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What is the oldest toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients such as fluoride or xylitol to help prevent tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis).

Early toothpaste recipes

The earliest known references to toothpaste can be found in ancient Egyptian texts from around 5000 BC. The Egyptians made a tooth powder containing ingredients like powdered ashes of ox hooves, myrrh, powdered and burnt eggshells, and pumice. Greeks and Romans also used toothpastes and toothpowder recipes containing abrasive ingredients like crushed bones and oyster shells.

In the 9th century AD, the Persian musician and fashion designer Ziryab is credited with popularizing the use of toothpaste in Islamic Spain. Ziryab’s toothpaste recipe contained a mixture of mint, salt, rue, and herbs. He also reportedly pioneered the use of a wooden toothbrush.

Other early toothpaste recipes and ingredients included:

  • A recipe from China (c. 1000 AD) containing ginseng, salt, and garlic
  • A 13th century recipe from England containing burned bread crumbs
  • 15th century toothpowders made with crushed antlers
  • 16th century toothpastes containing powdered charcoal and honey
  • 18th century toothpastes containing chalk, honey, and plant extracts

These early toothpastes and powders were often homemade preparations that were used with a cloth or finger rather than a toothbrush.

Toothpaste tubes and modern brands

In 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield of Connecticut was the first to sell a toothpaste in a collapsible tube. Sheffield’s Creme Dentifrice was advertised as a “tooth paste in collapsible tubes, for public sales, so the brush may be readily inserted and paste conveniently applied to it.” This innovation made toothpaste easier to apply and transport.

Some key developments in commercial toothpaste brands include:

  • 1896 – Colgate Dental Cream toothpaste in a jar is launched, containing soap and chalk.
  • 1908 – Colgate releases toothpaste in collapsible tubes modeled after Sheffield’s design.
  • 1914 – Colgate introduces toothpaste with fluoride.
  • 1955 – Crest is introduced by Procter & Gamble with the active ingredient stannous fluoride.
  • 1960s – Fluoride toothpastes gain popularity and become widely recommended by dentists.
  • 1980s – Advanced ingredients like tartar control agents and baking soda are added to toothpaste.
  • 1990s – Whitening toothpastes containing gentle abrasives and chemicals like hydrogen peroxide emerge.

While homemade or ancient toothpaste preparations have a long history, Colgate was one of the first brands to commercialize toothpaste in tubes and jars for widespread public sale and use. Fluoride toothpastes later gained professional and public support in the 1960s after research demonstrated their cavity fighting benefits.

Ancient toothpaste ingredients

Some key ingredients used in early toothpaste recipes prior to modern commercial brands included:

Abrasives

Early toothpastes contained abrasive ingredients that physically removed debris and stains from teeth. These included:

  • Crushed bone, seashells, and egg shells
  • Pumice
  • Powdered chalk
  • Brick dust
  • Volcanic ash
  • Burned or powdered bread

Acids

Acids were used to chemically remove stains and debris. Common acids included:

  • Vinegar
  • Wine
  • Citrus fruits

Astringents

Astringents like alum helped tighten gums.

Antimicrobials

Antimicrobial ingredients were used to combat bad breath and infection. These included:

  • Myrrh
  • Frankincense
  • Cinnamon
  • Honey
  • Ginseng
  • Mint
  • Salt
  • Mustard seed

Flavors

Herbs, flowers, spices, and honey were used to improve taste. Common flavor sources included:

  • Rose
  • Lavender
  • Sage
  • Thyme
  • Honey
  • Mint

Abrasives in modern toothpaste

Modern toothpastes retain the use of gentle abrasives to remove surface stains safely. Common gentle abrasives in toothpastes today include:

  • Hydrated silica
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Calcium phosphate
  • Aluminum hydroxide
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)

The abrasiveness of toothpaste is denoted by an RDA (relative dentin abrasion) score. Most regular toothpastes have an RDA of 50-120. Whitening toothpastes are more abrasive with an RDA of 130-250 to remove stains, while sensitive toothpastes are least abrasive with an RDA of 40-70 to avoid exposing dentin.

Active ingredients in modern toothpaste

Some key active ingredients found in modern toothpaste include:

Fluoride

Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization. Most mainstream brands contain fluoride.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent added for tartar control and gum health benefits. However, there are concerns over bacterial resistance and safety.

Stannous fluoride

Stannous fluoride helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, plaque and sensitivity. It also provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

SLS is a detergent and foaming agent added to produce the froth associated with brushing. But it can cause mouth irritation in some.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that inhibits the growth of plaque bacteria and can help prevent tooth decay.

Baking soda

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a mild abrasive added to some toothpastes for whitening and deodorizing.

Hydrogen peroxide

Low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can aid teeth whitening through gentle oxidation of stains.

