Teeth - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

MatthewM · 09-20-2007, 02:12 PM

How do you expect the teeth of the inhabitants of Middle-earth were? I don't think Tolkien ever mentions anything about a dentist! We all know that the teeth of medieval peoples were practically falling out of their head. Do you think Tolkien's medieval inspired world had similiar misfortunes with teeth? Or do you think the highness of say the Elves and the Numenoreans contributed to pearly whites with little to no care needed?

Hammerhand · 09-20-2007, 05:06 PM

Actually dude, medieval folk had whiter than white teeth because of the low sugar content in their diet - when they are dug up today they still possess really white munchers! I suppose their teeth alignment may have been a bit sketchy... we have the brace for that.

I suppose ME people would have had similar teeth to those of medieval times, certainly Gondor and Rohan anyway... and elves must have perfect teeth, i mean, come on - they are perfect in every way.

MatthewM · 09-21-2007, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hammerhand

Actually dude, medieval folk had whiter than white teeth because of the low sugar content in their diet - when they are dug up today they still possess really white munchers! I suppose their teeth alignment may have been a bit sketchy... we have the brace for that.

No way. Maybe some people, but majority of the medieval population had horrible teeth.

Thinlómien · 09-22-2007, 10:47 AM

Another teeth issue is that was any of the protagonists missing teeth? I mean, warriors got into a lot of brawls and fights and it's quite easy to lose your teeth. Just one blow at your face, and it doesn't even need to be an ultra-heavy one. As there were no artificial teeth, many warriors (especially the seasoned ones) were probably missing teeth. *thinks of Aragorn without front teeth and dies laughing*

But hey, I'm actually serious about this.

Sir Kohran · 09-22-2007, 12:39 PM

This is the same as the 'how do they go to the toilet' issue...you're not supposed to mention it

Eomer of the Rohirrim · 09-22-2007, 03:09 PM

*raises hand* Oh! Me sir!

I did this one a while back, Matt.

Here, I attempted to link, but I failed. Never did learn how to do that. Anyway, just type the word 'dentist' into the search engine. A cracking read it is too!

MatthewM · 11-13-2007, 10:19 PM

Lol I have to check it out Eomer

09-20-2007, 02:12 PM	#1
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Teeth How do you expect the teeth of the inhabitants of Middle-earth were? I don't think Tolkien ever mentions anything about a dentist! We all know that the teeth of medieval peoples were practically falling out of their head. Do you think Tolkien's medieval inspired world had similiar misfortunes with teeth? Or do you think the highness of say the Elves and the Numenoreans contributed to pearly whites with little to no care needed? __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

09-20-2007, 05:06 PM	#2
Hammerhand Haunting Spirit Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Dark side of the moon. Posts: 81	Actually dude, medieval folk had whiter than white teeth because of the low sugar content in their diet - when they are dug up today they still possess really white munchers! I suppose their teeth alignment may have been a bit sketchy... we have the brace for that. I suppose ME people would have had similar teeth to those of medieval times, certainly Gondor and Rohan anyway... and elves must have perfect teeth, i mean, come on - they are perfect in every way. __________________ A great madness of rage was upon him, so that his eyes shone like the eyes of the Valar.

09-22-2007, 10:47 AM	#4
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	Another teeth issue is that was any of the protagonists missing teeth? I mean, warriors got into a lot of brawls and fights and it's quite easy to lose your teeth. Just one blow at your face, and it doesn't even need to be an ultra-heavy one. As there were no artificial teeth, many warriors (especially the seasoned ones) were probably missing teeth. thinks of Aragorn without front teeth and dies laughing But hey, I'm actually serious about this. __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

09-22-2007, 12:39 PM	#5
Sir Kohran Wight Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: England, UK Posts: 178	This is the same as the 'how do they go to the toilet' issue...you're not supposed to mention it __________________ 'Dangerous!' cried Gandalf. 'And so am I, very dangerous: more dangerous than anything you will ever meet, unless you are brought alive before the seat of the Dark Lord.'

09-22-2007, 03:09 PM	#6
Eomer of the Rohirrim Auspicious Wraith Join Date: May 2002 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 4,859	raises hand Oh! Me sir! I did this one a while back, Matt. Here, I attempted to link, but I failed. Never did learn how to do that. Anyway, just type the word 'dentist' into the search engine. A cracking read it is too! __________________ Los Ingobernables de Harlond Last edited by Eomer of the Rohirrim; 09-22-2007 at 03:11 PM. Reason: The reason is contained, subtly, in the post. Can you spot it?

11-13-2007, 10:19 PM	#7
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Lol I have to check it out Eomer __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring