When we conjure images of ancient Rome, grand structures, disciplined legions, and elaborate bathhouses often spring to mind. The Romans, particularly the affluent, placed a considerable emphasis on personal hygiene. While their public baths are legendary, a less discussed but equally fascinating aspect of their daily routine was the care they took of their teeth. It wasn’t quite the minty-fresh, fluoride-filled world we know today, but Romans certainly weren’t strangers to the concept of oral cleanliness, employing a range of tools and concoctions, with the humble toothpick playing a surprisingly prominent role.
Whispers from the Past: Uncovering Roman Dental Habits
Our understanding of Roman dental practices isn’t just guesswork; it’s pieced together from various intriguing sources. Archaeologists unearthing Roman settlements have discovered skeletal remains that offer direct insights into the dental health of the population. These bones can reveal the prevalence of cavities, tooth wear from coarse diets, and even attempts at dental intervention. Alongside these human stories etched in bone, physical artifacts like ornate toothpicks made of bone, ivory, or even precious metals have been found, tangible proof of their use.
Literary sources provide another rich vein of information. Poets like Ovid and Martial, satirists like Juvenal, and natural historians like Pliny the Elder all commented on dental hygiene, bad breath, and the tools used to combat them. Their writings often paint a vivid, sometimes humorous, picture of societal attitudes towards oral care and the lengths to which some would go for a presentable smile or, at the very least, inoffensive breath.
The Ubiquitous Toothpick: More Than Just a Stick
If there was one dental tool that defined Roman oral hygiene, it was the toothpick, or
dentiscalpium. These weren’t just an afterthought; they were an integral part of dining etiquette and personal grooming for many. The materials varied widely, reflecting social status. Common folk might use a sliver of wood, perhaps from the mastic tree which was known for its aromatic resin and breath-freshening properties. Wealthier Romans, however, flaunted toothpicks crafted from bone, ivory, bronze, silver, and even
gold. Some were simple and functional, others were elaborate, decorated pieces, almost like jewelry, sometimes attached to ear scoops or tweezers in a grooming kit.
Roman writers frequently mention their use. The emperor Claudius was reportedly fond of using a quill toothpick. Martial, in his epigrams, often satirizes individuals for their ostentatious use of toothpicks, suggesting it was a way to show off, perhaps even if one hadn’t eaten much. The toothpick wasn’t solely for dislodging stubborn food particles after a meal. It was also used more generally to ‘clean’ the teeth, a practice recommended by physicians of the time. For instance, Celsus, a 1st-century AD medical writer, advised cleaning the teeth after eating, especially if the food was sticky or acidic.
Archaeological discoveries across the Roman Empire have unearthed numerous examples of dentiscalpia, or toothpicks, often as part of personal grooming kits. These finds, ranging from simple wooden splinters to elaborately carved bone, ivory, or metal implements, corroborate literary accounts. Their prevalence suggests toothpicks were a common and accepted tool for maintaining some level of oral cleanliness and social presentation.
The act of picking one’s teeth, especially in public, could also be a social statement. It could signify leisure, a full stomach, and a certain level of sophistication. However, like any public habit, it could also be done to excess or inelegantly, drawing the ire of satirists who saw it as affectation or rudeness.
Beyond the Pick: Powders, Rinses, and Rubs
While toothpicks were popular, they weren’t the only line of defense against dental woes. The Romans experimented with a variety of substances to clean their teeth and freshen their breath, creating early forms of toothpowders and mouthwashes.
Toothpowders: These dentifrices were often
abrasive, designed to scrub away deposits. Common ingredients, as described by writers like Pliny the Elder, included crushed bones, powdered eggshells, oyster shells, and
pumice. Sometimes, more aromatic or astringent substances were added, such as myrrh, salt, or nitrum (a type of natural soda). These powders would be applied with a finger or a small cloth and rubbed onto the teeth. The goal was whitening and cleaning, though the abrasiveness might have contributed to tooth wear over time.
Mouth Rinses: To combat bad breath, or
ozoena, and to provide a general sense of oral freshness, Romans used various liquids as mouthwashes. Pure water was a basic option, but wine and vinegar were also employed, likely for their perceived cleansing or antibacterial properties. Herbal concoctions, infusions of mint, parsley, or other fragrant plants, were also popular for a more pleasant taste and smell. Some more unusual and, to modern sensibilities, less appealing ingredients were occasionally mentioned, but the focus was often on achieving a clean feeling and masking odors.
