How Teeth Indicated Status Throughout History

From the dawn of human existence to the present obsession with straight, pearly whites, the journey of dental care is a fascinating tale that spans cultures and centuries. In this exploration, we'll dive into the perplexing and bursty history of dentistry, unveiling the quirky practices and beliefs that shaped our ancestors' smiles.

The Primordial Pearly Whites

Open wide, and let's travel back to the time of prehistoric humans, blissfully unaware of dental problems. It turns out, their secret was a diet exclusively composed of unprocessed fibrous foods, acting as natural teeth cleaners. Archaeologists stumbled upon evidence that early humans used porcupine quills, animal bones, and even tree twigs to pick at their teeth. As peculiar as it sounds, these unconventional methods were the oral hygiene tools of our forebearers.

Tooth Worms and Ancient Superstitions

Fast forward to ancient Sumeria, around 5,000 years ago, where the first scientific theory about cavities emerged. Brace yourself – they believed in tooth worms! These mythical creatures were thought to bore holes in teeth, a theory that persisted through the centuries. European doctors clung to this belief as late as the 14th century, emphasizing the burstiness of dental history.

Twigs to Toothbrushes: Evolution of Dental Tools

Around 3,000 BCE, brushing teeth entered the scene. Babylonians and Egyptians crafted rudimentary toothbrushes from twigs, paving the way for the first bristle toothbrush in ancient China during the Tang dynasty. Picture hog bristles attached to a bone or bamboo handle – the prototype of our modern toothbrush. Explorers introduced these innovative tools to the West, and by the 17th century, Europe embraced the concept.

Gold Teeth, Black Teeth: Aesthetic Adventures

Teeth as status symbols? In ancient Etruscan society, the upper class replaced their teeth with flashy gold facsimiles. Wealthy Etruscan women even went as far as having their teeth extracted for gold replacements, mocking the irreplaceability of their original eyes. Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, Filipinos and Mayans adorned their teeth with gold and precious stones, each culture showcasing a burst of creativity for different reasons.

The Royal Disease: Blackened Teeth and Sugar Cravings

Sugar, the sweet harbinger of dental decay, gained popularity in Tudor-era England, causing even Queen Elizabeth's teeth to turn black. The overindulgence of sugar by the wealthy led to cavities being seen as a royal disease. In a bizarre twist, those of lower social standing imitated the blackened teeth fashion of the elite, turning an unfortunate dental condition into a societal trend.

Washington's Woes and Hollywood Smiles

Enter George Washington, a founding father with a single original tooth and four sets of dentures. These dentures, incorporating human teeth, were likely purchased from slaves or pulled from the deceased. Despite the discomfort, Washington, aware of the importance of teeth as a status symbol, endured the challenges. Fast forward to the 20th century, Hollywood's influence reshaped the ideal smile, ushering in the era of braces, whiteners, and the relentless pursuit of straight, white teeth.

The Verdict: Which Dental Epoch suits You?

As we unravel the quirks of dental history, consider which era your teeth would feel most at home. From tooth worms to gold adornments, each chapter contributes to the perplexity and burstiness of our collective dental narrative. Share your thoughts in the comments below and, in the spirit of unpredictability, let's celebrate the unique journey of every smile.

And before you go, explore more intriguing stories on our Weird History channel. Because the odyssey of our smiles is, indeed, a journey worth taking.