With Oktoberfest right around the corner, you may start hearing some of these fun sayings: “I don’t give a Schnitzel,” “Keep calm, and Prost on,” or “You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy beer.” But what exactly is Oktoberfest, and why do so many people celebrate it? Here are some fun facts about it. ROYAL BEGINNINGS Oktoberfest is deeply rooted in Munich culture. It all started with the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen on Oct. 12, 1810, and the citizens of Munich were invited to attend the celebration just outside the gates of the city. The celebration’s main attraction was horse racing, which was also a staple event for the next year but has since been removed from the current celebrations. In 1811, a large agricultural fair was mixed into the event, and in 1817, beer pubs and performers were added. Perhaps one of the most famous events during Oktoberfest is the costume parade, where men and women alike dress in old-fashioned garb and march through the streets in honor of Ludwig and Therese’s marriage. The rest you could say is history, or geschichte ! OKTOBERFEST IN … CANADA? While Oktoberfest in Munich traditionally starts on Sept. 22, the Canadians celebrate during the week of Oct. 6–14. The twin cities Kitchener-Waterloo host the largest Oktoberfest outside of Munich, boasting more than 700,000 people in attendance each year. The event has a musical concert dubbed “Rocktober” and a dog parade known as “Dogtober.” Even though the Ontario area is becoming more and more popular, you can still enjoy Oktoberfest on a budget. You can find hotels in the area and surrounding cities for well under $100 per night. Not everyone can make their way to Munich or even Canada to celebrate the fantastical event, but most areas will have something going on. If you love German culture, do a little bit of digging, and you’re sure to find an Oktoberfest event near you!
Oktoberfest Outside Munich Roots of Oktoberfest
A Brief History of Dental Hygiene My, How Far We’ve Come
We’ve been taught the basic fundamentals of dental care — brushing and flossing — for as long as we’ve been alive, so it’s easy to assume this conventional wisdom has been in place from time immemorial. Though the fundamentals of self-care have remained much the same, the science of dentistry, like any other, is one that’s constantly advancing. Oral hygiene dates back to some of the earliest days of human civilization, but it doesn’t resemble the dentistry of today at all. The most basic of dental needs, the ability to remove food from between your teeth, was probably the necessity that mothered the invention of the first toothbrush. Our earliest records of objects designed for “brushing” teeth date back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 B.C. and were fashioned from twigs. Some people even frayed one end of the twig to create strands akin to bristles. The modern toothbrush was a European invention, dating from 18th century England, but it was based on observing other cultures whose populace had healthy teeth until old age. The device was fashioned by convict William Addis, who decided to use boar hair bristles on a handle made from sheep bone. While the toothbrush is the most iconic tool associated with dentistry, it’s far from the only one. In 1746, a French dentist became the first to suggest enamel as a material for tooth crowns. Less than 50 years later, a patient received the
first set of porcelain teeth. Here in America, Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1832. While most people think of Goodyear as a tire manufacturer, the innovation found its way into all sorts of applications, including bonding for crowns. But enough about the past. Dentistry is still in the process of advancing. Today’s latest discoveries center around high-tech imaging, patient comfort, and the treatment of oral conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and sleep apnea. We’re just beginning to understand all the ways the health of the mouth affects the rest of the body, so don’t expect the world of dentistry to grow smaller anytime soon. If you want to experience the present and future of dentistry, call Fabey Dental and schedule an appointment today.
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