Beyond brushing: How soap and fluoride transformed toothpaste
the invention of toothpaste dates back to more than 5,000 bc, when the egyptians created a paste using ingredients such as burnt eggshells, ox hooves, water, and pumice (a light, glassy volcanic rock) to clean their teeth, long before the toothbrush was invented.
the greeks and romans, and later civilizations in india and china, used similar pastes, with ingredients evolving to include abrasives like ground bones, charcoal, and various herbs.
the fi rst toothpaste resembling modern formulations was developed in the early 19th century, when dr. peabody added soap to toothpaste in 1824. in the 1850s, chalk was introduced as an ingredient. by the 1870s, toothpaste was being sold commercially in tubes, and in 1896, colgate produced the first toothpaste in a collapsible tube, inspired by paint tubes. fluoride, known for its anti-cavity properties, was added in 1914, and crest launched its first major fluoride toothpaste in 1956.
brushing teeth became widespread as public awareness of personal and general dental health grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
the mass production of toothbrushes and toothpaste, particularly after world war ii when american soldiers were required to brush their teeth as part of their daily routine, helped promote tooth brushing globally during the mid20th century.
the use of toothbrushes and toothpaste further increased with advertising campaigns by manufacturers and public health authorities, especially in schools, establishing tooth brushing as a normal daily habit for most people.
gargling with warm salt water in the morning helps keep the mouth fresh by reducing the bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease. it also helps decrease inflammation, supports oral hygiene by removing food debris, and neutralizes acids.
the salt water works through osmosis, drawing water from oral tissues, which helps reduce swelling, relieve inflammation, and loosen thick mucus and irritants in the mouth and throat. however, regular brushing and flossing is essential for optimal oral health.
the warmth of the water, combined with the salt, also has a soothing effect and increases blood flow to the gums, which can promote healing, particularly after dental procedures.
however, excessive gargling may affect calcium levels or increase sodium intake. therefore, it is best to limit salt water gargling to once or twice a day, unless a dentist recommends otherwise for a short period.
