Humans have always needed dental care, but early remedies were often not as comfortable or available as they are today. Ancient civilizations have shown us that they were innovative with healing, constructing, and more. Ancient dental remedies and practices have shaped how we handle oral care in the modern day. Past dental care practices are what shaped how we think about caring for our teeth and taught us how we could improve painful dental procedures.
Early Toothpaste
Some early civilizations like the Egyptians used crushed eggshells, ox hooves, and pumice as toothpaste. Because these natural ingredients were abrasive, they were used to clean the teeth but could often be hard on tooth enamel.
Mesopotamian people often mixed herbs and vinegar to make toothpaste. The herbs had antibacterial properties that continued into modern toothpaste, but the vinegar often wore on the enamel over time. Learning from these early toothpaste mixtures, we have now improved the abrasiveness of toothpaste ingredients.
Pain Management
Everyone can experience a tooth infection or cavity, so ancient dental practices had to find a way to numb the pain. Especially before there were remedies for cavities or infections, having pain management for the every day was needed. Ancient Greeks used opium and crushed garlic as topical pain relievers. The Chinese used acupuncture and herbal tea for those who needed pain relief. The Egyptian medical text, Ebers Papyrus, stated the use of honey as a natural antiseptic for dental issues.
Mouthwash
There have been many unpleasant or odd remedies for mouthwash since the beginning of human history. Some groups even used urine as mouthwash or an ancient dental remedy for infections. Urine was sold on the street corners and the first urination of the morning was considered the best for dental care. Others in Greece and Rome created mixtures of vinegar, salt, and wine that they used after meals.
Many people utilize plants to help treat infections, gum diseases, or sore throats. These mixtures were also used as a form of mouthwash to help flush out toxins and treat other infections.
Better Diet Practices
One element that helped ancient dental remedies be more effective is their diet. Without processed foods, dyes, or chemicals in their food, these civilizations often experienced few oral diseases. Eating less sugar, fewer soda or sugary drinks, and more natural foods helps to protect your enamel and gums. A better diet is still something that dentists recommend to improve your oral health.
Stabilizing Teeth With Wires
Although ancient people weren’t too concerned about straightening teeth, they did use wires to help keep teeth stable or connect gaps in the teeth. Some of the first dental bridges were created using gold wire across the teeth and animal bone to replace missing teeth. Metal bands were also used around two teeth to help close gaps, but the big breakthrough in orthodontics was not made until much later.
Lessons For Modern Dentistry
Learning from the past has helped us to have more modern techniques, better pain management, and safer practices for the health of all people. Seeing how our ancestors used basic necessities to treat oral conditions helps us to see just how much our natural resources can do for us. Metal is used for braces, fillings, and other dental work today because of the work of ancient civilizations. Past dental care practices have shown us that brushing, flossing, and a healthy diet are crucial to keeping our teeth intact.
Services From Sunset Dental
Sunset Dental is proud to provide modern dental solutions to our patients. Learning about the history of teeth and dental care practices will help you to know just how crucial regular dental visits are. Visiting a dentist for cleanings or extractions will prevent infections and unnecessary pain. Whether you are looking for cosmetic dentistry, regular cleanings, or are dealing with gum disease, our team can help. Schedule your appointment at our Sunset, UT office to achieve better oral health and boost your confidence!