Record #:

9385

Author(s):

Chapman, Ashton

Abstract:

Folklore includes numerous tooth-related superstitions that seem ludicrous today. Two different species of trees in North Carolina, Aralia sinosa and Zanthoxylum americanum are both commonly known as “toothache tree” for their supposed medicinal value. In rural areas men known as “tooth jumpers” once practiced tooth removal with a punch and mallet.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 42 Issue 8, Jan 1975, p19-20, il

Subject(s):

Dentistry--History; Traditional medicine