The Evolution of Dentistry

Believe it or not, dental floss as we know it hasn’t always existed, and neither, for the longest time, had the toothbrush. Dental care has a far longer and more colourful history than most of us realise. So we thought we’d take a little trip back in time to see how dentistry has evolved into what we know today.

It’s a surprisingly entertaining story, and it makes you appreciate that minty tube on your bathroom shelf rather more.

Toothpaste through the ages

Today we’re spoiled for choice with flavours, but it wasn’t always so fresh. The ancient Egyptians cleaned their teeth with a mixture of ground pumice and vinegar, and made early toothpaste-like pastes from ingredients such as honey and crushed eggshells.

Early toothpicks, meanwhile, were fashioned from all sorts of materials, including bones, sticks and quills. It’s safe to say the experience was rather less pleasant than a modern brush and paste.

The arrival of the toothbrush

The toothbrush as a dedicated tool was a real breakthrough when it emerged in the late 1700s. Some of the earliest versions used hog bristles set into a handle of bone or bamboo, which, while effective enough, leave most of us grateful for what came next.

That next step arrived in 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced, giving rise to the modern toothbrush we’d recognise today.

X-rays, implants and modern care

The early 1900s brought another leap with the first dental X-ray machine, allowing dentists to see inside the mouth and diagnose problems far more accurately than before. Decades later, in the 1960s, the first successful dental implant was placed, a milestone that opened the door to many of the restorative treatments available now.

From eggshells to implants, it’s quite a journey. As your partner in oral health, we’re committed to keeping up with the latest advances so we can offer you the best possible care. If it’s time for a visit, get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre.