Have you ever wondered how people cared for their oral hygiene long before modern toothbrushes and toothpastes existed? Today, we casually choose from dozens of types of toothbrushes—hard, soft, electric, with flexible heads—and an equal variety of toothpastes with flavors like mint, lemon, or even charcoal. But the journey to today’s bright smiles was long and rather unusual.
How did toothpaste originate?
The first “tooth powder” appeared over 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Their recipe was far from appealing—it contained ox hoof ashes, burnt eggshells, myrrh, and volcanic rock. All these ingredients were ground into a fine powder and applied with fingers, as toothbrushes did not yet exist.
The ancient Persians had a slightly different but equally unusual recipe. Their pastes included burnt deer antlers, ground snail shells, oyster powder, and even lead, honey, and flint. Fortunately, today our options are far tastier and much safer!
It wasn’t until the late 19th century—specifically 1892—that toothpaste as we know it today was developed, with a pleasant taste and refreshing scent, ready to use without the need for exotic ingredients.
How did the toothbrush come about?
The first “toothbrush” was actually nothing more than a human finger. Ancient Egyptians applied their tooth powder to their index finger and rubbed their teeth.
Later, the Babylonians used “chewing sticks”—thin twigs with one end frayed into fibers to clean the teeth. Over time, these sticks became increasingly sophisticated and eventually inspired the creation of the modern toothbrush.
The first modern toothbrush was made in 1780—in prison!
William Addis, a prisoner in England, realized there had to be a better way to clean teeth than using cloth dipped in soot. He crafted a handle from animal bone, drilled small holes, and threaded pig bristles through them, sourced from a prison guard. After his release, Addis started mass-producing toothbrushes—his company still exists today.
Teeth through history – a symbol of health and power
Since ancient times, healthy teeth have symbolized health, youth, beauty, and power. In many cultures, beautiful teeth indicated high social status, while tooth loss was often seen as a sign of aging or weakness.
It is no surprise that humans have always sought ways to preserve their smiles—from ashes and bones to modern nanotechnology in toothpaste.
Teeth have always been more than mere tools for eating—they reflect our identity and self-care. The history of toothbrushes and toothpaste is yet another proof of how valuable a human smile has been throughout millennia, cultures, and civilizations.
