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Early Dental Practices

Every science has its beginnings in myth and folklore. Early dental practices, in particular, are deeply tied to the mysticism surrounding the teeth and tongue. Because the mouth is the center of speech and nourishment, diverse cultures treat dental events in their lives with respect.

There is a universal human belief that teeth confer power. These remedies and practices were intended to cultivate that power-by keeping teeth for a lifetime. The same spirit-much refined-motivates modern dentistry.

Toothache

For relief, boil earthworms in oil and pour into the ear on the side where there is pain (Pliny, 77 AD).

Pour juice of onions by drops into the mouth, bite a piece of wood struck by lightning (ibid.).

Put tobacco in the armpit; hold a heated root of a birch on the cheek; or hold a small frog against the cheek or lick a toad's abdomen (Norwegian folklore).

Lay roasted parings of turnips, as hot as they may be, behind the ear; keep the feet in warm water, and rub them well with bran, just before bedtime (John Wesley, 1747).

Tooth Extraction

"Round the tooth to be drawn, he fastened a strong piece of catgut; to its other end he affixed a bullet. Then he charged a pistol with this bullet and a full measure of powder. The firing performed a speedy and effectual removal of the offending tooth" (Dr. Monsey, 1788).

In the US and Europe, the blacksmith did extractions, presumably because they had the "proper tools."

"If one had a tooth extracted, it must be burned, because, if a dog got it and swallowed it, one would have a dog's tooth come in its place" (Dr. Holmes, 1862).

Tooth Cleaning

To clean the teeth, rub them with the ashes of burnt bread (Poor Will's Almanack, 1780).

To stable and steadfast the teeth, and to keep the gummes in good case, it shall be very good every day in the morning to wash well the mouth with red wine (London, 1598).

In parts of England, the superstition persists: one prevents a toothache by "clothing one's right leg prior to the left" (G.P. Foley, 1972).

Tooth Growth

To make the teeth of children grow hastily, take the brain of a hen and rub the gums therewith. It shall make them grow without any sorrow or diseases or aching (London, 1934).

Roast the brains of a rabbit and rub a small amount on the gums (US, 1942).

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Mouthguards - Learn Everything You Need To Know

Every year, more than 200,000 people are treated by dentists and oral surgeons for sports-related injuries. Many of these injuries could be avoided if athletes and sports enthusiasts used protective equipment.

The mouth guard, a small, flexible plastic device, can dramatically protect athletes from injuries including concussions, jaw fractures, and neck and head trauma. Anyone participating in sports and especially contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, and wrestling, should wear protective mouth guards for safety. It is especially important to wear a mouth guard if a person has braces. In addition, if a child's teeth protrude, it is very important that he or she wears one.

Different Types of Mouth Guards Available

Different types of mouth guards from off-the-shelf to custom-fitted types provide various advantages and degrees of protection . When considering options, evaluate the mouth guard's degree of comfort; the wearer's ability to speak and breathe; durability; and protection for the teeth and mouth.

• The stock or off-the-shelf mouth guard is the least expensive type and offers the least protection. Adjustment is limited and may interfere with speech and breathing. The jaw holds the mouth guard in place so the jaw must be closed at all times to work properly -- not convenient or practical in many situations.
• The "boil-and-bite" mouth guard found in athletic stores also is inexpensive. The mouth guard is dropped into hot water, then placed into the mouth; the synthetic material forms an impression around the teeth providing a better fit. Make certain that the mouth guard is not too big.
• Custom-made mouth guards are more expensive, but after all of the permanent teeth have erupted, they do offer the best protection against injury. They're also more comfortable to wear. These are made by the dentist and tailored to fit your mouth.

Mouth guard Care

• Wash with soap and warm water and soak the mouth guard in mouthwash before storage. Store in a well-ventilated plastic storage case when not using. Do not bend.
• Some mouth guards can be cleaned with an effervescent cleaner such as Efferdent -- refer to individual instructions first.
• Avoid exposing your mouth guard to heat, including leaving it in direct sunlight or in a hot car, which can permanently affect its shape and fit.
• Keep it to yourself! Don't handle other people's mouth guards or let others use yours.

Your dentist wants you to avoid any risk of facial, head, neck, and dental injuries that can often be prevented with a protective mouth guard. For all these reasons, the dental profession encourages the use of high-quality mouth guards. Mouth guards are changing the face of sports and protecting hundreds of thousands of people in the process.

By Brian J. Gray, DDS, MAGD, FICO