ABSTRACT
The dominant theory of dental decay in the ancient world seems to have been the "tooth worm" theory. Dental practitioners as well as the ancient public believed that small worms eating the teeth caused decay and pain, and assumed that killing these worms would stop the pain. For obvious practical reasons basic dental anatomy has been known by all skilled practitioners of dental extractions since at least the fifth century bce. Apparently the tooth-worm theory of dental decay was generally accepted throughout Egypt and the regions to its east. The works of Dioscorides also reflect the incorporation of Indian and Egyptian medical practices into Roman procedures. Ancient Roman dentistry was not oriented toward prevention, although dentifrices and toothbrushes were commonly used. The Roman dentists who did extractions used some of the techniques of the surgeon, including cutting back the gum and bone to expose roots, post-operative cauterization and the use of astringent mouthwashes to stop minor bleeding.
