It is no secret that over the years dental material and procedures have changed to provide us with comfort and an easy way to perform daily cleaning in our own home. But what was it like for those living before the 21st century?
What history has shown us is that it is most likely the Egyptians that started using toothpaste at around 5000BC. This occured before the invention of toothbrushes at around 3500- 3000BC. The toothpastes of yesteryear consisted of abrasive powders such as ox hooves ashes, burnt egg shells, pumis, crushed bones, powdered charcoal, salt or oyster shells. Some nations added mint leaves and salts to improve smell and taste.
More modern forms of toothpaste started in 1800’s and they contained chalks, betak nuts, ground charcoal and soaps.
In the 1850’s toothpastes changed from powders to pastes when a toothpaste from a jar called “Creme Dentifrice” was developed. It was in 1873 that Colgate stared a mass production on toothpastes that also started in a jar. The tubed paste that we know, love and appreciate today has only been around since the 1890’s. In 1945 the soap in toothpaste was removed and replaced with sodium lauryl and sulphates to make it into a smooth non abrasive paste.
Since the early twentieth century toothpastes have been designed to help with certain conditions and problems such as sensitivity. It was during this period that fluoride was added for the prevention of decay. Leading to a more recent development in toothpaste with the ability to whiten, assist with gum disease, plaque and reminerlisation of teeth.
Today there are over 20 types of toothpastes available at any given supermarket! Arn’t you glad you don’t have to grind up bones to clean your teeth ?
For more information check out:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/brushing-and-flossing/history-of-toothbrushes-and-toothpastes
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