“Tooth worms” were once believed to cause tooth decay, according to a Sumerian text from around 5,000 B.C.E. Thankfully, the dental industry has evolved significantly since then, and we now know that tooth worms don’t exist. Here’s a look at how dentistry has developed into the comfortable, safe, and beneficial science it is today.
In the Beginning
Did you know that ancient Egyptians had doctors specifically for teeth? Evidence shows that as early as 2700 B.C.E., the Chinese used acupuncture to treat tooth decay pain. Additionally, in 500 B.C.E., Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about treating teeth and oral diseases, using methods like sterilization procedures and red-hot wires to stabilize jaw fractures and bind loose teeth.
Visionary Thoughts of the 1600s-1700s
The 1600s and 1700s were a period of significant innovation in dentistry. In 1695, Charles Allen published the first English dental textbook, “The Operator of Teeth.” He advised using a homemade toothpaste made from powdered coal, rose water, and “dragon’s blood,” and suggested using dog’s teeth for transplants. In the 18th century, Pierre Fauchard’s “The Surgeon Dentist” described dentistry as a modern profession for the first time, discussing the cause of dental caries (cavities), the use of braces, and the concept of a dentist’s chair light.
The Progressive 1800s
The 1800s saw major advancements in dentistry. In 1816, Auguste Taveau developed the first dental fillings from silver coins and mercury. In 1840, Horace Wells demonstrated the use of nitrous oxide for sedation, and Thomas Morton employed ether anesthesia for surgery. That same year, Horace Hayden and Chapin Harris opened the first dental school, invented the modern doctorate of dental surgery, and started the first dental society. By the end of the 1800s, porcelain inlays, the first mechanized dental drill, and the toothpaste tube had all been invented.
Scientific Advancements of the 1900s
The 1900s brought amazing advancements in dentistry. The invention of electricity led to the development of electric drills. In 1907, precision case fillings made by a “lost wax” casting machine were introduced to fill cavities, and Novocain was used in dental offices. In 1955, Michael Buonocore described tooth bonding to repair cracked enamel. Later, the first fully reclining dental chair was introduced, and by the 1990s, “invisible” braces and at-home tooth bleaching systems became available.
The Future of Dentistry
Today, dental professionals are exploring the connections between oral health and overall health. Gene-mediated therapeutics to alter the genetic structure of teeth for increased resistance to tooth decay are under investigation. Some researchers are looking into growing new tooth structures around weakened enamel. While the future of dentistry remains to be seen, Downers Grove Dental Spa is committed to adopting the most effective modern technologies as they emerge.
Schedule your visit to Downers Grove Dental Spa, your trusted dentist in Downers Grove, and experience the benefits of modern dentistry.