Dental Did You Know

Ancient Tooth Remedies

Toothaches have been around as long as humans have and with them came a myriad of interesting theories as to their cause and how to treat them.  There is evidence of tooth drilling up to 9000 years ago that was surprisingly precise. 

But what did ancient people believe caused tooth pain?  One of the most popular theories included the worm theory, that toothaches are due to worms burrowing inside the tooth and causing pain by wiggling around. The earliest reference comes from a Sumerian text from around 5000 BCE. People believed these tooth worms were to blame all the way up into the 18th century.

Most ancient cures attempted to remove the worm in some way. Pliny the Elder, a Roman writer, described a technique that included catching a frog under a full moon, spitting in its mouth, and then whispering for it to take the toothache away.  Some cultures believed a series of chants would work. In England, citizens stole the teeth of the deceased to create a toothache talisman.  Aztecs relied on chewing hot chilies while the ancient Egyptians tried wearing magical amulets.

Now-a-days, dental professionals know that toothaches are caused by decay and bacteria and the therapies are much easier and much more effective.


Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2011/09/catch-a-frog-under-the-full-moon-%E2%80%A6-and-other-toothache-cures/#more-708


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
Like us on Facebook!