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The Advanced Dental Care of Ancient China

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china-teeth weather view
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • September 9, 2021

 

RUDIMENTARY DENTAL EXTRACTIONS were performed in China as early as 6,000 BC, and there is also evidence that they used wires to stabilize teeth. They didn’t seem to be very interested in straightening teeth, but they were quite advanced when it came to treating endodontic problems.

Treating Toothaches in the Tang Dynasty

In 618 AD, Emperor Gaozu of the Tang Dynasty fell victim to a toothache. He consulted with his tooth doctor for relief, and his recommendation was a dental filling made of melted silver and tin. European dentists wouldn’t catch up until over a thousand years later!

Daily Dental Hygiene in Ancient China

The typical oral hygiene routine for a person in ancient China was to gargle salt water or tea. It became common in the Tang dynasty to soak a willow twig in water before bed and chew on it in the morning. The willow fibers would protrude like a comb and scrub the teeth clean. That’s where the Chinese idiom “chew wood at dawn” comes from.

Wait…They Had Toothbrushes Too?

Some people from that period had access to toothbrushes made of animal bone and hair. They also had an early form of toothpaste made from boiling honey locust fruit, ginger, foxglove, lotus leaves, and other herbs to reduce gum inflammation, ease toothaches, and whiten the teeth.

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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Brandon C.
Dr Holmes and Dr Palmer are great. They are committed to the best outcome for all their patients! They take their time with everyone and don’t rush treatment. Looking forward to seeing the final results for my son Lincoln.
Brandon C.
Dr Holmes and Dr Palmer are great. They are committed to the best outcome for all their patients! They take their time with everyone and don’t rush treatment. Looking forward to seeing the final results for my son Lincoln.
Melissa D.
Absolutely impressed with the Amazing staff, and services.
A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere!!
Great service, affordable pricing, and excellent care!!
Melissa D.
Absolutely impressed with the Amazing staff, and services.
A comfortable, welcoming atmosphere!!
Great service, affordable pricing, and excellent care!!
Kara S.
Dr Palmer has been fantastic and so compassionate throughout the entire experience! Recommend this entire office to anyone needing any orthodontic treatment! They’re all fabulous
Kara S.
Dr Palmer has been fantastic and so compassionate throughout the entire experience! Recommend this entire office to anyone needing any orthodontic treatment! They’re all fabulous
Christina S.
My daughter loves going to Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! Very nice staff, personable, great with all ages!
Christina S.
My daughter loves going to Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! Very nice staff, personable, great with all ages!
JimSara H.
My daughter was very nervous about getting braces but they made her feel so comfortable that she relaxed and was laughing by the time we left. The process was quick and we were out in no time.
JimSara H.
My daughter was very nervous about getting braces but they made her feel so comfortable that she relaxed and was laughing by the time we left. The process was quick and we were out in no time.
Ownlee S.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff that have made the process of getting braces for the first time as easy as possible. They seem to truly care about the comfort of the patient during the whole experience.
Ownlee S.
Helpful and knowledgeable staff that have made the process of getting braces for the first time as easy as possible. They seem to truly care about the comfort of the patient during the whole experience.
Evon T.
Wonderful office!! Everyone is so friendly and really took their time explaining everything to my very nervous 10 yr old daughter, they put her mind at ease and made her feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them.
Evon T.
Wonderful office!! Everyone is so friendly and really took their time explaining everything to my very nervous 10 yr old daughter, they put her mind at ease and made her feel comfortable. I would highly recommend them.
PortablePlayz
We were very pleased with the office and the staff. Thank you for making this process wonderful
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