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Learning about the lives and habits of humans passed can be interesting. Considering the advancements of dentistry today, you may wonder how our ancestors must have corrected the dental problems of their times. Discoveries of ancient remains have shown that as early as 7000 BC, humans seemed to have already attempted to alleviate tooth discomfort. In this article, your Riverside dentists outline the milestones that the art of dentistry has taken throughout history.

Tooth Care Through Time

  • Remains from a Neolithic graveyard in Pakistan contain teeth with near-perfect holes carved out of their centers. The teeth, which dated back to approximately 7000 BC, were molars (located in the back of the mouth), so cosmetics were not likely a motivation for the dental work.
  • Researchers have recently discovered a 6,500 year old human jaw bone with an interesting story to tell. A tooth attached to the bone showed traces of beeswax filling, which experts believe was intended to reduce discomfort from a vertical crack in the tooth’s enamel.
  • The Egyptians had firm grasp on the intricacies of dentistry, and performed the first known dental surgery operation. Researchers discovered a lower jaw dating from 2750 BC that had been pierced twice just below the root of the first molar. The piercings indicate the drainage of an abscessed tooth.
  • Also around 2700 BC, there was no evidence that the Chinese practiced mechanical dentistry. They did, however, treat dental issues with acupuncture (the process of puncturing various areas of the body with needles).
  • Leonardo Da Vinci also made significant contributions to the art of dentistry. His drawings depicted the anatomy of the jaws, teeth, and maxillary sinus.

Our ancestors utilized the world around them to deal with the dental problems of their day. In modern times, we can see much more of that world, and can utilize technology that our forefathers would have been amazed to witness. To take advantage of today’s advanced dentistry, schedule your appointment by calling Dental Associates of Riverside at (951) 369-1001.