an animatronics talk show on oral health – claimed to be the world’s first – featuring an apple and a pear; a tooth orchestra; A tooth fairy wandering around; A car with a bonnet like an open mouth during a dental exam; tooth loss; a toothpaste; AI based dental scan; and an augmented reality film on animal oral health. These are recent additions to the private dental museum in Vadodara.
Spread over a two-storey building decorated with dental paraphernalia in Diwalipura, the “free-for-all” private dental museum, established in 2016 by veteran dentist Dr Yogesh Chandrana and his orthodontist son Dr Pranav Chandrana, initially housed around 3,000 items. The museum now houses over 7,000 objects, including the world’s largest collection of toothbrushes, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records for the largest display of toothbrushes in a museum.
Dr Yogesh Chandrana says the idea behind opening the dental museum is “awareness for oral health”. He says, “Many people suffer from oral diseases, at least 90 percent…Most people go to the dentist only when they have serious problems and then realize that dental treatment is expensive, but in reality, dental neglect is expensive. We aim to create that awareness, especially among children.”
The museum has the world’s largest collection of toothbrushes on display, earning it a place in the Guinness World Records. (Express Photo)
The family focused on toothbrushes and toothpaste to start the museum. Dr Chandrana says, ‘Museums usually have tools and showpieces, but we thought we’d start by showing what’s in the hands of someone who cares about their oral health. Initially, we started with toothbrush and toothpaste. There are many myths and misconceptions about brushing, and we want to dispel them. We have 500 types of toothbrushes from all over the world, from datun to ancient toothbrushes made from animal hair and bones, to the most modern toothbrushes, which shows the evolution of toothbrushes.”
Exhibits at the museum explain the science behind the different types of toothbrushes – covering size, bristle pattern and handle design – allowing visitors to understand what might be best for them. Tracing the history of the toothbrush, the museum also displays details about the first toothbrush made by William Addis, dattons and brushes made from horse and cow bones with animal hair bristles.
The museum also has a one-of-a-kind life-size dental chair used by Dr. R. Ahmed, the founding father of the Indian Dental Association. (Express Photo)
In addition to the collection of brushes, the museum has postage stamps, coins and matchbox labels with advertisements in dentistry as well as commemorative medals. This collection includes cartoons from the British weekly magazine Punch related to dentistry. Dr. Chandrana says, “I have New Zealand postage stamps from 1892. On the back is an advertisement for a painless tooth extraction and toothpaste. Many early 20th century stamps contain advertisements. We also have a one-of-a-kind life-size dental chair used by Father Dr. R. Ahmed, the founder of the Indian Dental Association, which was gifted to us from Kolkata. Additionally, there are miniatures of various dental chairs that have evolved over the centuries. “
The museum, a major attraction for children, features a miniature electric toy train that makes “five stops” at stations explaining the five important points of oral hygiene. “These stations include visiting the dentist every six months, eating fiber-rich foods, avoiding chocolate and sugar, and brushing twice a day. Children are extremely fascinated, and we hope to one day install a real train that they can ride.
The family focused on toothbrushes and toothpaste to start the museum. (Express Photo)
There is also a room with sound effects designed to simulate “the feeling of being in a dentist’s chamber”, adds Dr Chandrana, who has never visited.
From the evolution of human teeth to a timeline of dentistry in India, as well as comparative charts explaining tooth structure and the number of teeth, canines and molars for herbivores, carnivores and omnivores – human and otherwise – the museum is a treasure trove. A treasure trove of oral health information. It also includes mythology related to teeth, including Lord Ganesha and the Danteshwari temple in Madhya Pradesh and the temple in Sri Lanka where Lord Buddha’s canine tooth is believed to be preserved.
Dr. Chandrana says that it was his son Dr. Pranav’s idea to add technology to the museum recently. “It is true that most of our visitors are children and our aim is to make the visit educationally fun for them. The 15-minute AR show on oral health of 13 animals is also unique. The show shows the correct brushing technique and how animals clean their teeth naturally every day. shows that.”
Chandranas has more ambitious plans for the museum, including a 3D dental film that could soon be part of an exhibit. “For now, the museum is open to all from 9 am to 11 am and 4 pm to 6 pm every day, but visitors should contact us and inform us about their visit.”
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