Were there dentists in the Medieval Times?

Yes, there were dentists in the Medieval Times, although dentistry as a profession was far less developed than it is today. In medieval Europe, dentists were often itinerant traders known as "tooth drawers" or "toothsmiths." These individuals were not formally trained and relied on traditional knowledge and techniques to treat dental problems. They primarily focused on extracting teeth rather than preserving them, as tooth extraction was often seen as the most straightforward way to alleviate dental pain. Tooth decay was not as prevalent during medieval times due to the general diet lacking refined sugars. Still, toothaches were severe, and tooth extraction was often the only solution.

Medieval dentists used various tools, such as forceps and levers, to extract teeth and also employed rudimentary anesthesia methods. For instance, they might apply a mixture of herbs or alcohol to numb the area around the affected tooth before the extraction. It is worth noting that dental care was not widely accessible during this period, as it was primarily reserved for the upper classes and those who could afford such services.

One of the most famous medieval dentists was Guy de Chauliac, a French physician who lived during the 14th century. He wrote several medical treatises, including one focusing on dentistry. In this treatise, he described various techniques for extracting teeth, treating tooth decay, and replacing missing teeth. It was not until the 18th century that significant advances in dentistry began, leading to the modern dental practices and techniques commonly used today.