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Home > Books > History > The Excruciating History of Dentistry: Toothsome Tales & Oral Oddities from Babylon to Braces
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For those on both sides of the dreaded dentist's chair, James Wynbrandt has written a witty, colorful, and richly informative history of the art and science of dentistry. To all of those dental patients whose whine rises in tandem with that of the drill, take note: You would do well to stifle your terror and instead offer thanks to Apollonia, the patron saint of toothache sufferers, that you face only fleeting discomfort rather than the disfiguring distress, or slow agonizing death oft meted out by dental-care providers of the past. The transition from yesterday's ignorance, misapprehension, and superstition to the enlightened and nerve-deadened protocols of today has been a long, slow, and very painful process. For example, did you know that: - Among the toothache remedies favored by Pierre Fauchard, the father of dentistry, was rinsing the mouth liberally with one's own urine.
- George Washington never had wooden teeth. However, his chronic dental problems may have impacted the outcome of the American Revolution.
- Soldiers in the Civil War needed at least two opposing front teeth to rip open powder envelopes. Some men called up for induction had their front teeth extracted to avoid service.
- Teeth were harvested from as many as fifty thousand corpses after the Battle of Waterloo, a huge crop later used for dentures and transplants that became known as "Waterloo Teeth."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
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 I love Dentistry., June 09, 2017
By Joseph Rosen
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I am really interested about dentistry . thats why I bought this book to have a look what is dentistry.. and this book really a big help.
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Five Stars, April 26, 2017
By A Customer
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Awesome book! In great condition and got here quickly. Ive enjoyed reading it!
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Five Stars, January 29, 2017
By Anna R
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Interesting views behind the history of dentistry. Didn't know there was so much behind modern dentistry.
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 Horrifying, humorous, and fascinating!, August 26, 2016
By Angel Absolute Catalyst
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At times horrifying, humorous, and fascinating, this book is an interesting read for everyone. This was a great gift for my friend who is going through dentistry school right now. She said that much of it was illuminating and made her even more interested in her specialization, even while I was at times cringing away from the gut-wrenching nature of some of the history!
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The Story Has Changed !, July 07, 2016
By Rob W.
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Book arrived in new condition. This book describes what dental needs & care were like not that long ago. I now have even higher regard for my dentists knowledge & expertise. Untreated dental disease often led to disfigurement &/or death!!
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A Strange but Intriguing Book, March 27, 2016
By Philip L. Carl
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I don't think anyone could have found more in this unusual topic. Funny with lots of connections in odd direction.
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See all 21 Reviews.
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