RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL CONCEPTS IN DENTAL PRACTICES IN ANCIENT ORIENT

Authors: Diana Diaconu, Anca Vitalariu, Gheorghe Cotaie, Andrei Melinte, Monica TATARCIUC

Abstract:

Ancient Orient dentistry was under the influence of magic by means of various symbols: animals (worms and mice), plants (fig tree) or cosmic elements (the Sun), trying to oust the harmful elements through ritual or family habits. In doing so, the myth of “dental worm” became a possible cause of dental decay met at most ancient Eastern civilizations. The results of this study overview the importance of spiritual symbolism in dentistry, on the basis of the existing historical documents.