Stuff You Missed in History Class

A Brief History of Dentistry and Oral Health, Part 1

May 16, 2022
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INSIGHT

Ancient Dental Woes

  • Early humans had fewer cavities than we do today, but suffered from excessive tooth wear due to their diet.
  • Higher social status often correlated with better oral health, likely due to access to better food.
INSIGHT

Demons and Tooth Worms

  • Ancient Babylonians believed demons and tooth worms caused toothaches.
  • Treatments included mashed herbs and prayer or offerings to appease wronged spirits.
ANECDOTE

The First Dentist

  • Hesy-Re, an Egyptian official, is considered the first recorded dental practitioner.
  • His tomb lists titles like "chief of dentists and physicians," highlighting dental medicine as a distinct field.
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