When Was Toothpaste Invented: A History of Toothpaste
Toothpaste is something we use daily, twice a day. But do you know when it was first made? Like many objects we use daily, toothpaste has a vast and interesting history. Learn more about the history of toothpaste and when it was first invented.
When was toothpaste invented? What was the toothpaste made out of?
The first toothpaste is said to have been created in 1824 by Dr. Peabody. He combined soap with dental paste to help make the first toothpaste. Later in the 1850s, John Harris added chalk as an ingredient to get closer to toothpaste as we know it.
When was toothpaste in a tube invented?
In 1896, Colgate produced the first tube of toothpaste. Dentist Dr. Washington Sheffield believed it was unsanitary for multiple people to use the same jar of toothpaste, which Colgate had previously introduced in 1873. Dr. Sheffield was inspired by paint tubes to create tubes of toothpaste.
When was fluoride added to toothpaste?
Crest released the first toothpaste with fluoride in 1956. Proctor & Gamble had started studying toothpaste ingredients that would help with tooth decay in the early 1940s. They eventually partnered with Dr. Joseph Muhler at Indiana University in the 1950s to develop toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps eliminate plaque that can lead to cavities.
When was whitening toothpaste invented?
In the mid-1980s, whitening agents, such as carbamide peroxide, were added to toothpaste to help brighten your smile. Whitening toothpaste is now widely available in addition to whitening strips and whitening mouthwash.
How did people clean their teeth before toothpaste was invented?
Toothbrushing dates back to 3000 B.C. Egyptians are said to have cleaned their teeth with twigs and leaves as “toothbrushes.” Toothpaste as we know it did not come until much later, but ancient civilizations used their varieties. Early versions of toothpaste consisted of crushed shells, bones, and oyster shells. Arabs and Europeans both had similar ideas for toothpaste. Arabs are said to have tried using sand, while Europeans tested salt.
What are other uses of toothpaste?
The most apparent use of toothpaste is to keep your teeth and mouth clean to avoid cavities. Since toothpaste is used to help clean your mouth, some experts suggest that it can be used to clean elsewhere too. Common uses of toothpaste around the house include:
- Polish bathroom fixtures
- Remove gunk from hair straightener or curling irons
- Defog a mirror
- Remove scuffs from the sneaker’s rubber trim
- Shine your jewelry
- Strip off crayon marks from walls
If you’ve been neglecting to brush your teeth and using your toothpaste around the house instead, contact one of our Fortson Dentistry locations or call us at 248-968-2914. We can provide a dental hygiene cleaning appointment to get your oral health back on track.
Dr. Cory Fortson, DDS began his educational journey by earning a BS in Nutritional Science from Michigan State University. He is a 2014 graduate of The University of Detroit Dental School and a third generation dentist who is proud to provide excellent dental care to the Lathrup Village community.
With his dedication to excellence and continued growth, Dr. Fortson has completed extensive continuing education courses in orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), endodontics (root canal therapy), and cosmetic dentistry. He always strives to create a comfortable atmosphere for his patients while restoring their smiles. Dr. Fortson’s goal is to take the stress out of dental visits by meeting all his patients’ dental needs while offering the most up to date painless treatment options to deliver a beautiful smile.