Collection Highlights
The objects featured here belong to the collections of Tyne and Wear Museums.
Medicine Bottle Rack, 1900s
This medicine bottle rack may have dispensed medicine for pain relief for dental patients. It could even have contained cocaine, which was used from 1884 as a local anaesthetic.
Read more about: medical dentistry, pain relief
Extraction forceps, about 1912
Forceps are used to remove people’s teeth. The dentist would grasp the tooth with the forceps and then firmly rock it back and forth. They would then rotate the tooth to loosen it before removal. The design is similar to forceps used today and in the past.
Read more about: medical dentistry, pain relief
Plaster cast of upper teeth before and after brace, 1934
These are casts of Olive Henderson’s teeth. They were used to examine her teeth and construct a brace when she was eight years old. The casts show the difference the brace had on her teeth. Before the brace her teeth were crooked and out of place. Afterwards her teeth were a lot straighter.
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, straightening.
Arm and Hammer Extra Whitening Toothpaste, 2008
Baking soda is the active ingredient in this toothpaste. It removes the stains from your teeth and whitens them. Whitening products are now very popular because white teeth are thought to make a beautiful smile.
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, whitening
Stud Brace, 2008
Braces are fixed to your teeth and are tightened over time. This gradually moves your teeth into the correct position. You can customise your braces with different colours of elastic. These go around the studs to hold the wire in place. Each year in Britain 250,000 young people have braces fitted.
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, straightening
Private collection
Vulcanised rubber dentures, early 1900s
These dentures are made from rubber. Modern dentures are made of plastic. They would have been used to help the owner eat and speak as well as giving them confidence in their appearance. In the early 1800s there was a trend among the upper classes to have dentures made with teeth taken from dead soldiers. Dentures could also have been made from porcelain or wood!
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, tooth replacement
Tooth grills, 2008
Grills are associated with the culture of rap music and some people wear them as a fashion statement. The rappers Nelly and Kanye West have worn them. Nelly even released a single entitled ‘Grillz’.
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, accessories
Oral-B Electric Toothbrush, 2008
The first electric toothbrushes went on sale in 1960. Since then they have continually been developed and improved as their popularity has increased.
This toothbrush uses a ‘high speed oscillating and rotating motion’ to clean and polish your teeth. Electric toothbrushes are ideal for people who have problems with the physical work of brushing, for example those with arthritis.
Read more about: medical dentistry, oral hygiene
Listerine Mouthwash, 2008
Listerine was first produced over a hundred years ago. Mouthwash remedies have been around for centuries. Other popular solutions have included donkey’s milk, honey and urine.
Read more about: medical dentistry, oral hygiene
Oral-B Humming Bird Power Flosser and Pick, 2008
The name of this product comes from the tool’s unique shape. It resembles that of a humming bird. When used, it vibrates to enhance the cleaning process. This removes food particles and bacteria from between the teeth.
Read more about: medical dentistry, oral hygiene
Brighten White Professional Teeth Whitening Kit, 2008
Included in the kit are two dental trays, three syringes holding whitening gel and a tooth colour chart for use at home. Whitening kits are becoming more popular as the media puts pressure on people to have a ‘Hollywood’ smile. By 2010, spending on whitening products in Britain is predicted to reach £69 million.
Read more about: cosmetic dentistry, whitening