Essential oils

Oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and menthol provide flavoring and a pleasant brushing experience.

Toothpaste formulations

Toothpastes come in a variety of formulations for different needs:

  • Regular fluoride toothpaste – For cavity protection and basic plaque removal.
  • Whitening toothpaste – Contains extra polishing agents and bleaching ingredients like hydrogen peroxide.
  • Tartar control toothpaste – Includes extra phosphate salts to prevent tartar buildup.
  • Sensitive toothpaste – Formulated to be non-irritating and soothing for those with sensitivity.
  • Natural toothpaste – Uses naturally derived ingredients and avoids additives like SLS, triclosan, and artificial flavors.

Toothpaste ingredients to avoid

Some concerning ingredients found in certain toothpastes to watch out for include:

  • Triclosan – Associated with antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.
  • Propylene glycol – A possible organ toxin and skin irritant.
  • Diethanolamine (DEA) – Can react with other ingredients to form a potential carcinogen called NDEA.
  • Artificial colors – Dyes like FD&C Blue No. 1 provide no health benefit and may be linked to behavioral issues in children.
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – Can increase mouth irritation and canker sores for some.

Toothpaste alternatives

Some toothpaste alternatives to consider include:

  • Baking soda – A mild abrasive that neutralizes acids and whitens teeth.
  • Coconut oil – Contains lauric acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
  • Hydrogen peroxide – Whitens teeth and inhibits plaque bacteria.
  • Oil pulling – Swishing oils like coconut, sesame, or olive oil to clean teeth.
  • Clay – Bentonite or calcium montmorillonite clay has been used as a tooth-polishing powder.
  • Salt – Common in ancient toothpaste recipes, salt is a mild abrasive with antimicrobial properties.

However, these alternatives lack fluoride for cavity protection. Regular fluoridated toothpaste remains the top recommendation from dental professionals.

Toothpaste trends

Some current trends shaping modern toothpaste products include:

  • Natural ingredients – Using minerals, botanical extracts, essential oils, and biogenic enzymes.
  • Activated charcoal – Added for teeth whitening and detoxification benefits.
  • Minerals – Like hydroxyapatite, bioactive glass, and calcium phosphate for remineralization.
  • Probiotics – To balance oral bacteria for better oral health.
  • Nano-hydroxyapatite – Microscopic particles that penetrate enamel for strengthening.
  • Fluoride-free – Appeal from consumers who wish to avoid fluoride.

Trends come and go, but key considerations for any toothpaste remain effective plaque removal, cavity protection, fresher breath, and gentle cleaning for healthy teeth and gums.

History of toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are an essential tool for effective toothpaste use. Early tooth-cleaning instruments included:

  • 5000 BCE – Ancient Egyptians used frayed ends of twigs or roots to brush teeth.
  • 1600 BCE – Babylonians and Egyptians start fraying one end of a wooden stick.
  • 300 BCE – Indians use neem tree branches called datun to brush teeth.
  • 1400 CE – Chinese craft horsehair toothbrushes using Siberian wild boar bristles.
  • 1700s – Europeans use feathers, sponges, and toothpicks wrapped in silk thread.
  • 1885 – First American-made bristle toothbrush patented.

Nylon-bristled toothbrushes emerged in 1938. Electric toothbrushes first appeared in the 1960s. While materials and designs have evolved, the basic toothbrush form and function for applying toothpaste remains largely unchanged over history.

How to make your own toothpaste

Making homemade toothpaste can be an enjoyable DIY project using simple natural ingredients. Here is one recipe to try:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup bentonite clay
  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp stevia powder
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • Filtered water as needed

Instructions

  1. Mix the bentonite clay, baking soda, stevia, and coconut oil together in a bowl.
  2. Add several drops of peppermint oil and mix again thoroughly.
  3. Slowly mix in water to achieve a thick, creamy paste consistency.
  4. Scoop into a jar with an airtight lid for storage.
  5. Use a pea-sized amount on a soft brush once or twice daily.

Be sure to refrigerate and use your homemade toothpaste within 1-2 weeks. Store bought toothpaste has a longer shelf life due to preservatives.

Conclusion

While ancient civilizations pioneered toothpaste and powder recipes, Colgate was the first to commercialize and distribute toothpaste in collapsible tubes in the late 19th century. Fluoride toothpastes gained widespread support in the 1960s and remain the gold standard today for fighting cavities with regular brushing.

Toothpaste continues to evolve with new trends and ingredients. But when choosing a toothpaste, remember to look for clinically-proven ingredients like fluoride for cavity protection. Avoid toothpastes with controversial additives like triclosan or harsh irritants like SLS. With regular brushing with a quality fluoride toothpaste, you can keep your smile healthy and bright.