The Medieval Period, often depicted as a time of poor hygiene, actually tells a different story when it comes to dental care. Contrary to popular belief, medieval people had a keen understanding of dental hygiene, with practices that laid the foundation for routines we still use today.
In the Eastern Medieval world, teeth brushing was popularized using a tool called a “mistake.” This practice of cleaning teeth with natural materials quickly spread to Western Europe. People used various items like cloth, fingers, or leaves for teeth cleaning, indicating a widespread awareness of oral hygiene across different social classes.
It’s a misconception that sugar was a Renaissance introduction to Europe. It was first recorded in England in 1069, brought over through trading routes during the Crusades. However, the diet of the peasantry, mostly consisting of coarse bread and tough vegetables, led to significant wear on their teeth, rather than decay from sugar. This contrasts with the common belief that medieval people suffered extensively from tooth decay due to poor diet and hygiene.
Medieval people used natural remedies for dental care. They chewed on crushed leek seeds, lemon juice, or fresh mint for fresh breath, and even applied ground fish bones to their teeth for whitening. While not as sophisticated as modern toothpaste, these natural methods were effective for maintaining oral hygiene. Additionally, they used early forms of breath fresheners like lozenges in the later Middle Ages, further indicating their concern for oral cleanliness.
Archaeological findings, such as the excavation of Mary Tudor-Brandon’s skeleton with a “good set of teeth,” challenge the notion that dental decay was rampant in the Middle Ages. These findings, along with others like those at the Tower of London, suggest that dental health in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance was generally better than commonly assumed.
Surprisingly, only about 20 percent of teeth from this era show signs of decay, indicating that dental health was relatively good, especially considering the lack of modern dental care.
Comparing Dental Health Across Eras
Research indicates that the inhabitants of the Pleistocene era, living around 15,000 years ago, had some of the worst dental health documented in human history. Their diet led to high rates of cavities and abscesses long before the advent of agriculture. This comparison highlights that dental health issues predate the medieval period by millennia.
Ancient Dental Treatments
Historically, various cultures have employed innovative methods to treat dental issues. For instance, ancient Egyptians used a mixture of ground barley, honey, and yellow ochre, while the Chinese over 2,000 years ago used silver amalgam fillings. These examples demonstrate that even ancient societies had a rudimentary understanding of dental care.
Medieval Remedies for Tooth Decay
In the Middle Ages, cures for toothache and “tooth worms” (a common belief for the cause of decay) were based on herbal remedies, charms, and amulets. Techniques like bloodletting were prescribed for certain toothaches, and there is evidence of powders for cleaning teeth and attempts at filling cavities.
Dietary Impact on Dental Health in Ancient Egypt
In ancient Egypt, the most common dental problem was attrition, caused by a diet heavy in uncooked vegetables and lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. This historical context shows that diet has always played a crucial role in dental health, affecting societies across different periods.
Shocking Dental Care Facts
- Medieval dental treatment heavily relied on herbal remedies. A wide range of plants and herbs were used to treat toothaches and other oral problems.
- There is evidence suggesting that medieval dentistry included the use of rudimentary fillings for cavities, utilizing materials available at the time.
- Contrary to the assumption that prosthetics are a modern invention, there is evidence of the manufacture of false teeth during the medieval period.
- Bloodletting was a common medieval practice for certain types of toothache, reflecting the limited understanding of oral diseases and their treatments at the time.
- Medieval surgeons were not just limited to tooth extraction; they also had methods to treat more severe conditions like oral cancer and jaw dislocations.
- Alongside herbal remedies, amulets and charms were commonly used in medieval times as part of dental care, reflecting the blend of medicine and superstition prevalent in that era.
- A medieval remedy for oral pain involved cauterizing a specific area behind the ear, followed by inhaling smoke from heated seeds, believed to provide pain relief.
- Certain dental treatments involved a mix of magic and prayer, such as carving words on an iron nail and inserting it under the affected tooth before driving it into an oak tree as a remedy for toothache.
- A unique method to treat tooth worms involved burning a candle made of sheep’s suet and certain seeds near the tooth, with the belief that the worms would drop into water placed below to escape the heat.
- Medieval people used powders made from herbs and other natural ingredients to clean their teeth, and they chewed on aromatic herbs to freshen their breath, akin to modern toothpaste and mouthwash.
The Hazards of Medieval Dental Care
- Medieval dental care was hindered by a fundamental lack of modern dental knowledge and understanding of oral health. The limited understanding of the causes of dental problems, such as cavities and toothaches, led to the application of often ineffective and sometimes harmful remedies.
- One of the key hazards of medieval dental care was the heavy reliance on herbal remedies. While some herbs and plants had beneficial properties for dental health, many remedies were unproven and had uncertain outcomes. This reliance on herbal treatments could delay effective dental care and exacerbate oral health issues.
- Medieval dental care is often intertwined with superstition and magical practices. Amulets, charms, and other mystical methods were commonly used alongside herbal remedies. These practices, while culturally significant, offered little scientific benefit and could lead to missed opportunities for genuine dental treatment.
- The medieval era had limited treatment options for dental problems. Bloodletting, a common practice, was employed for certain toothaches, reflecting a limited understanding of oral diseases and their treatments. While some attempts were made at cavity filling, the materials and techniques were rudimentary at best.
- Medieval dental care sometimes involved invasive and painful procedures. Cauterization, where a specific area behind the ear was burned, was believed to provide pain relief for oral issues. These procedures, performed without anesthesia or proper sterilization, carried significant health risks.
- Preventive measures for dental health, such as routine cleaning and check-ups, were virtually non-existent in medieval times. The focus was primarily on addressing dental problems once they had already developed, rather than preventing them from occurring in the first place.
- The medieval diet, characterized by coarse bread and tough vegetables for the peasantry, had a significant impact on dental health. Attrition caused by a diet lacking essential vitamins and minerals was a common dental problem. This dietary impact exacerbated the challenges of maintaining good oral health during this era.
- Access to skilled dental practitioners was extremely limited in medieval times. This lack of access meant that many individuals had to rely on home remedies and unqualified practitioners, increasing the risks associated with dental care.
- Modern dental hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and the use of effective toothpaste, were absent in medieval times. This absence contributed to a higher likelihood of dental issues and poor overall oral health.
- Medieval dental care lacked the technological advancements and tools that we take for granted today. The absence of instruments for accurate diagnosis and treatment made it challenging to provide effective and safe dental care.
The medieval approach to dental hygiene was more advanced and effective than often portrayed. From natural tooth-cleaning methods to the early use of breath fresheners, medieval people took significant steps to maintain oral health. This historical insight offers a new perspective on the medieval lifestyle, debunking myths about their supposed neglect of dental care.
