The early history of dentistry is well documented, with tooth-sticks being chewed on in classical times, the following have all been used at some stage in the production of toothpaste/toothpowder:
Powdered ashes of ox hooves, myrrh, eggshells, pumice, crushed bones, oyster shells, charcoal, bark, the burnt shells of snails, honey, green lead, verdigris, incense, flintstone, brick dust..
Then there was a very interesting development of teeth-transplants which was the mode in the 18th Century, the technique was widespread but far from scientific, it was blamed for a number of maladies from syphilis to scurvy.
Thankfully we have progressed a lot and can now even offer high-class dental holidays!
| Quote: |
| In 1804 every dentist required a good stock of sound, non-carious human teeth. What were the possible sources? Teeth extracted by the dentist himself; teeth from the bodies of hung criminals which had been directed by the court to be used for dissection; from unclaimed bodies of paupers; from mortuaries or graveyards; from battlefields (hence ‘Waterloo teeth’); and by purchase or reward from living donors (Source: QI forum) And in today's market? No longer the threat of chewing on a branch with quality dental destinations |
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