Social Studies: Toothpaste

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The Greeks and Romans crushed bones and oyster shells (above) and added them to toothpaste as an abrasive.

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The earliest known reference to toothpaste is in a manuscript from Eygypt in the 4th century A.D., which prescribes a mixture of iris flowers. In the 9th century, the Persian musician and fashion designer Ziryab is known to have invented a type of toothpaste, which he popularized throughout Islamic Spain.[2] The exact ingredients of this toothpaste are currently unknown,[3] but it was reported to have been both "functional and pleasant to taste.

It is unknown if these toothpastes were used alone or with things like rags or Neem Tree twigs as toothbrushes. Tooth powders for use with toothbrushes came into general use in the 19th century in Britain. Most were homemade, with chalk, pulverized brick, or salt as ingredients.

By 1900, a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda was recommended for use with toothbrushes. Pre-mixed toothpastes were first marketed in the 19th century, but did not surpass the popularity of tooth-powder until World War I. Fluoride was first added to toothpastes in 1914, and was criticized by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 1937. Fluoride toothpastes developed in the 1950s received the ADA's approval.

Neat Fact:

A homemade version of toothpaste can be made by mixing 3 parts baking soda and 1 part salt with: 3 teaspoons of glycerin, 10-20 drops of flavoring and 1 drop of food coloring.

Sources: Wikipedia