5 Strange Facts About False Teeth

The history of false teeth is fascinating and has paved the way for the dentures you will come across in your BSc (Hons) Dental Technology degree with the University of Bolton. 

Here are five of the strangest facts that will further pique your interest in dental technician training.

1. Dentures have been around since the ancient times.

Many people are shocked to discover that early examples of dentures were found in Egyptian and Mexican archaeological dig sites. Of course, false teeth then were nothing like those of today. The earliest surviving set of complete dentures was found in Japan in the 16th century and they were made completely of wood - doesn’t sound very comfortable does it!

2. You'd be banished from the dinner table if you had false teeth in Victorian England.

That's right; those with false teeth in England during the 1800s ate in their private rooms before dinner table events and gatherings. This unique tradition from the Victorian era was supposed to save those with false teeth from the embarrassment of their teeth falling out while eating their food.

While you certainly won't be making false wooden teeth at the University of Bolton, we can help you get to grips with the latest dental technology while studying for your Bachelor of Dental Technology degree.

3. Animal dentures have been around since 2500 BC.

You may have thought wooden dentures were weird; well, it gets weirder. The oldest partial set of dentures ever found date back to around 2500 BC. These were found in Mexico and were made from wolf molars.

4. George Washington's dentures were an interesting mix.

There is a rumour that George Washington had wooden teeth. This is, in fact, inaccurate. His dentures were made from human teeth, elephant ivory, hippopotamus tusk, and gold. An interesting mix, indeed. Luckily, today's dental technology courses are far more advanced, and you will use the latest materials and technology to create dentures.

5. In the British Isles, dentures were common wedding gifts.

How would you feel if you were gifted a set of dentures for your next birthday? Well, in the British Isles, dentures were a common wedding gift! Many people anticipated losing all their teeth, so they had them extracted at a young age. Hopefully, the bride and the groom received a set each!

Getting Started with the University of Bolton

The history of dentures is remarkable. These and other amazing facts form part of dentistry history and have led us to where we are now. You could be part of the future of dentistry and specifically dental technology by studying Dental Technology courses at the University of Bolton.

Our dental technology students have access to the best theory and practical experiences and are taught by experts in their field. We believe all students learn best in supportive and positive learning environments. Our individualised approach is part of the reason we are ranked No.2 in Teaching Quality* and are a Guardian Top 50 UK University.

Enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe at Bolton University, where we provide you with a vibrant and exciting setting to start your career in the world of dental technology.

Find out more about the courses in Dental Technology by getting in touch today call +44 (0)1204 900 600 or email us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk.

Our award-winning Student Services Team are here to help if you have any queries or questions about finance, funding, wellbeing, disability services or accommodation.

*The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020