Monday, December 7, 2015

A Pirate’s Toothy Smile



Dentistry in the 18th century. 

One of the things I didn’t especially like about Pirates of the Caribbean was the teeth. This may sound a little odd, but I’ve known for a while that the way teeth are shown in the movie are pretty much backward. Jack and company have horrible teeth, brown and marked with many crude metal fillings, While Elizabeth and her father sport healthy white smiles. This isn’t quite the way it fell out during the Golden Age of Piracy.



While tooth decay goes back as far as humanity, sugar has been the worst culprit when creating dental problems for humanity. And during the Golden Age, sugar was primarily a food for the rich.

Working class folks, pirates included, ate meat, bread, and vegetables, usually boiled. Luxuries involved butter and cream, fruit, and roasted foul.

“Gentlefolk” like Elizabeth and her father would have enjoyed cakes, custards, and “comfits” – small seeds or bits of fruit dipped into sugar syrup and dried. Flowers such as violets and rose petals were also dipped in sugar and eaten. Chocolate was not on the menu, except as a rather bitter drink, but tea and coffee might contain sugar.

This was a new phenomenon. Honey, the sweetener of choice before sugar became available, does not have the tooth- decaying properties of sugar. Honey, in fact, contains natural antibiotics which can actually protect teeth from decay. It was the white sugar from New World plantations that brought rampant tooth decay into the lives of Europeans.

Notice the teeth

Of course, pirates had their own dental issues. Excessive alcohol consumption is not good for the teeth, and smoking can also cause problems. But these attack the gums more than the teeth, loosening teeth and causing direct tooth loss. Scurvy, that most nautical of diseases (actually a deficiency in vitamin C) also caused direct tooth loss.

It wasn’t unusual for a working-class person to be missing a noticeable number of teeth by the time they were in their thirties. And women often loss “a tooth for every child” as the saying went. Developing fetuses leached calcium from a woman’s bones and teeth, often leading to dental problems.

But it was the rich who sported truly terrible teeth.

Of course, they also had the best access to dental care, such as it was. This usually meant attempts to removed decay, plug holes in teeth and remove painful teeth. There was no such thing as toothpaste, and even the toothbrush was over a hundred years away.



So what was dental care like?

Dental drills existed, but they were hand drills, little more than pointed bits of metal with a handle, used to scrape decay out of rotting teeth. All of this was done without anesthesia, of course.

Once a cavity was cleaned out, attempts might be made to plug it with soft metals such as tin, gold or silver. These wore badly, of course, and often didn’t stay in the tooth. Other substances used in an effort to plug holes in teeth included resin, wax, and even stone chips. None of it worked very well.



Sophisticated “dental surgeons” might also treat holes in teeth via chemicals. Henbane, an herb, soaked in heated vinegar, might be poured into the hole. This was problematic, since the herb is poisonous, and could cause hallucinations or even death. But it was probably safer than powdered mercury, which some practitioners suggested dropping into the hole at least 3 times a day. Mercury is extremely poisonous, so doctors recommended spitting it out after it had done its work.

Medical science, such as it was, labored under a rather jarring misconception. They believed that cavities were caused by worms burrowing into the tooth, and their goal was to kill the worm. Steps taken to do this often killed the tooth as well. This ended the sufferer’s pain, however.

Most dental work meat pulling teeth. Many cities had a tooth-puller, a man who went in with “crooked pliers” to grab a tooth an pull it out – no painkillers. If no professional tooth-puller was available, a barber or even a blacksmith might be persuaded to give dental care a shot. Barbers worked regularly as low-cost surgeons, due mostly to their skill with sharp tools. Blacksmiths had a variety of tongs available, and also had impressive upper-body strength, useful in puling molars.



The rich could also afford to have teeth replaced. Replacement teeth might be made of ivory, wood or even the teeth or poor people, purchased for the purpose. These teeth might be formed into dentures, or if they replaced only a few missing teeth, tied into the mouth with silk thread or wired in with gold wire.



Of course, prevention is better than cure. Though mouthwash wouldn’t exist for a long, long time, people did try to take care of their teeth. They chewed tree bark as a preventative measure, rinsed their mouths with vinegar, and scrubbed their teeth with salt, or mixtures of herbs crushed into a piece of line cloth and then rubbed on the gums. Parsley was also eaten as a method of cleaning the teeth (part of the reason parsley is used as a garnish). People also cleaned their teeth with honey, which, used as a sweetener, might have solved a lot of the problem in the first place.






24 comments:

  1. I think you are all great. It’s a very comfortable office. Everyone is friendly and you have the best group of people here. I brag that I have the best dental practice around. Brentwood Village Dentist

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wanna get the perfect dental services at very reasonable rates? Then do contact Ludhiana Dental Centre and book an appointment with The Best Dentist. Know more by visiting the link.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great Post! I found the URL from one of my facebook group. The content is well written and quite interesting. Expecting more content like this from your end.

    Thanks for Sharing, Also Check my links below if you are looking Braces in Chennai

    ReplyDelete
  4. DR.TK.Prabhu would decide your treatment options based on various parameters like your bone density of jaws and gum health using multiple sophisticated instruments like CAD/CAM

    To know more do visit:


    https://careyoursmile.info/dental-implants

    ReplyDelete
  5. When a person loses one or more tooth and wants to get it replaced, an artificial tooth root placed in their jaw area, which would hold the artificial replacement teeth (prosthodontics), this artificial tooth root, usually made of titanium or ceramic material, is called implants.

