What Is the History Behind Dental Care?

There are many aspects of modern life that we really take for granted. Most people assume that those in the ancient world simply didn’t have things like doctors and dentists. This isn’t true, though. In fact, according to Dentaly, recorded dental history goes back as far as 5,000 BCE. There have been dentists around for thousands of years helping people take care of their teeth just like your dentist does! Let’s take a quick look at the history of dentistry.

An Ancient Practice

The practice of dentistry is one of the oldest types of professions. There are records of dental care in the Indus Valley civilization, which is considered to be one of the oldest civilizations on the planet. It was in 5,000 BCE, though, that detailed descriptions of dental practices and tooth decay were found. There is a Sumerian text that describes tooth worms as a suspected reason for tooth decay. This was a strongly held belief by dentists until the 1700s when it was determined that bacteria was the cause of tooth decay.

Philosophers and Dentistry

Ancient philosophers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle also wrote about dentistry and treating tooth decay. These teachers were interested in studying and writing about all things that affect human life and existence, and teeth were certainly on the list.

The First Dental Book

In 1530, the first book of dentistry was produced and titled "The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth." After this book was published, the profession of dentistry was taken more seriously, and by the 1700s, it was considered a respected profession.

The Invention of Modern Dental Treatments

Modern dental treatments for teeth, such as dental fillings, were introduced by the dentist Pierre Fauchard. He is considered the father of modern dentistry. Through his work, a comprehensive method of caring for the teeth and treating dental problems was developed and practiced.

The First Dental College

The first dental college was opened in 1840: the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. The opening of this school set in motion the regulation of dental services throughout the United States. The state of Alabama was the first state to enact dental practice laws in 1841. About 20 years later, the American Dental Association was created.

Dental services have come a long way in the last few thousand years, and new techniques and treatment plans continue to develop with new technology! Today, you can find quality general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry all in one place: Pampered Dental. For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation with us, give us a call today!