What Was Dentistry Like In The Medieval Period? (Video)

Dentistry in the medieval period was a challenging and often painful experience, reflecting the limited medical knowledge and resources of the time. Unlike today, the absence of anesthetics and modern sterilization techniques made dental procedures quite distressing and even dangerous.

Medieval people did care about their teeth, using primitive but effective methods to maintain dental hygiene. They used abrasive substances like mint, pepper, and salt to clean their teeth, similar to how toothpaste functions today, despite not fully understanding the concept of dental plaque.

Dental problems were prevalent among the rich due to their higher sugar consumption, leading to more frequent tooth decay. However, the poor often faced tooth erosion from using their teeth as tools.

Medieval treatments for toothaches included remedies based on the now-debunked theory of the tooth worm, which was thought to cause dental pain by burrowing into teeth. Henbane seeds were burned and the smoke inhaled to supposedly kill these tooth worms, though this method was toxic and dangerous.

Tooth extraction was a common solution for severe dental issues, typically performed by barbers or tooth pullers rather than surgeons, who considered such tasks beneath them. The tools used for extractions were rudimentary and painful, such as the pelican, which could break jaws and teeth. In some cases, medieval dentists would fill cavities with substances containing arsenic, adding to the risks of treatment.

False teeth were available, primarily for the wealthy, made from materials like animal bone or actual human teeth, often held in place with gold wire. Despite the high level of pain and the risk of infection, these practices laid the groundwork for modern dentistry, which has thankfully advanced significantly in terms of comfort and effectiveness.

Top image: Miniature on a initial ‘D’ with a scene representing teeth (“dentes”). A dentist with silver forceps and a necklace of large teeth, extracting the tooth of a seated man. (England (London); 1360-1375 Source: Public Domain

By Robbie Mitchell