Chewing Sticks and Fibers: Similar to toothpicks but perhaps used more vigorously, small twigs or sticks, sometimes from specific trees like the aforementioned mastic, could be chewed. This action would help to fray the end of the stick, creating a sort of primitive brush, while also stimulating the gums and releasing any beneficial compounds from the wood. Natural fibers or pieces of linen cloth were also used to rub the teeth, a simple yet effective method of physical cleaning.
The Roman Smile: A Reality Check
Despite these efforts, ancient Romans were not immune to dental problems. Skeletal evidence paints a clear picture:
cavities (dental caries), while perhaps not as rampant as in modern sugar-laden diets, were certainly present. The Roman diet, particularly for the average citizen, included
coarse, stone-ground grains. The grit in the bread contributed to significant tooth wear, exposing the softer dentin and making teeth more susceptible to decay and fracture.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, was also likely common, evidenced by bone loss around the teeth in ancient skulls. While they had methods for cleaning, the understanding of bacterial plaque and its role in gum disease was non-existent. Tooth loss, as a consequence of decay, wear, or gum issues, was a frequent occurrence, especially in older individuals. Abscesses and infections would have been painful and potentially dangerous without antibiotics.
Interestingly, the introduction of more refined foods and increased access to sugars (like honey and sweet fruits) for the wealthier classes over time might have paradoxically increased their risk of cavities compared to those on more basic, albeit still abrasive, diets. So, while Romans were concerned with oral hygiene, the tools and knowledge of the era had limitations in preventing common dental ailments.
Dealing with Dental Distress: Early Interventions
So, what happened when a Roman suffered from a toothache or a loose tooth? The concept of a ‘dentist’ as a specialized profession didn’t quite exist in the way we understand it today. However, there were individuals who dealt with dental problems, often as part of a broader medical or even cosmetic practice.
Physicians, such as the famed Galen or Celsus, wrote about dental ailments and their treatments. Their approaches ranged from prescribing mouthwashes and dietary advice to more invasive procedures like tooth extraction. Extractions were a last resort, often performed with rudimentary forceps (
odontagra). These procedures would have been painful and carried a risk of infection or jaw fracture.
Barbers, who were already skilled with sharp instruments for shaving and minor surgeries, also frequently performed tooth extractions. In some cases, individuals with specific skills, possibly even slaves trained for the purpose within wealthy households, might have been tasked with dental care, including extractions or attempts to stabilize loose teeth. There is some, albeit limited, archaeological and literary evidence for early forms of dental prosthetics, such as gold wire used to bind loose teeth together or to secure false teeth made from ivory or animal bone. These were rare, expensive, and likely available only to the very elite, more for cosmetic purposes than functional chewing.
A Clean Mouth in Roman Society
A clean mouth and pleasant breath were highly valued in Roman social interactions, much like today. Bad breath was a subject of scorn and satire. The poet Catullus wrote scathingly about Egnatius, whose gleaming smile, achieved by allegedly using an unsavory cleaning agent, was a source of mockery. Martial, too, frequently poked fun at individuals with foul breath or those who overly flaunted their dental grooming habits.
Having white, well-maintained teeth was seen as a sign of health, youthfulness, and even good breeding. Conversely, stained or missing teeth, or noticeably bad breath, could be a social impediment. This societal pressure undoubtedly fueled the market for toothpicks, powders, and rinses. The desire to present oneself well in public, at dinner parties, in the Forum, or in romantic encounters, extended to the state of one’s mouth. Therefore, Roman dental care was not just about preventing pain; it was deeply intertwined with social norms, personal aesthetics, and the projection of a civilized image.
Ancient Roman dental care, while rudimentary by our standards, demonstrates a clear awareness of the importance of oral hygiene. From the ever-present toothpick, a symbol of both cleanliness and social standing, to the array of abrasive powders and fragrant mouth rinses, Romans actively sought to care for their teeth and freshen their breath. Their methods were a product of the knowledge and materials available to them, a blend of practical observation and tradition. While they couldn’t conquer all dental ailments, their efforts highlight a long-standing human concern for a healthy and presentable mouth, a concern that echoes through the centuries into our own meticulous oral care routines.
