In ancient history and in the absence of dental clinicians toothache was dealt with on a whole different level of bizarre.
Up until the 18th century, in parts of the Middle East, India, Egypt and China it was believed that toothache was caused by ‘tooth worms’. The movement of the worms was what caused the toothache. They believed the pain would subside once they were at rest!
Ancient efforts to alleviate toothache involved:
• Catching a frog under a full moon, spitting in its mouth and bellowing ‘Frog, go and take my toothache with thee’
• Dead mouse paste application
• chewing on hot chilli
• Applying sour fruit juice to the area
Thankfully things have moved on since then… Well at least I would like to think so anyway….
Disclaimer: Please don’t try these things at home.
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