Not a fan of the dentist? You’re not alone, but if this often-disliked profession didn’t exist, our
penchant for sugars and sweet treats would have destroyed our pearly gnashers a long time ago.
Love them or hate them, there’s certainly an argument to say that dentists are one of the most
important professionals you can get in the health industry. After all, without our teeth, where would
we be?
Dentist’s day is mean to honour our favourite nerve-wracking experience in the dentist’s chair.
While many aren’t always too keen on getting their teeth checked, sorting out cavities and stopping
decay in its tracks is key to a long and healthy life – so today, say thank you!
The History of National Dentist’s Day
We couldn’t find where National Dentist’s Day came from, but it’s pretty clear why this profession
deserves a day of observance.
Dentistry has been around for a long, long time, though. In fact, some of the oldest evidence we
have of dentistry has been found to be between 13800 and 14100 years old! As far back as 7000BC,
dentists were required to help out sufferers of toothache and cavities.
Although without the modern tools we have at our disposal, they had to make do with some weird
and wonderful cures – such as beeswax and using flint tools to pick out the decay. Dental cavities
were at one point thought to be due to a ‘tooth worm’, which has been found cited in the works of
Homer.
And if one of the reasons you don’t like going to the dentist is because you worry that it will hurt,
think of our ancestors – they used to have to deal with a decayed tooth being pulled from their
gums without any anesthetic. Ouch!
How to celebrate National Dentist’s Day
How long has it been since you went for a check up to the dentist? Maybe today would be the
perfect time to break your habit of avoiding it, and just go ahead and get your teeth checked! And
if you don’t think there’s anything wrong with your teeth, you could indulge in getting them
cleaned. Nothing is more charming that a bright smile!
If you’re not keen on the idea of visiting your dentist today, make sure you use the hashtag
#dentistsday on social media to get the word out there – maybe you will encourage someone else
to get their teeth checked, and make the world a smilier place!