How People Cleaned Their Teeth Before Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Modern dental care is a recent invention, but for thousands of years, humans have found ways to keep their teeth clean. Long before the invention of toothbrushes and toothpaste, people across the world used different tools and substances to maintain oral hygiene. Let’s explore some of these ancient methods of dental care.
Chewing Sticks and Miswak: The Natural Toothbrushes
One of the earliest tools used for cleaning teeth was the chewing stick. As early as 3500 BC, ancient Babylonians and Egyptians were using twigs to rub their teeth clean. These twigs were often frayed at the ends to act like bristles, mimicking the function of a modern toothbrush.
In other parts of the world, like the Middle East and Africa, people used the miswak (also called siwak), a stick made from the Salvadora persica tree. It had both antibacterial properties and the right texture to clean the teeth effectively. Miswak is still used today in some cultures as a natural alternative to the toothbrush.
An ancient depiction of people using chewing sticks to clean their teeth.
Early Tooth Powders: Ash, Charcoal, and Herbs
Instead of toothpaste, people in ancient times often used abrasive powders made from natural substances like crushed shells, ash, and charcoal. In ancient Rome, for example, people would use crushed bones and oyster shells as tooth powders. Herbs and spices, such as mint, cloves, and cinnamon, were also common additions to freshen breath.
In medieval Europe, people made their own tooth powders using a mixture of burnt bread, salt, and occasionally herbs. These early versions of toothpaste helped to scrub off plaque but were often very abrasive and could damage the enamel if overused.
An illustration of ancient Romans using tooth powder to clean their teeth
While toothbrushes and toothpaste are standard in today’s dental care, humans have always been resourceful when it comes to maintaining oral hygiene. From natural chewing sticks to homemade tooth powders, ancient people found creative ways to keep their teeth clean and their smiles healthy.
