The ancient Egyptians invented toothpaste around 5000 BC.

The ancient Egyptians are given the credit for inventing one of the earliest forms of toothpaste around 5000 BC, long before modern dental hygiene products were developed. Archaeological evidence suggests that Egyptians used a rudimentary mixture of abrasive materials to wash their teeth. Their magical formula included a combination of ingredients such as crushed pumice, powdered rock salt, and dried iris flowers. These materials acted as abrasives to help remove the food particles and plaque from the teeth.

The Egyptians also included natural substances like mint and myrrh in their toothpaste, not only for fragrance but also for their helpful antiseptic properties. This combination of abrasive and medicinal ingredients was likely used to maintain oral health and prevent bad breath, much similar to the toothpaste today.

Surprisingly, the early Egyptian toothpaste was not in a paste form as we know it now. Instead, it was a kind of powder that could be applied to the teeth using a finger or a chew stick. The use of such cleaning agents was much widespread among both the wealthy and common people, although the rich class likely had more advanced formulas.

Although ancient Egyptian toothpaste was a far cry from modern dental products, it set the benchmark for the development of oral hygiene practices throughout history. Over time, cultures around the world refined the concept of toothpaste, leading to the development of the gel, some powders and paste forms we use today. Thus, the Egyptians’ ingenuity in oral care marks a very important milestone in the evolution of oral hygiene.

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