Vintage Hygiene Practices That Are the Very Opposite of Clean

 
Worms Were to Blame for Tooth Decay

Throughout history, medical doctors had a widespread belief that toothaches were the result of a worm gnawing away at your teeth. Obviously, the doctors of the past didn't understand much about cavities and instead relied on their superstitions. They compiled plenty of treatments to combat these tiny teeth worms. One treatment consisted of filling your mouth with smoke from a cigarette or candle, then spitting it out into a bowl of warm water.

This was said to be the only way to rid yourself of tooth worms. For the sake of your teeth, be glad you live in the 21st century with modern medicine.