Toothworms and Dentistry

The belief that tooth problems were caused by worms was a widespread notion across various ancient cultures, stemming from a natural response to decay. For centuries, dental care was rudimentary at best, with tooth pulling being the primary solution, often performed by untrained individuals amid chaotic environments. The emergence of barber surgeons in the Middle Ages marked a shift towards more organized dental practices, albeit still fraught with quackery and risk.