Timeline of Dental History: Ancient Origin

Practice flashcards covering the timeline of dental history from ancient origins to the Roman and Arab periods.

What is the etymological origin and meaning of the word 'history'?

It comes from the Greek word 'historia', meaning 'inquiry, knowledge acquired by investigation.'

According to B.W. Weinberger, why is it important to study the history of dentistry?

A profession ignorant of its past has lost a valuable asset because it has missed its best guide to the future.

What was discovered in Lucca, Italy, dating back to 13000 BC?

Drilled front teeth filled with Bitumen (semi-solid petroleum), plant fiber, and hair.

What evidence of dentistry was found in Mehrgarh, Pakistan, dating between 7500 – 9500 BC?

Evidence of a primitive drilling method where a small bow was used to drive flint drill tips into teeth.

What is the earliest known example of therapeutic dentistry discovered in Slovenia (6500 BC)?

A 65-century-old cracked tooth repaired with a filling made of beeswax.

In Sumerian texts from 5000 BC, what was believed to be the cause of dental caries?

Tooth worms.

How did the ancient Chinese treat toothache around 2700 BC?

They used acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine involving thin needles inserted into the body.

Who is recognized as the first recorded dentist and physician in history?

Hesy-Re, an Egyptian scribe who died around 2600 BC.

What dental procedure was found on an Egyptian mummy from 2000 BC?

Intricate gold work involving two donor teeth with holes drilled into them, wired to neighboring teeth.

What is the significance of the Ebers Papyrus (1700 – 1550 BC)?

It is the most comprehensive record of ancient Egyptian medicine, containing 877 treatment recipes and descriptions of over 400 drugs, including toothache prescriptions.

Who is known as the 'Father of Medicine' and what was his stance on tooth extraction?

Hippocrates; he was adverse to extractions unless the tooth could not be saved by any other means.

What mistake did Aristotle make regarding human anatomy in his writings?

He mistakenly stated that men had 32 teeth while women had only 30.

What dental advancement are the Etruscans (166-201 BC) known for?

Practicing dental prosthetics using gold crowns and fixed bridgework.

What were 'Chew Sticks' used by the Romans?

Small branches with one frayed end used as the earliest ancestor of the modern toothbrush.

Which Roman medical writer suggested using finger pressure to align teeth?

Aulus Cornelius Celsus.

What is the 'Siwak' or 'Miswak' used by ancient Arabs?

A tooth-cleaning stick made from the 'Salvadora persica' plant used to whiten and polish the teeth.