IN THE MIDDLE AGES, the English didn’t understand much about cavities or gum disease, but they did put a huge emphasis on having fresh breath. Why? Because, not knowing how germs work, they believed it was the actual bad smell that carried disease.
Almost all dental care in Medieval England was about smells. This practice even made it into the Canterbury Tales, where Chaucer’s characters chew cardamom and licorice to keep their breath smelling clean. A mixture of aniseed, cumin, and fennel was sometimes recommended to women.
What dental problems were they living with while focusing mainly on breath? Fortunately, there wasn’t much sugar to cause cavities in the diet of Medieval England. Unfortunately, small particles of stone would get into their bread from the millstones they used to grind flour, and that caused severe erosion. Most adults would lose four to six teeth in their lifetimes.
Things got really weird if you ever had a toothache. Physicians believed they were caused by tiny worms, and remedies included myrrh and opium. Those were expensive, though, so a cheaper option was to burn a candle very close to the tooth so the alleged worms would fall out into a basin of water.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Ira Spiro has been my dentist for 17 years. He is an excellent doctor. In addition to being a knowledgeable expert, he is conscientious and easy to talk to. He takes his time to talk through options and LISTEN to my concerns. While using up-to-date techniques in a modern office, his personal, friendly manner hearkens back to a less-rushed, less corporate era of family dentists.
Mitch R.
I have been a patient of Dr. Spiro’s for over 15 years. My wife and 3 children are also his patients. I’ve been very pleased with his work and of his staff. For example, last year, I needed a root canal and a crown. During an office visit, Dr. Spiro thoroughly explained to me in language I could understand why I needed the work done. He also described my options in terms of costs and his recommendation on when the work should be done. His staff also worked with my insurance carrier so I could anticipate what my costs would be for the entire procedure. I felt I was part of the decision process and was very satisfied with the outcome. I appreciate Dr. Spiro’s honesty and his ability to explain things so I can understand them. He has also been very flexible accommodating my busy schedule. I trust him and his staff to take care of my entire family’s dental needs.
Peter A.
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