Toothpaste A to Z: First in a Four-Part Series

We may take the concept of a minty fresh gel or paste squeezed out of a tube and onto our toothbrush for the purposes of improving our oral hygiene for granted. But like any product, toothpaste has evolved over time to become the fortified cleaning and enhancing agent that it is today.

Part I: A Brief History

Although toothpaste was used as long ago as 500 BC in ancient Egypt, China and India, it was not until the 19th century that it came into general use. Ancient toothpastes, actually powders at the time, used abrasive ingredients to help bring back the original white color of teeth.

Items such as bone, eggshells, snails and oyster shells, were burned or crushed into tiny pieces and used as scouring powder to more or less sand the surface of teeth. While these abrasives did work in the short run; in the long run, tooth enamel was removed, which led to dental problems much more significant than yellowing teeth.

The first modern toothpastes came about in the 1800s. Most were homemade from chalk, soap, salt and other common ingredients and stored as powders or pastes. Dental treatment of teeth during this time consisted mostly of the removal of teeth that were too painful to remain in the mouth.

The most important breakthrough in the history of toothpaste was the addition of fluoride in 1914, which was found to stave off tooth decay. Fluoride use in toothpastes became widespread by the 1950s and dentists even applied it directly to teeth during office visits.

In Part II, we’ll discuss the various ingredients in modern toothpastes and the pros and cons to each.

For information about the Ferber Dental Group, dental implants, dentures or periodontal concerns, call 561-439-8888 or visit www.ferberdental.com.