Dental Drill Appreciation Day is an annual event that is celebrated on January 26. Few patients would think that the dental drill should be celebrated. It is a fact, however, that over the years, this device has become increasingly sophisticated, accurate, and efficient. As a result, dentists can carry out procedures in less time and by subjecting their patients to less distress than in earlier times. The modern drill also minimizes the damage to the surrounding teeth and gums when carrying out any dental procedure. Researchers continue to invest time in developing even more advanced dental drills so that dental treatments can become truly pain-free.
History of Dental Drill Appreciation Day
January 26 was chosen for Dental Drill Appreciation Day because it was the day George Green invented the electric drill. The invention of the modern dental drill has made it easier for dentists to perform complex dental procedures with more precision when compared to conventional dental equipment. The oldest type of drills to be used in dental procedures were bow drills. Earlier, the maximum speed of dental drills was 15 rpm.
During the mid-1800s, an English dentist, George Harrington created a more advanced dental drill and named it ‘Erado’. It was much faster than conventional bow drills. It was wound up and would last for two minutes. Later, various models of pedal operated dental drills were developed by George Green and James B. Morrison. The most popular invention, however, was a battery-powered drill, which was also invented by George Green. With continuous research and development, the speed of drills had increased by 3,000 rpm. During the 1950s, the air turbine dental drill was introduced. It was popularized by John Patrick Walsh and Dr. John Borden. When faster dental drills were made for professional use, they used to get extremely hot from friction. To avoid these drills from overheating and to keep patients safe from excessive heat levels, a water pipe was included on the side of these drills.
Many drills also came with a torch to help dentists work with more precision and accuracy. Another popular alternative for dental drills is laser technology, which requires further development to completely replace the use of dental drills. Laser technology is slower than traditional dental drills but can be used to treat dental procedures involving the gums.
Dental Drill Appreciation Day timeline
Frenchman Pierre Fauchard invents a bow drill – the rod is moved by the cord wrapped around it.
John Greenwood invents a pedal-operated dental drill.
John Lewis introduces a hand-cranked dental drill.
George Green invents an electric drill, patented on 26 January, and this becomes the day to appreciate dental drills.
Dental Drill Appreciation Day FAQs
What are some of the earliest dental tools?
One of the earliest dental tools is a drill. The first dental drill appeared in 7000 B.C. and was an invention of the Indus Valley Civilization.
How is practical dentistry done today?
Practical dentistry today is primarily done with a set of sophisticated dental instruments. We can see the connection between ancient tools and instruments that are used now.
What is the speed of a modern dental drill?
Modern dental drills can have up to 800,000 revolutions per minute, although they most commonly have up to 400,000 rpm.
Dental Drill Appreciation Day Activities
Get your bi-annual dental check-up
Visit your dentist for a regular dental examination. Your dentist will check for cavities and take care of plaque or tartar on your gums and teeth. Visiting a dental hygienist is also a great way to improve your oral health.
Learn the proper brushing and flossing technique
There are numerous health benefits of knowing the correct way to floss and brush your teeth. It does not matter if you are a child or a full-grown adult, as you can always learn how to improve your brushing technique.
Invest in the right dental care tools
It will be much cheaper, and you can handpick all the tools yourself. Make sure to include good-quality dental floss, mouth wash, tongue scrapers, and dental picks in your kit.
5 Facts About Toothpaste That Will Blow Your Mind
The world's oldest toothpaste
The world's first tooth cleaning product was invented by Egyptians in 5000 B.C.
The sugary taste in toothpaste
Toothpaste is either a paste or gel sweetened with saccharin and sorbitol.
The water content in toothpaste
The water content in toothpaste ranges between 20% and 42%.
The popularity of toothpaste
Toothpaste was popularized by the Chinese in 500 B.C.
Brushing in space
Astronauts swallow their toothpaste instead of spitting it out in space.
Why We Love Dental Drill Appreciation Day
It highlights the importance of modern-day dental tools
Dental Drill Appreciation Day not only reminds us to appreciate the modern dental tools and equipment, but also motivates us to develop good oral care habits. This includes regular brushing and flossing. Without maintaining dental hygiene, a person is more likely to develop oral infections and gum disease.
Healthy teeth contribute to a healthy body
We get to learn about the current treatments available to treat cavities and gum diseases. Oral diseases are often linked to diabetes, coronary disease, and cancer. And through proper knowledge of dental care treatments, it is easier to take care of oral health and prevent those chronic illnesses that are triggered by poor oral hygiene.
It highlights the significance of oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene also increases a person's confidence levels. If proper tools are not available to treat an existing cavity, then tooth extraction is one of the most common options available. It not only affects a person's self-esteem and confidence, but also creates extra space between the existing teeth by altering their alignment.
Dental Drill Appreciation Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 26 | Sunday |
| 2026 | January 26 | Monday |
| 2027 | January 26 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | January 26 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | January 26 | Friday |
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