Tooth worm

The idea of a Tooth Worm is an erroneous theory of dental caries, periodontitis and toothache ætiology. Once widespread, the belief is now obsolete, having been superseded by more scientific rationales. It was supposed that the disease was caused by small worms resident within the tooth, and eating it away.^[1]

History

The origins of the belief are wrapt in obscurity.^[2] The first historical mention is from Sumeria, Mesopotamia, some 4000 BC.^[3] This cuneiform tablet, entituled "The Legend of the worm", recounts how the parasites eat the blood and drink the bone of the teeth - causing caries and periodontitis. Accounts are also found in the South American legends of Popol Vuh, suggesting a more ancient common source. The belief persisted into the 18th century, only being disproven by the microscopical endeavors of M. Pierre Fauchard.^[4] Modern veterinary practice shows that when removed intact, the necrotic or partially necrotic tooth pulp has an appearance like that of a worm ^[5]

Evidence

Although no rigorous evidence was ever found, some practitioners believed the pulp root to the tooth to in fact be a worm. Most however admitted to have never encountered a worm in vivo, but nonetheless encouraged the belief among the general public. For this end maggots could be surreptitiously introduced into the mouth during an extraction; the patient would then expectorate them and marvel greatly.

References