5 Things You Didn’t Know About Toothpaste

We all use toothpaste twice a day (even astronauts in space!), but we don’t often think much more about it. Here are five interesting facts about toothpaste that you probably didn’t know:

1. Who invented toothpaste?

The first recipe for toothpaste was found in archeological research of ancient Egypt. In 5000 BC, before the invention of the toothbrush (which occurred sometime during the years 3000 and 35000 BC), the ancient Egyptians were using ox hoof ash and burnt eggshells to clean their teeth. That first toothpaste recipe also lists ingredients of fried iris flower, mint, salt, and a pinch of salt to whiten and perfect teeth.

2. What is in toothpaste?

The part of toothpaste that does the work of wearing away plaque and food particles from the teeth is known as the abrasive. The abrasive, combined with the circular scrubbing motion of your toothbrush, physically helps to clean the surface of your teeth. Calcium carbonate is a common abrasive used in toothpastes; it’s rough enough to remove plaque, also gentle enough to avoid damaging the teeth’s enamel.

3. When should you brush your teeth?

Your alarm clock goes off and you rise from bed with morning breath. Do you brush now, before your breakfast and coffee? Or wait until after? Common sense tells you that brushing after is the way to go, in order to remove all the gunk from your breakfast, but time is actually an important factor here, and so is your meal. If you’re consuming food or drink that it very acidic (Orange juice, I’m looking at you), it’s important to wait at least 30 minutes before you brush your teeth to avoid damaging the teeth’s enamel.

4. When was modern toothpaste developed?

The toothpaste you have in your house is very different than the stuff the ancient Egyptians used. Early toothpaste was usually a powder formula, but in the 1850’s, ingredients were added to create a smooth paste texture. The first commercially available toothpaste was created by Crest and was sold in a jar!

5. Why would there be seaweed in my toothpaste?

Do you know what helps to give toothpaste its consistency? Although it sounds unbelievable, the answer is often seaweed! Seaweed functions as a thickening agent and it stabilizes toothpaste so it can be squeezed from a tube.

Brushing your teeth is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy and strong, but it’s not all: you also must floss and come visit the friendly team at High Point Family Dentistry every six months! Call or use our online appointment request form today!