Celebrating National Dentist’s Day!

March 6th is National Dentist Day, a day to show appreciation for all the hard-working dentists nationwide. As a dental office specializing in cosmetic dentistry and TMJ treatment, we are dedicated to helping our patients with their total oral health, eliminating pain, and improving their self-confidence with their smiles.

This day brings awareness to the art of dentistry and the importance of keeping up with good dental habits like brushing, flossing, professional dental cleaning, and regular checkups. 

The History of Dentistry

Did you know that the earliest evidence of dentistry goes back to 2600 BCE? The first dentist recorded in history was Hesy Ra, who lived and practiced in Egypt. Some of the first dental solutions included using flint tools and beeswax to remove decay and herbal remedies to relieve toothaches.  

• Around 5000 BC – Sumerian text described tooth worms as the cause of dental decay.
• 1530 – Artzney Buchlein writes the first book of dentistry, “Little Medicinal Book for All Kinds of Diseases and Infirmities of the Teeth.” 
• 1723 – Pierre Fauchard, known as the Father of Modern Dentistry, published his influential book, “The Surgeon Dentist, a Treatise on Teeth.” He was the first professional to introduce dental fillings and to identify that acids from sugar cause tooth decay.
• 1873 – Colgate mass-produced the first toothpaste.
• 1896 – The first dental X-ray was used.
• 1901 – Edward H. Angle started the first school of orthodontics.
• 1990 – Cosmetic dentistry, such as veneers and teeth whitening, gains rapid popularity.

Today, we have the advanced technology and tools to perform dental procedures that take on a more in-depth look to ensure that all mechanical functions of the mouth and jaw are working correctly, as well as advanced education and skills to create beautiful, healthy smiles with porcelain veneers. 

At Alexandra S. George DDS | Pittsburgh Dentist, we operate with a complete dentistry approach – meaning that treating one part of the mouth affects the rest. We keep this in mind during every aspect of your treatment and work to plan interventions carefully to minimize impact and stress on the TMJ and jaw muscles while also giving you the beautiful smile that you deserve!

How to Celebrate National Dentist’s Day

National Dentist’s Day exists to show our appreciation for the dentists who help us maintain our oral health. Here are some simple ways to celebrate:

• Show your appreciation – Drop off a card, send a thoughtful email to your dental office, or give a genuine thank you to your dentist at your next appointment.
• Give a social media shoutout – Use the hashtags #NationalDentistsDay or #DentistsDay and mention your dental office. 
•  Maintain good dental habits – Brush twice daily, floss daily, limit sugar intake, and eat plenty of vegetables and calcium-rich foods to keep your teeth and gums healthy. 

Dentistry has come a long way, and it’s all thanks to the pioneers of dentistry and the professionals in the field today who continue to work hard to advance the industry. If you have questions about our Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers, or TMJD Treatments, contact us today.