Going to the dentist looked much different 200 years ago! Over the years, the dental community has made great strides in better understanding how to improve and understand oral health. Below we’ve rounded up how dental care has evolved throughout history and some of the most notable advancements. Check them out. 👇
Early America
In early America, many individuals utilized tooth powders as a method of cleaning their teeth. Said powders contained a mix of abrasive materials such as bone, eggshells, and gunpowder. These mixtures were often homemade, but were also available for purchase in larger cities. At the time, effective dental tools and methods were not yet in place. As we’re sure you can imagine, this lead to improperly cared for mouths and some even succumbed to their dental problems.
18th Century America
It wasn’t until the late 1700’s that America saw its first glimpse of barber-surgeons. One of the first dentists in America was John Baker who settled in Boston in 1763. Following his arrival, many other European immigrants traveled to the United States to work in dentistry.
19th Century America
By the early 19th century America had become a hub for dental advancements. In 1839, the American Journal of Dental Science was launched. Then, in 1840, the American Society of Dental Surgeons was established. From this point forward advances in the field of dentistry continued to come about rapidly.
As advancements continued, a more wholesome knowledge of caring for teeth became available to the public. In 1857 H.N. Wadsworth submitted the first toothbrush patent in the United States. While it looks a little different from the modern toothbrush we’re used to, it is not far off.
Dentistry in America has come a long way since the country was founded and the industry continues to innovate and expand. Visit our office to learn about the modern treatments we offer.
