Medieval dentistry. Just take a moment and consider those two words together. It’s not a pleasant thought, to be sure.  But before the days of novocaine and free toothbrushes, people had issues with their teeth that we, sitting in our padded dental chairs, can barely imagine.

Dental problems were first mentioned by the Sumerians, though the first dentists and treatments were found among the ancient Egyptians. Prayer, it seems, was the most reliable treatment, but they didn’t rule out pastes made with “Nubian clay” and “green eye lotion.” Minty freshness was evidently a lower priority.

Dentistry reached an early peak, though, with the medieval Europeans. The most knowledgeable people at that time, the monks, were the original dental care professionals, until Papal edicts in the 12th century forbid them from practicing dentistry. The next choice for village dentist? In most cases, it was obvious: the barber.

Chisels and chains, pliers and picks – those poor teeth, and those with poor teeth, didn’t stand a chance. When in doubt, pull it out! There are some records of drilling, too, using a sharpened metal rod rotated between the palms, along with evidence of applying a red-hot metal wire in the treatment of dental problems. Lean back and say “aaah?” Over my cold, dead molars.

So, are you scared of going to the dentist? Not to worry, a lot of people are.  But stop a moment and consider the fact that we have the most comfortable, knowledgeable dentistry in the history of humankind. Remember, dental problems were first written about in 5000 B.C. – the first anesthetic was written about in 1844 A.D.