The Excruciating History of Dentistry: Toothsome Tales & Oral Oddities from Babylon to Braces

Wynbrandt has assembled an exceptionally readable, concise history of the dental profession that is suitable for both professionals and patients alike. Interspersed with sharp wit and engaging quotations, Wynbrandt exposes the reader to a broad cross-section of the 7,000 years of recorded dental history. No technical expertise is required to appreciate this book, and there is but little prose included for the sole purpose of inducing queasiness in the reader.My only small complaint is that I would have like a somewhat lengthier discussion of early Asian and Indian dental practices. Though briefly discussed, I would have preferred the coverage to be somewhat more in line with the pages devoted to the Greeks and Romans.Additionally, the (selected) bibliography has proved immensely valuable for finding deeper information about topics of interest.

Wife is a Dental Hygienist - I saw a snip from the book online somewhere, thought she may be interested. Did not expect her to drop reading her current book and read it cover to cover, but she did and really enjoyed it.

This is probably a book that will only appeal to people in the dental profession, historians, and sadomasochists. The author does a nice job of describing the excruciatingly painful history of dentistry. With the advent of processed sugar (first extracted from sugar cane grown in the Caribbean Islands), and then transported worldwide, the so-called western sugar diet promoted tooth decay never seen before in human history. A high sugar diet with inadequate oral hygiene led to untold pain and suffering that is worthy of a notation in human history. This book explains the state of dentistry from the beginning of recorded civilization to the present. It is fascinating reading for someone interested in this topic. This book is certainly written for a target audience, but it can make an interesting "coffee-table" book that is certain to "extract" much conversation. Kone

This fascinating and educational book on the history of dentistry was an all aroundenjoyable read. Contained much more informationthan just dental history and was well researched.The humor made the experienceLess painful to endure the hideous examples of early dentistry. I brought it to read during a recent dental procedure feeling secure that nothing that would happen at my visit could possiblycompare with the excruciating practices of the past.

Everything history about the dentist that you ever wanted or didn't want to know!! I've given this to every dentist I've ever had and they love it!! Easy fun informative read!

From tooth worms to film, this was a very all encompassing, well rounded take on the inner workings of the dental world!

The book had many interesting facts but jumped back and forth between historical periods. It would be a much better book if it had been catagorized by century.

I bought this for my dentist for Christmas. He loved it!

A very informative history of dentistry from ancient times to present day.

took this on holiday and it was a very entertaining book and quite educating.No pictures- just text. A nice balance of humour and trauma throughout.Crazy to learn how teeth and medicine were dealt with over 100 years ago. Some quite barbaric tales too!maybe they will do a new revision in the future with similar shocking stories of those people that have their teeth shaved down and false caps applied (turkey teeth) time will tell....

I bought this dent. book for my dentist friend. He likes it very much

Happy with this purchase

THis has been bought for my brother who is a dentist and I hope he enjoys it. It arrived on time and looks good