When we imagine the smiles of Tudor England, a rather unpleasant picture often comes to mind: blackened, rotting teeth in the mouths of kings, queens, and commoners alike. This stereotype of universally poor dental health has been perpetuated by historical fiction and dramas, which present the 16th century as a time when tooth decay ran rampant and dentistry was a painful, primitive affair. But how accurate is this portrayal? Archaeological evidence tells a surprisingly different story about the real state of Tudor dental care.
The Reality of Tudor Teeth: Surprisingly Healthy
Contrary to popular belief, the average Tudor actually had fairly good dental health. Studies of skeletal remains from the period reveal that rates of tooth decay were relatively low compared to later eras. While not perfect, Tudor teeth were far from the rotten, cavity-filled nightmares of our imaginations. The reason behind this unexpected dental health lies largely in the typical Tudor diet.
Diet and Dental Health
The Tudor diet was based primarily on whole grains, vegetables, fruits, fish, dairy, and meats. Rye bread, a staple for most people, was coarse and abrasive, helping to clean teeth as it was eaten. Sugar, the primary culprit behind tooth decay, was a luxury item reserved for the wealthy, with honey being the main sweetener used by commoners. This meant that the average Tudor’s teeth were not constantly exposed to the refined sugars that fuel cavity-causing bacteria. It was only in later periods, as sugar became more affordable and widely available, that rates of tooth decay dramatically increased.
Dental Care and Hygiene: What Did Tudors Actually Do?
So, if Tudors weren’t all sporting rotten grins, what did they do to maintain their dental health? Tooth powders made from crushed herbs, chalk, or ashes were commonly used to clean teeth, while chewing twigs of herbs like rosemary or sage helped freshen breath and remove debris. Mouth rinses made from vinegar or diluted wine were also employed to kill bacteria and freshen breath. While these methods may seem rudimentary by modern standards, they were effective enough to keep most Tudor teeth in decent condition.
The Truth About Tudor Dentistry
But what about those dreaded trips to the dentist? It’s true that professional tooth-pullers and barber-surgeons did exist in Tudor times, but tooth extraction was usually seen as a last resort for only the most severe cases of decay or damage. Some quirky folk remedies, like applying a paste made from ground mice to aching teeth, have been noted in historical records. However, these were exceptional cases rather than everyday practices. The majority of Tudors managed their dental health through diet and regular hygiene practices.
Royal Teeth: Did the Wealthy Fare Better?
Interestingly, it was often the wealthiest Tudors who had the worst teeth. With greater access to sugary delicacies like candied fruits, sweetmeats, and imported sugars, the rich were more prone to tooth decay than the average commoner. Queen Elizabeth I herself was known to have a notorious sweet tooth, which led to a lifetime of troublesome toothaches. So, in a twist of historical irony, the gleaming smiles we associate with royalty were likely less common in the Tudor court than among the common folk.
In an age where tooth decay is a widespread problem, fueled by diets high in processed sugars and acidic foods, the story of Tudor teeth offers a surprising lesson. Our 16th-century ancestors, with their simple whole food diets and natural hygiene practices, managed to maintain generally good dental health despite limited knowledge and technology. As we battle the consequences of our modern eating habits, it’s intriguing to think that we might actually learn a thing or two from the dental habits of the Tudors. Maybe it’s time to take a page from their book and embrace a more tooth-friendly way of life.
Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast,  the original Tudor history podcast, started in 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. In 2019 she created Tudorcon, which is now a yearly event, in addition to writing books, and running TudorFair.com - a whimsical Tudor Merch shop.
She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 30 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history (how exciting when she got to interview Alison for the first time!). In addition to history, she is passionate about travel, and has lived in 3 countries and 4 states (not counting her perpetual state of confusion), and her family (who help her host her YouTube channel occasionally).
