Fact 1: The Mayans decorated their teeth with jewels.

The advanced Mayan civilization was known to be very skilled at dental work. It was not uncommon to drill small holes in teeth and fit gemstones inside the holes. This modification was meant to be decorative and was performed primarily on men. Researchers have also noted the Mayans were able to fit the jewels without breaking the teeth—another testament to their advanced dental abilities.

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Fact 2: The Tooth Fairy used to be a mouse.

Well, not exactly. Rather, the Tooth Fairy was partially inspired by a ritual that has been documented in many countries: the offering of a baby tooth to a mouse or other rodent. Children would leave their teeth out overnight for a mouse to collect in the hopes their new adult teeth would grow in as strong as a rodent’s.

In many countries the mouse is still seen as the nocturnal taker of teeth although today he (or she) leaves coins or a small gift.

The U.S. follows the same basic story. But of course, a fairy visits us in place of a mouse. It is thought that the “fairy” character made its way from Europe to America and gained further popularity around the same time animated films such as “Pinocchio” and “Cinderella” were being released. (Both of which contain good, kind fairies as main characters.)

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Fact 3: Toothbrushes really do grow on trees (in a sense).

It is believed that the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used tools made from twigs to brush their teeth. By fraying the end of a twig from trees with antibacterial properties, such as neem and cinnamon, people were able to clean their teeth rather effectively beginning in 3500-3000 BC.

Fact 4: Paul Revere was the first person in America to practice forensic dentistry.

In addition to his numerous other accomplishments, Paul Revere was also an amateur dentist. He would often craft wire dentures made of animal teeth or walrus ivory for his patients. In 1776, Revere became the first person to practice forensic dentistry—though certainly not on purpose. His friend, Joseph Warren, had died nine months prior in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Revere recognized the wiring he had placed on his friend’s tooth in the past and was thus able to identify the body. One myth that’s not true about Paul Revere? He did not create George Washington’s dentures.

Speaking of George Washington…

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Fact 5: George Washington did not have wooden teeth.

Although George Washington suffered from a plethora of dental ailments throughout his life, the story of his wooden teeth is pure myth.

Up until the mid-20th century scholars were still publishing work describing Washington’s teeth as being composed of wood.

So how did this tall tale come to be? The main theory is that George Washington’s dentures simply became stained throughout the years—and thus took on the same hue as wood.

In fact, after sending his dentures in for repair, Washington’s dentist wrote a letter explaining the importance of cleaning his dentures: “The set you sent me from Philadelphia…was very black…Port wine being sower takes of[f] all the polish.”

Oh George. Didn’t your mother ever tell you to brush your teeth? If only you hadn’t chopped down that cherry tree. You could’ve done like the ancient Egyptians and fashioned your very own toothbrush.

Disclaimer

The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 106 Lenora Street, Seattle, WA 98121. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.

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The information contained in this, or any case study post in Incisor, should never be considered a proper replacement for necessary training and/or education regarding adult oral conscious sedation. Regulations regarding sedation vary by state. This is an educational and informational piece. DOCS Education accepts no liability whatsoever for any damages resulting from any direct or indirect recipient's use of or failure to use any of the information contained herein. DOCS Education would be happy to answer any questions or concerns mailed to us at 3250 Airport Way S, Suite 701 | Seattle, WA 98134. Please print a copy of this posting and include it with your question or request.
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