Throughout history, people have believed things that seem crazy to us: that the earth was flat, mermaids swam the seven seas, and thunder was caused by giants bowling.
Many people in ancient times believed a “toothworm” caused the pain of a toothache by digging into the tooth. If the pain was severe, it meant that the worm was thrashing around. If the aching stopped, the worm was resting. And it wasn’t just one culture that thought this: people all over the world believed in the toothworm. By the 20th century, belief in the toothworm had largely disappeared.
So if there was a worm in your tooth, what were your options for getting rid of it? Well…
Honey
People smeared their aching teeth with honey and waited all night with tweezers in hand, ready to pluck out the toothworm.
Donkeys’ milk
In ancient Greece, donkeys’ milk was used as a mouthwash to strengthen the gums and teeth.
Frogs
Besides spitting in a frog’s mouth for toothache relief, frogs could be applied to a person’s cheek on the side of the ailing tooth.
Onions
In the Middle Ages, a slice of onion was applied to the ear on the side of the aching tooth.
Thank goodness for dentists! Have you ever believed something silly? Leave a comment telling us your story.
