In today's world, we have access to numerous tools and accessories to maintain good oral hygiene. But what about decades ago when such tools were not available? Yet our ancestors managed to come up with ingenious ways to clean their teeth. Dentistry dates back to 7000 B.C making it one of the oldest professions in the Indus Valley civilization.

Dentistry from the Past

In 355 BCE, Aristotle wrote about tooth decay. Meanwhile, Hippocrates recommended the use of dentifrice powder to clean the teeth. 936-1013 CE brought the knowledge about the plaque and tartar formation from an Arabian surgeon. He also developed a set of scrapers to remove the plaque buildup from the teeth. 

 In 1530, the first-ever book for dentistry, "The Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth", was published.

 Fast forward 1700s, dentistry became a more defined profession. In 1723, "The Surgeon Dentist" was published by Pierre Fauchard. His publication landed him the title of "The Father of Modern Dentistry."

In his book, Fauchard introduced the idea that sugar leads to tooth decay. He also discovered various means of treatment, including fillings and prostheses. 

 The 80s welcomed the first-ever dental school, "Baltimore College of Dental Surgery", in 1840. Alabama laid down the first-ever dental practice act in 1841. After twenty years, the American Dental Association (ADA) was formed. Later in 1867, the first University-affiliated dental institute, "The Harvard University Dental School", was established. 

In 1845, the American Journal of Dentistry recommended using silk floss to clean the teeth twice daily. 

 In 1873, Colgate started mass production of the first toothpaste, followed by toothbrushes a few years later. In late 1800, the revolutionary ingredient fluoride was introduced and added to the oral hygiene routine. 

In 1896, the first dental x-ray was introduced. 

 Oral hygiene back in the day

Back in the day, there was no access to toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss. Hence diet plays a significant role in maintaining oral hygiene and cavity prevention. Hunters had surprisingly healthy teeth. The raw fibrous food prevented starch and sugar buildup that would otherwise contribute to plaque formation. However, the problem started when mankind started farming. Cavities and gum diseases became more widespread with the availability of refined carbohydrates. 

 Over time, our diets have continued to shift, with the introduction of more refined food items taking a toll on our oral health. 

Researches suggest that the composition of the oral microbiome has changed drastically with the change in eating habits. While the diet shifted from raw protein-based to farmed foods - disease-causing bacteria became stronger. With time the introduction of processed flour and sugar made it even worse. 

 While over time, the experts recommend cutting down processed carbs. However, the decision is always deemed unrealistic and unhealthy. Meanwhile, good oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and limiting sugar intake can help prevent caries and other dental problems.