Gleaning Lessons from Medieval Dentistry: A Look into the Past

Although the Middle Ages are known more for superstitious practices than scientific endeavors, some insightful observations made during this era remarkably align with our modern understanding of dental health. California Dental Group delves into these fascinating snippets from history to showcase the timelessness of preventive dental care principles. When it’s time for your Eagle Rock CA dental cleaning, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161.

Dental Wisdom of the Middle Ages

Interestingly, physicians and scholars of the medieval era, despite lacking a scientific framework, diligently noted their observations, forming the foundation for rudimentary healthcare guidelines, including dentistry. A remarkable case in point is the dental advice offered by a 15th-century academic, Giovanni de Arcoli, whose recommendations bear striking similarities to contemporary dental wisdom.

Arcoli, a professor of medicine and surgery in Bologna and Padua, outlined ten precepts for dental care. Here, we focus on five that have stood the test of time:

1. Avoid Inducing Vomiting: Prolonged exposure to stomach acids can gradually erode tooth enamel, a fact often demonstrated in patients with bulimia.
2. Limit Consumption of Sweet, Sticky Foods: Sugary food remnants can lodge into teeth crevices, fostering bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
3. Avoid Using Teeth as Tools: Misuse of teeth can cause chips or breaks. This advice remains relevant today, even though our reliance on teeth for non-dietary tasks has significantly diminished.
4. Clean Teeth After Each Meal: In Arcoli’s time, this involved using a twig or toothpick to remove food particles and a spice mixture for rinsing.
5. Rub Teeth with Suitable Substances: Before toothpaste, medieval people used various oils or spices to rub their teeth, a practice aimed at plaque removal and gum stimulation.

Arcoli also holds the distinction of being the first documented person to propose filling decayed teeth with gold for their preservation. Today, we use more discreet and durable non-metallic materials for fillings.

Ancient Practices, Modern Implications

There are indications that Arcoli’s advice found resonance among his contemporaries, especially the educated ones. A study in the British Dental Journal examining the teeth of Richard III, an English king who died in 1485, reveals evidence of dental treatment. His teeth exhibited uneven tartar build-up, suggesting selective cleaning in line with Arcoli’s guidance, and showed signs of tooth extraction, likely due to decay.

Examining medieval dentistry sheds light on the enduring relevance of preventative dentistry principles. The primary causes of tooth loss – tooth decay and gum disease – are entirely preventable. These historical insights emphasize the importance of preventative dental care in today’s context. Experience these benefits by scheduling an appointment with California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 today in our Eagle Rock CA dental office.