Have you ever wondered how people in the past cleaned their teeth and mouths? You might even be thinking that oral hygiene wasn’t a priority among people in primitive and ancient civilizations. Interestingly, people have been concerned about their oral health for thousands of years. Your Antioch Oral Surgeons, Dr. Sloan McDonald and Dr. Roberto Deloso share some interesting historical facts on oral hygiene methods throughout history.
Oral Hygiene Methods Throughout History
- The earliest form of cleaning teeth involved chewing on twigs. Ancient Sumerians preferred twigs from aromatic trees to freshen breath.
- Ancient Egyptians improved oral hygiene methods with the “chew stick.” The chew stick was a large twig where one end was sharpened to a point for interdental cleaning and the other end was frayed for brushing.
- Early Egyptians also made toothpaste made from ground pumice and wine-based vinegar to clean away surface stains.
- Monks in Southeast Asia brushed their teeth with boar’s hair attached to ox bone.
