Dental Care in Colonial Times: A Glimpse into a Toothache-Filled Past

Imagine living in a time without modern dental care, where a simple toothache could become a lifelong agony. Such was the reality for the colonists who settled in America during the 17th and 18th centuries. Dental care during colonial times was a far cry from the advanced practices we have today. In this blog post, we’ll take a journey back in time to explore the dental challenges and practices of colonial America.

The Roots of Dental Woes

Colonial Americans faced a host of dental issues due to their diet, lifestyle, and limited knowledge of dental hygiene. Their diet was often high in sugar and lacked proper nutrition, which contributed to tooth decay and gum disease. Add to that a lack of access to fresh, clean water, and it’s easy to see why oral health was a significant concern.

Toothache Remedies

When colonists experienced toothaches, they had to get creative with remedies because there were no dentists as we know them today. Common solutions include:

1. Tooth Extractions: When a tooth became unbearable, the last resort was to have it pulled. This procedure was typically performed by barbers or blacksmiths, as they possessed the necessary tools. It was a painful and risky process.
2. Tooth Worm Theory:Many believed that tiny worms lived inside their teeth, causing pain. To alleviate this, they would attempt to remove the “worms” by inserting needles and probes into the affected tooth.
3. Herbal Remedies: Colonists often turned to herbal remedies. They used various plants, such as yarrow and spikenard, to soothe toothaches. Some believed that chewing on willow bark, which contains salicylic acid (the predecessor to modern aspirin), could provide relief.
4. Charms and Incantations: In a time when superstitions ran high, some turned to charms and incantations, believing that they could ward off or cure dental ailments.

Dental Hygiene Practices

Maintaining dental hygiene was a challenge in colonial times. While there was no shortage of advice on how to care for one’s teeth, practical solutions were limited. Some practices included:

1. Homemade Toothpowders: Colonists would create tooth powders from various substances, including crushed eggshells, charcoal, and herbs. These powders were abrasive and could remove some food debris, but they didn’t effectively combat decay.
2. Toothpick and Toothbrush:Toothpicks were commonly used to remove food particles from between teeth, while early toothbrushes were made from twigs with frayed ends.
3. Rinsing with Saltwater:Saltwater rinses were used as a form of mouthwash, believed to kill bacteria and freshen breath.

Dental Care for the Wealthy

While the average colonial American had limited access to dental care, the wealthy enjoyed more advanced options. They could import dentures from Europe, crafted from materials such as ivory, human teeth, or animal teeth. These were a status symbol and far more comfortable than the crude tooth extractions used by common folk.

The Evolution of Dentistry

Dental care during colonial times was a far cry from the advanced, science-based practices we have today. Over the centuries, dentistry has made tremendous progress with the development of anesthesia, sterilization, and a better understanding of oral health. Dental care has evolved into a vital component of overall health, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

So, the next time you sit in the dentist’s chair, remember the hardships faced by the colonial settlers and be grateful for the advancements in dental care that have spared us from the toothaches and primitive remedies of the past.