If you want to see this story in video format go here.

In the 1800s, a bizarre phenomenon puzzled and terrified both dentists and patients alike: exploding teeth. This strange occurrence was first documented in 1817 by Dr. J. Phelps, who described a case where a tooth "burst with a tremendous report on the jaw."

The most famous case occurred in 1871, when a Pennsylvania minister named Reverend D.A. Dyer experienced excruciating pain in one of his molars. As he leaned over his desk, deep in thought, his troublesome tooth suddenly shattered with a loud bang. The explosion was so powerful that it dazed the reverend and left him nearly unconscious.

These dental explosions weren't isolated incidents. Several similar cases were reported throughout the 19th century, leaving dentists baffled. Some theories suggested that the materials used in early dental fillings, such as lead and tin, might have been to blame. These metals could potentially interact with saliva and other chemicals in the mouth to produce gas, which would build up pressure inside the tooth until it eventually burst.

Another theory proposed that these explosions were caused by a combination of tooth decay and the use of early electrical devices. The decay could create small pockets of gas within the tooth, while the electrical current might have provided the spark needed for ignition.

Despite numerous theories, no definitive explanation for the exploding teeth phenomenon was ever established. As dental practices improved and newer materials were introduced, reports of exploding teeth gradually ceased. Today, this peculiar piece of dental history serves as a reminder of how far medical science has come and the strange mysteries that once perplexed our ancestors.

The legacy of the exploding teeth continues to fascinate both historians and dental professionals. It highlights the importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field of dentistry, ensuring that such bizarre and painful occurrences remain firmly in the past.

The title of the previous story is:

The Incredible Journey of Charles Joughin: Titanic's Unsinkable Baker.

This story only has a few lines, if you want to read it in full go here.

Among the many tragic tales of the Titanic disaster, the story of Charles Joughin stands out as both extraordinary and somewhat comical. Joughin was the chief baker aboard the ill-fated ship, and his experience during its sinking defies belief and medical explanation.

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Joughin was off-duty in his bunk. After the collision, he quickly took charge of provisioning the lifeboats with bread and biscuits. However, as the situation became dire, Joughin made a decision that would seem ill-advised (To read this full article go here).

If you want to see this story in video format go here.

In the 1800s, a bizarre phenomenon puzzled and terrified both dentists and patients alike: exploding teeth. This strange occurrence was first documented in 1817 by Dr. J. Phelps, who described a case where a tooth "burst with a tremendous report on the jaw."

The most famous case occurred in 1871, when a Pennsylvania minister named Reverend D.A. Dyer experienced excruciating pain in one of his molars. As he leaned over his desk, deep in thought, his troublesome tooth suddenly shattered with a loud bang. The explosion was so powerful that it dazed the reverend and left him nearly unconscious.

These dental explosions weren't isolated incidents. Several similar cases were reported throughout the 19th century, leaving dentists baffled. Some theories suggested that the materials used in early dental fillings, such as lead and tin, might have been to blame. These metals could potentially interact with saliva and other chemicals in the mouth to produce gas, which would build up pressure inside the tooth until it eventually burst.

Another theory proposed that these explosions were caused by a combination of tooth decay and the use of early electrical devices. The decay could create small pockets of gas within the tooth, while the electrical current might have provided the spark needed for ignition.

Despite numerous theories, no definitive explanation for the exploding teeth phenomenon was ever established. As dental practices improved and newer materials were introduced, reports of exploding teeth gradually ceased. Today, this peculiar piece of dental history serves as a reminder of how far medical science has come and the strange mysteries that once perplexed our ancestors.

The legacy of the exploding teeth continues to fascinate both historians and dental professionals. It highlights the importance of ongoing research and innovation in the field of dentistry, ensuring that such bizarre and painful occurrences remain firmly in the past.

The title of the previous story is:

The Incredible Journey of Charles Joughin: Titanic's Unsinkable Baker.

This story only has a few lines, if you want to read it in full go here.

Among the many tragic tales of the Titanic disaster, the story of Charles Joughin stands out as both extraordinary and somewhat comical. Joughin was the chief baker aboard the ill-fated ship, and his experience during its sinking defies belief and medical explanation.

On the night of April 14, 1912, when the Titanic struck the iceberg, Joughin was off-duty in his bunk. After the collision, he quickly took charge of provisioning the lifeboats with bread and biscuits. However, as the situation became dire, Joughin made a decision that would seem ill-advised (To read this full article go here).