SMOKING was deemed to be bad for the teeth as far back as 200 years ago, according to a rare, centuries-old book going under the hammer in Derby.

Strange dental hygiene tips from before the French Revolution are disclosed in the tome, which was discovered by TV auctioneer Charles Hanson during a valuation day.

One case study from the 1700s shows how poor dentistry caused one woman terrible pain when she went to have a tooth removed – and ended up with a piece of jawbone taken out too.

The owner of the 238-year-old book, who lives in the Burton area, had it passed down to him from his grandfather who bought it from a Lancashire library in the 1950s.

Mr Hanson said: "We expect a lot of interest for such an exciting, yet frightening, experience from a bygone age.

"Despite some minor damage to some of the pages, the book is in a pristine condition."

The book is remarkable for the fact it was printed only 10 years into the reign of "mad" King George III and 19 years before the start of the French Revolution.

It is titled 'A treatise on the disorders and deformities of the teeth and gums and the most rational methods of treating them', and still has its original calf skin covers.

Written by Thomas Berdmore in 1770, it notes young children with milk teeth ought "to be encouraged to chew upon coral, wax and such like bodies".

Mr Berdmore noted: "People who eat most sweetmeats are subject to disorders and deformities of the teeth.

"Peasant and poor farmers suffer less in this way, unlike those of rank and opulence.

"Cracking nuts is hurtful to teeth, as is the custom young girls have for cutting sewing thread with their teeth.

"Tooth picks are very bad practice. I am inclined to think smoking is hurtful to the teeth."

While Paracetamol can cure toothache today, Mr Berdmore suggested "astringent liquors such as betony rendered slightly acid by orange, lemon juice or vinegar".

He wrote: "To help cure toothache, keep the mouth filled with warm water or peppermint water, or if that is not handy any ardent spirit.

"Free your teeth carefully at night from the scraps of food which are apt to lodge after supper."

The book is expected to fetch between £200 and £300 when it is sold at The Mackworth Hotel, Ashbourne Road, on Wednesday, November 26.

More information about the items up for auction is available by telephoning Etwall-based Hansons Auctioneers on 01283 733988.