The repercussions of oral health diseases have been recorded for thousands of years where evidence has shown that ancient civilisations cared for their teeth in some shape or form, using what was available at the time.

Methods for cleaning teeth and repairing or fixing issues, like decaying teeth, are described as crude, painful, and often brutal and bloody.

Fortunately, modern dentistry has undergone significant transformations over the last couple of centuries whereby caring for your teeth, preventing oral health diseases and repairing dental issues, are pleasant, non-life-threatening experiences.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key differences between dentistry now and past practices, and the reasons why our clinic, Amsel and Wilkins is a top-notch dental clinic in the UK.

Toothpaste then and now

Toothpaste has existed as long as the conception of dental hygiene, dating back to 5000 BC. Early Egyptian, Chinese and Greek civilisations concocted abrasive pastes from crushed oyster shells, bones, herbs, and other materials derived from nature.

Although reasonably effective in cleaning teeth, many key ingredients harmed the enamel of teeth, resulting in worsening dental problems.

In the 1900s, fluoride, a mineral found in water sources, began to be added to toothpaste. This essential ingredient is still used today to combat cavities while strengthening the enamel at the dentist in Banbury.

Experiences of the dentist then and now

Dentistry is the oldest medical profession but wasn’t as specialised in the past as it is now.

People considered healers often performed dental procedures, where priests, and later barber-surgeons administered dental care. These surgeons were often a jack of all trades, so you could visit one to extract a rotten tooth, and then have your hair cut.

Although dental anxiety or phobia is commonplace in today’s world, visiting the barber-surgeon was a blood-curling event that petrified people. With local anaesthesia only being invented in the late 1800s, simple procedures like pulling teeth were agonising since there was no way to numb or block the pain.

Although natural remedies, like honey, may have been used to heal mouth wounds, few could stop feelings of tenderness entirely.

Today, local and general anaesthesia is used to treat small and large dental problems seamlessly at the dentist in Banbury. 

At the same time, modern-day dentists attend dental school, undergoing intensive training programmes to provide their future patients with the best care possible. Those who want to specialise are expected to study further to develop their skills.

Procedures then and now

Extractions were commonly performed in the 1800s using a turnkey, a primitive tool that left patients with an extremely tender mouth. Professional teeth cleaning was also prevalent at the time, a task performed using scrapers, a medical instrument that continues to be used today, although with refinements.

Methods of teeth restorations have been around for millennia, carved out of a variety of materials, like ivory, copper, wood, gold and silver, depending on the time.

Teeth realignment also isn’t a new phenomenon. In the past, solutions for crowding included pulling out teeth, while today braces are utilised to create perfect smiles at the dentist in Banbury.

How our clinic measures up

We offer outstanding dental services that align with the latest development in dentistry. The comfort and well being of our patients are our guiding principles, providing a spectrum of professional services in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Our patients receive customised treatment programmes designed to attend to their dental issues quickly and with as minimal pain as possible.