I don’t mind going to the dentist. Most of the time, I find it relaxing. Unless I’m getting drilled on. Then I seem to pay more attention.
But many people hate going to the dentist. About 75% of Americans report having “dental anxiety.”
I’m glad I don’t have this.
But let me remind you about something. I am part Neanderthal. My great grandaddy-ish. Maybe. Somewhere back there in the way long ago. Like 59,000 years ago, somewhere.
Anyway, it turns out that dreading going to the dentist may be among our primal urges. New research suggests that Neanderthals used stone drills for cavities 59,000 years ago, in the earliest known example of dentistry.
The evidence comes from a Neanderthal tooth found in what is now northern Italy. Researchers examined the tooth under powerful microscopes. Those guys discovered tiny scratches and grooves inside a cavity. The marks were not consistent with normal chewing or natural wear. Instead, they appeared to have been made by repeatedly inserting and twisting a sharp stone tool into the decayed area of the tooth. Yowza.
The tooth is estimated to be about 50,000–60,000 years old, making it one of the earliest known examples of deliberate dental treatment. Scientists believe the Neanderthal was attempting to remove decayed tissue or food trapped inside the cavity. I bet it hurt like a mother.
What makes this especially interesting is that Neanderthals had no metal tools. They likely used small stone tools that they shaped themselves.
Dr. Ugghh, I got a toothache.
Maybe I don’t fear the dentist because my ancestor was the prehistoric dentist. He probably really got to the root of the problem.
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“Do one thing every day that scares you.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
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“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” — Susan Jeffers
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“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
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