Dental refers to the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and the adjacent structures. It is a subspecialty of medicine and dentistry that deals with the structure, development, function and pathology of the teeth, gums and other hard and soft tissues of the mouth. It also encompasses aspects of facial aesthetics including smile design and orthodontics.
The word dental comes from the Latin word ‘dens’ meaning tooth. Dentistry is one of the oldest medical professions dating back to 7000 BC when early man began to treat his fellow man for toothache using crude methods such as sharpened rocks! The first real evidence of dentistry as a profession comes from Sumerian texts which date back to around 3500 BC where they describe ‘tooth worms’ as being responsible for dental decay. In ancient Egypt, around 1600 BC, there is evidence that people were using wire to replace missing teeth – not too dissimilar to modern day braces!
One of the most famous examples from history is that of George Washington who famously had wooden teeth! In fact his dentures were made from a variety of materials including human teeth (yuk!), ivory and gold. It wasn’t until 1815 that porcelain became widely used in dentistry after an English dentist called Sir Isaac Pitman invented a process for making false teeth out of it.
Today, dental care has progressed significantly from those early days and we now have a wide range of treatments available to us to help keep our mouths healthy. These include everything from simple brushing and flossing at home through to more complex procedures such as root canals or implants carried out by qualified professionals in specialist clinics.
Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining good overall health as well as preventing bad breath (halitosis) which can be socially embarrassing. Poor oral hygiene can lead to a build-up of plaque which can eventually harden into tartar leading to gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum disease). If left untreated these conditions can lead to tooth loss so it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for check-ups even if you think your mouth is healthy!
It’s worth noting that some studies have suggested there may be links between poor oral health and other serious health conditions such as heart disease or stroke so taking care of your teeth isn’t just about vanity – it could potentially save your life!