Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond. ~ (Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605)
By Arthur Kezian
If asked ‘What day is celebrated as World dentist day’? or “When is ‘world oral health day’?” most of us would scratch our heads and try finding the answer on Google. I bet many of you have already typed that in Google. Hold on, World oral health day is celebrated on the 12th of September and Dentist Day is celebrated on March 6th.
Most of us are not aware of these facts and many of us do not know the rich and varied history of dentistry and dentists as a whole. Let this dentist take you for a walk into time and tell you about the roots of our trade.
- Ancient times:
Evidence from the Indus valley civilization shows dentistry to be practiced. They date back to almost 7000 B.C. the unearthed evidences establish the fact that they used to treat tooth related disorders effectively and the dentists were relied upon.
Sumerian texts dating back to 5000 B.C. describes tooth decay to be caused by ‘worms’. The belief was common in the ancient civilizations, and was even believed as late as 14th century A.D.
Documents from 17th century BC, 18th century BC, ancient Greek Scholars like Hippocrates and Aristotle show remarkable dental practices prevailing in those times.
Remains from ancient Egyptian and Greco-Roman civilizations exhibit well developed dental surgery and prosthetics.
- Middle Ages:
The middle ages saw the barbers taking up most of the work in treatment of dental problems. It should also be noted that dental extractions were a mode for treating a variety of illness in those times. During this period some physicians and inventors started to develop new tools for dental extraction and treatment.
- New Age:
In 1530 the first book was published that dealt exclusively on dentistry, but the first dental text book is considered to be “Operator for the Teeth”, written by Charles Allen in 1635.
In 17th century Pierre Fauchard started the journey of modern dentistry. He is known as ‘the father of modern dentistry’. His path-breaking works and findings on oral hygiene and health paved way for modern research and development.
- 19th century Dentistry:
The 19th century did not see much development in the earlier part. Still the barbers used to tend to tooth extraction needs. At the most, the general physicians were consulted. A dentist for oral hygiene was unheard of in those days.
- 20th century: Emergence of modern dentistry:
The development of dentistry as a science and medical practice developed in leaps and bounds during the early part of the 20th century. Concepts of Oral hygiene stated to take shape towards its modern day forms. Discovery of Fluoride, Penicillin and laughing gas (initially used as a local anesthetic) and later better anesthetic paved way to better treatment of oral problems.
During the period of 1900 to 1950 dental specialties emerged in the current day forms.
Research and developments are on, new technologies are on the rise, and new methods are being tried to make dentistry an art, and to make your life safe and comfortable.
Dental professionals have been able to specialize and streamline their work, thanks to the huge technological development. But the most important thing that we should remember is “Prevention is always better than cure”. So it is always advised to maintain good and healthy habits and proper oral hygiene to have strong and healthy gums, strong and shining teeth.
Dr. Kezian in Los Angeles is your dentist. He and his team treat oral problems of all kinds, across all ages. Call today for a free consultation.
Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777