    Implanting tooth is based on human bone's natural ability to fuse on implant materials over a while. Dental implants have numerous advantages over conventional treatments using dentures and bridges anchored to the adjacent tooth.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's from where we have now evolved into the Dentistry. Very good and well written post from the golden age dentistry.

    Thanks
    Best Dentist in Mumbai

    ReplyDelete
  7. Amazing blog post with very much helpful information.Thanks for sharing

    I need your help becouse you have knowledge in this field
    Someone suggest me
    Steel Bite Pro
    She said it's best product for stopping tooth decay and other serious oral health issues( teeth whitening)
    Should I use this product?

    Kindly guide me

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you for such valuable information about A Pirate’s Toothy Smile, if you would like to know more about dental care and would like to book the best dentist in your city nearby, visit Dental Conferences

    ReplyDelete
  9. Great post! I really enjoyed learning about the history of pirates and their dental hygiene habits. It's important to prioritize oral health and I appreciate the reminder to visit the Dental ClinicDental Clinic regularly. Thank you for sharing this informative and fun post!

    ReplyDelete
  10. nice article

    Doing ordinary job making you feel tired out? Come visit us to relex
    massage spa can provide all of these services and more Body Massage Spa Near Me, Top Massage Centre - Full Day Spa in Mumbai 60-Minute Body Massage with Essential Oil, Hot Stone and Hot female to male body spa and after visiting there I am sure you will be relex. 

    ReplyDelete
  11. The biological dentists differ from the conventional dental practitioners in the way they approach dental treatment. They utilize biocompatible material for crowns, fillings, as well as other dental restorations, and are able to avoid the use of dangerous materials like mercury amalgams for fillings. They also employ an approach that is more holistic to treatment, taking into consideration the patients' overall health, diet, and lifestyle as well as the health of their teeth.

    ReplyDelete
  12. An enchanting and whimsical tale that effortlessly transports readers to a world of adventure, 'A Pirate’s Toothy Smile' is a literary gem that captivates both young and old with its imaginative narrative and vibrant illustrations.

    Navigate the sacred city of Ayodhya with this comprehensive guide, unveiling its revered temples, cultural treasures, and the profound tales that shape its significance in Hindu mythology.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Captivating and whimsical, 'A Pirate’s Toothy Smile' paints a vivid tale that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. A treasure trove of storytelling that leaves a grin as lasting as the pirate's smile!

    ReplyDelete
  14. A Pirate's Toothy Smile" is a captivating tale that sails through the seas of imagination, leaving readers with a treasure trove of adventure and smiles. Bravo to the author for crafting such a swashbuckling delight!

    Visit Us: Roamanch

    ReplyDelete
  15. This blog is a captivating and humorous read, shedding light on a fascinating aspect of pirate lore. The storytelling is engaging and the subject matter, intriguing!

    Places to Visit in January in India
    Festival of Kerala

    ReplyDelete
  16. A Pirate’s Toothy Smile conjures images of adventure and mischief on the high seas, with a grin as bold and daring as the tales it implies. This intriguing title promises a journey into a world where smiles harbor secrets and tales of swashbuckling escapades unfold.

    ReplyDelete
  17. With a grin as daring as the high seas, "A Pirate's Toothy Smile" captures the essence of adventure in every toothy curve, inviting readers to embark on a swashbuckling journey through the pages. This literary treasure gleams with humor and mischief, making it a grin-inducing voyage for all who dare to explore its lively narrative waves.

    The Best Time to Visit Spiti Valley
    Best Time to Visit Kasauli


    ReplyDelete
  18. A Pirate’s Toothy Smile is a playful and imaginative concept, evoking images of swashbuckling adventures and mischievous charm. This whimsical expression captures the essence of the high seas with a delightful touch of dental daring.

    Best Time to Travel Dalhousie
    Best Time to Travel Khajjiar



    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey! thanks for sharing such a valuable thought on this blog.
    check: English voice over artist

    ReplyDelete
  20. https://tattvaspa.com/locations/nashik/
    "As a bustling metropolitan city, Chennai offers a diverse range of spa experiences that cater to every need and preference. From traditional Ayurvedic treatments to luxurious international spa therapies, the city has something for everyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. One unique aspect of spas in Chennai is their incorporation of local ingredients like turmeric, neem, and sandalwood in their treatments, providing a truly authentic experience rooted in the region's rich cultural heritage.

    Moreover, Chennai's spas often focus on holistic wellness, offering services that not only pamper the body but also nourish the mind and spirit. From yoga sessions to meditation classes, these holistic approaches aim to provide a complete wellness experience for visitors. Additionally, many spas in the city are set amidst serene surroundings, offering a peaceful escape from the chaos of urban life and allowing guests to unwind in tranquil settings while indulging in therapeutic treatments tailored to their needs."

    ReplyDelete
  21. Luxury can be reimagined now at Refresh City Day Spa. From premium products to customized services, you can experience unparalleled service. Every visit promises you a renewed self. We are committed to offering excellence that ensures you are treated to the epitome of luxury living; you feel pampered, refreshed, and utterly rejuvenated.
    Body to Body Massage by Female in Delhi
    Spa in Hauz Khas
    Spa Services in Delhi
    Massage Services in Delhi
    Body to Body Massage Hauz Khas

    ReplyDelete