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New research published in the British Dental Journal (240, January 2026: 45-50) reveals that, although limited, ancient Egyptian and Graeco-Roman dentistry was surprisingly inventive. Prescriptions recorded in the medical papyri provide a fascinating glimpse into how dental care was approached over two millennia ago – these include herbal pastes, mouthwashes, and honey and ochre mixtures intended to prevent tooth loss. While some of these treatments probably offered little therapeutic benefit, some may have been partially effective, according to the author Roger Forshaw (a regular contributor to AE). For painful conditions such as abscesses and severe tooth wear, these remedies are nevertheless likely to have provided only temporary relief. However, actual dental surgery, including extractions and operative procedures, is very rare, although there may be some evidence for rudimentary fillings.
Text: Sarah Griffiths / Image: Anne Austin
