History of dentistry

FIRST DENTAL CHAIR

During 1700 BC, Indus Valley Civilization showed the evidence of dentistry. The earliest form involved curing tooth related diseases with the help of bow drills by skilled craftsmen. A Sumerian text from 5000 BC describes that tooth decay was due to 'tooth worm. Historically, tooth removal (dental extraction) have been used to treat a variety of dental problems. During the Middle Ages and during 19th century, dentistry was not a profession in itself, dental procedures were even performed by barbers or general physicians.1790 was a big year for dentistry when he first specialized dental chair was invented. 

History of toothbrush, toothpaste and toothpicks :


Natural bristles brushes were invented by he ancient Chinese. In 1938, the first nylon bristle toothbrushes was manufactured by DuPont. The first electric toothbrush was produced in 1939, and developed in Switzerland. Toothpaste was used as long ago as 500 BC in both China and India; however, modern toothpaste was developed in the 1800s. In 1872, Silas Noble and J. P. Cooley patented the first toothpick manufacturing machine. The 1960's saw the introduction of fluoride into toothpaste which  remarkably reduces the incidence of tooth decay.