How did the ancients keep their teeth clean without modern toothbrushes and toothpaste?
We all know the best way to prevent problems with our teeth is to brush them twice a day and practice good oral hygiene. But have you ever wondered how the ancients managed to keep their teeth clean? Or how people cleaned their teeth before toothbrushes and toothpaste? Time for a history lesson. In this blog, we’ll explore how the ancients cleaned their teeth before the invention of modern toothpaste and toothbrushes.
The Dental Tools of the Ancients
It may surprise you that toothbrushes have only been around since the Chinese developed them in the 15th century CE. That may seem like a long time ago, but it was more than 4000 years after the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians frayed the ends of twigs as tools to clean their teeth! Around 1600 BCE, the ancient Chinese made chewing sticks out of aromatic tree twigs to help keep their teeth fresh.
The use of a substance as toothpaste has been known to exist since at least 5000 BCE. The ancients in Greece and Rome used toothpaste made from such ingredients as pumice stone, oyster shells, and crushed bones as the abrasive bits, which were then flavored with such appetizing flavors as powdered charcoal and tree bark! The ancients in China, on the other hand, developed flavored toothpaste more akin to our modern tastes with ginseng and herbal mint flavorings.
The Diets of the Ancients
Poor dental hygiene may be one contributor to tooth decay, but it is hardly the only one. Our modern diets also contribute greatly to poor dental health, and they differ sharply from the diets of the ancients. From the standpoint of oral health, ancients’ diets were actually quite good. The Greeks ate natural foods with plenty of minerals, nutrients, and fat-soluble vitamins which even today contribute to strong dental health. Fish, fruit, beans, and vegetables were all key parts of the balanced ancient Greek diet, and the fruits they consumed were not high in sugar or treated with pesticides, both of which detract from dental health.
Thus, the ancients can teach us a thing or two about dental health – eating a well-balanced diet can help us maintain dental health. But don’t forget that we have the advantage when it comes to our dental implements! Brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and see your dentist for regular check-ups to keep your teeth in top shape.
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For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.