The Excruciating History of Dentistry: Toothsome Tales & Oral Oddities from Babylon to Braces (Paperback)

~ (Author) "THE ORIGINS OF THE ANCIENT HEALING ARTS KNOWN TODAY AS dentistry are obscure, a tale cloaked in equal parts mystery and misery..." (more)
Key Phrases: United States, New York, Civil War (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Not a dentist by profession but a humorist, Wynbrandt brings an irreverent approach to the seemingly colorless topic of dentistry. All the names and dates of important discoveries and advances in dental practice are here, but they are delivered along with an endless supply of tales ranging from the comical to the macabre. From the almost universal belief in "tooth worms" as the cause of cavities to "spirits and demons as agents of infirmity," superstitions and folk remedies throughout the world are thoroughly covered. Admitting that dentistry has historically been the domain of "incompetents, ignoramuses, quacks, and charlatans," Wynbrandt creates vivid images of medieval marketplace hucksters and "barber-surgeons" who advertised by displaying buckets of blood in their windows. Even as dentistry slowly moved into the realm of legitimate medicine, its trial-and-error practice included the use of leeches, bloodletting, urine mouthwashes, poisonous and highly addictive painkillers (including morphine and cocaine) and deadly radiation. Wynbrandt makes his point well that "we are fortunate to live in the golden era of 'painless' dentistry," and indeed "a dentally pampered culture" in which cosmetic concerns have all but overtaken the practice. This is an exhaustive, entertaining history that is likely to appeal mostly to... dentists. Eight pages of b&w illustrations, not seen by PW.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

The history of dentistry is a subject not well known to patients who dread their semiannual visit. They may not realize that the temporary discomfort they face is negligible compared with the pain and distress endured by patients of previous eras. The author reports that at times dental treatments were more bloody and barbarous than beneficial. He discusses the development of dentistry as a profession, the use of different anesthetics, and the evolution of dentures and dental prosthetics, among other topics. Much of the book is devoted to anecdotes illustrating discontinued dental practices. Wynbrandt thoroughly researched this topic, but it is not likely to be of interest to the average reader. His book is more suited to collections in the history of science and medicine in academic libraries.?Bruce Slutsky, New Jersey Inst. of Technology Lib., Newark
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin; 1st edition (August 17, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312263198
• ISBN-13: 978-0312263195
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #141,486 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well researched, and brilliantly funny, February 16, 2004

By	Meredith B. Bishop (Narragansett, RI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Excruciating History of Dentistry: Toothsome Tales & Oral Oddities from Babylon to Braces (Hardcover)

From its quirky title through the painful truths of the profession, the writing is masterful. If you have a mind for tongue in cheek humor beautifully written, the book is for you. Not a subject you ever cared much about? It doesn't matter. This author makes it fun.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting history book, July 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Excruciating History of Dentistry: Toothsome Tales & Oral Oddities from Babylon to Braces (Hardcover)

I enjoyed this book, but it was rather a slow read most of the time. Some really funny incidents are chronicled here. Best for people in the dental profession and not just the medical profession at large (like me.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Humorous and Informative, February 10, 2007

By	Krista L. Chase (Southern Oregon) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a fun read. A must have for any oral health professional.