshen breath and prevent tooth decay. For those who had missing teeth, they would create false teeth using materials like ivory or animal teeth.

Ancient Greeks and Romans

The ancient Greeks and Romans also made significant contributions to dentistry. They believed that tooth decay was caused by sugar consumption and developed their own version of toothpaste made from crushed bones and oyster shells.

They also used various metals to create dental fillings for cavities. Interestingly, they even used gold wire to bind loose teeth together.

Medieval Europe

During medieval times in Europe, dental care was often performed by barbers or blacksmiths rather than trained professionals. They would use tools such as pliers or forceps to extract teeth that were causing pain or infection.

Those who could afford it may have had access to more advanced treatments such as drilling holes in teeth to relieve pressure or using silver amalgam fillings.

Conclusion

As you can see, dental care has come a long way since ancient times. While some of these methods may seem primitive or even barbaric by today’s standards, they were the best options available at the time.

Thankfully, we now have access to modern dental technology and trained professionals who can provide us with safe and effective treatments for our dental problems. So the next time you visit your dentist, be thankful for the advancements that have been made in this important field.