Researchers Unveil Early Treatment For Toothache
Researchers examining an ancient mummy have discovered one of the worst cases of dental decay on record, as well as an early treatment, which consists of lien dipped in medicine stuffed into the tooth.
Researchers were carrying out CT scans of the 2,100 year old ancient Egyptian mummy when they discovered evidence of a sinus infection caused by severe dental decay and other dental issues. During the same scan the team also became aware of a novel treatment in the form of a cavity stuffed with linen, which had been doused in medicine.
Researchers discovered that the linen had been dipped in fig juice or cedar oil, early forms of medicine, and then inserted into a cavity on the left hand side of the mouth.
Andrew Wade, from the University of Western Ontario, used new high resolution CT scans to uncover the first example of packing the teeth. Researchers said that the linen was used to create a protective barrier to prevent food from getting into the cavity, while the medicine was used to soothe tooth pain.
The name of the man is unknown but researchers believe he was in his 20’s or 30’s when he passed away; experts think that he could have been in considerable pain as a result of dental and sinus infections when he died.
The research team said that the latest find supports the belief that there were dentists in ancient Egypt and they were willing to try new methods to treat decay and ease dental pain.
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