Dentistry - Past, Present, and Future | Marietta Dentist
The belief that “tooth worms” caused tooth decay dates back to a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Thankfully, dental science has come a long way since then. Today, we understand that oral health is rooted in more than myths. Here’s how dentistry has evolved into the comfortable, safe, and beneficial science of today.
IN THE BEGINNING
Did you know that the ancient Egyptians had doctors specifically for teeth? Evidence suggests that as early as 2700 B.C.E., the Chinese used acupuncture to treat tooth pain. By 500 B.C.E., prominent figures like Hippocrates and Aristotle were discussing dental treatments, including the use of sterilization and red-hot wires to treat oral diseases and stabilize teeth.
THE VISIONARY THOUGHTS OF THE 1600S-1700S
The 1600s and 1700s were periods of significant innovation in dentistry. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first English dental textbook, _The Operator of Teeth_. His book suggested using a homemade toothpaste from powdered coal, rose-water, and “dragon’s blood.” Allen also discussed dental transplants using dog’s teeth and mentioned wisdom teeth.
In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard’s seminal work, _The Surgeon Dentist_, positioned dentistry as a modern profession. He identified sugar as a cause of cavities, discussed the use of braces for correcting teeth, and introduced the concept of a dentist’s chair light.
THE PROGRESSIVE 1800S
The 1800s saw numerous important ...
