Comparative Analysis of Tohfat al-Sehhe’s Oral Hygiene Instructions with those in Modern Dentistry

Abstract

In recent years, one of the slogans of World Health Organization (WHO) has been: prevention is better than cure. In dentistry, this means following hygienic rules in order to maintain oral cavity's health, hence preventing microbial diseases such as dental caries and periodontal diseases. Today, the role of oral health on whole body health is fully recognized. For improving the health of the society, community dentistry emphasizes targeting individuals' oral health. Now the aim of this study is to find out if our predecessors have had any knowledge about the importance of observing hygienic rules and maintaining oral health. To this end, handwriting documents found in the national library were surveyed. A book named Tohfat al-Sehhe written in 1276 A.H included some hygienic instructions which were prevalent at that time. Concerning the oral hygienic instruction, are there any similarities or differences between dentistry in the past (about150 years ago) and contemporary dentistry? Assuming that modern technology has significantly changed all aspects of human's life; a study was performed to compare oral hygiene instructions in late era of Qajar and contemporary dentistry. The method was comparative-descriptive. It is found that some basic concepts of practicing dentistry, such as prevention and patient cooperation during the treatment process have not changed. However, as the result of the improvement of technology, the hygienic and treatment procedures have improved; therefore they can better address treatment and health requirements.