Dentistry has certainly changed over the
years, but thanks to modern techniques and your Dentist in La Jolla, Dr. David Kitchen, you do not have to resort to the drastic measures that our ancestors
did when it came to cosmetic dentistry and tooth whitening.
Tooth whitening has been around for thousands
of years with the ancient Egyptians whitening their teeth around 4,000 years
ago. White teeth symbolized beauty, wealth, and power and was achieved using a
wine vinegar paste that was applied to the teeth.
Although it sounds disgusting, the ancient
Romans used urine to bleach their teeth as the primary agent in urine is
ammonia. Barbers got into the act around 1600 when they added dentistry to
their list of duties. These early hair cutters would file down clients teeth
before applying an acid that would whiten teeth. This seemed to work quite
well, but led to enamel erosion eventually causing tooth decay.
Cosmetic Dentistry has been around just as
long as tooth bleaching with the Etruscans fashioning dentures out of bone and
ivory around 700 B.C. It was also common practice to make dentures from animal
or human teeth. This practice actually lasted until the 1800’s even though the
resulting dentures, that were extracted from the dead or sold by the living, smelled
horrible and rotted quite quickly. Around
six or 7 BC, the Etruscans would also use gold bands to hold replacement teeth.
In 200 AD, gold was used by the Etruscans to
make dental bridges and dental crowns. According to archaeologists, this
practice was most probably for restorative purposes as opposed to cosmetic
issues. The ancient Egyptians would hammer seashells
into their gums to replace missing teeth and could be classified as a somewhat
archaic form of dental implants.
Cosmetic Dentistry was probably first used by
the ancient Mayans who would drill holes into the front of their teeth to
display semi precious stones such as turquoise, Lapis lazuli,
malachite, fluorite and even some types of coral.
Porcelain teeth hit the scene in the 1800’s with the
invention of a rubber material, known as Vulcanite. The rubber material was
created in 1840 as a base for people who needed false teeth. This made denture
wearing easier and more comfortable.
These early cosmetic dental procedures paved the way for dentists like Dr. David Kitchen in La Jolla. If you would like a no obligation consultation, schedule an appointment with your Dentist in San Diego today.