How Toothpaste Came to Be

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You know that it’s important to brush your teeth twice a day using quality toothpaste, but do you know how toothpaste came to be? It may come as a surprise to you that some form of tooth-cleaning paste has been around since 5000 B.C., before toothbrushes were even invented.

Around 5000 B.C, Egyptians started using a paste to clean their teeth. Ancient Romans and Greeks also used toothpastes. Around 500 B.C., China and India began using a paste to clean their teeth.

Toothpastes that were used in ancient times had the same purpose as toothpastes used today—to clean the teeth and gums, whiten teeth and freshen breath. Ancient toothpastes had varying ingredients that were very different from what we use today. Toothpastes of yesterday included things like ox hooves, ashes, eggshells, crushed bones, oyster shells, charcoal and bark.

Modern toothpaste began emerging and developing in the 1800s. Early versions included chalk or soap. Before the 1850s, toothpastes were usually in powder form. Then a new toothpaste in a jar was developed and began to be mass produced. In 1945, the soap in toothpaste was replaced by other ingredients to make a smooth paste.

Recent developments in toothpastes include the development of whitening toothpastes, toothpastes designed to prevent or treat specific diseases and conditions, and fluoride toothpastes.

We invite you to contact Louisiana Dental Center at (985) 758-5110 today for more information and to schedule a visit with our dentists in Boutte, Louisiana. We look forward to your visit!