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When did people first go to the dentist? The answer may be 9,000 years ago.

Scientists recently discovered II ancient teeth with tiny holes drilled into them. The teeth, which are between 7,500 and 9,000 years old, belonged to nine adults who once lived in a village in Pakistan. At first, scientists were unsure why the teeth had been drilled. The holes were all in hardto-see molars, so they wouldn't have been made for decoration. Could the drilling have been done to remove tooth decay, as in modern-day dentistry? This seemed the best explanation, especially after decay was found in some of the teeth. Tooth decay can cause toothaches and even tooth loss. Early dentists likely dug out the decay with tools that had sharp tips made of flint. These tools were probably similar to ones people used then to make beads.

No one knows what was used to fill the holes. Still, the discovery shows that people have known for a very long time how important it is to take care of your teeth!

-Amy Tikkanen

Copyright Carus Publishing Company Sep 2006
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