Before your modern toothbrush sat neatly by the sink, people around the world got creative about cleaning their teeth—and the results were sometimes strange, and sometimes genius.
If you’ve ever complained about brushing your teeth, take a trip through time with your local dentist in Idaho Falls and discover some of the oddest oral hygiene tools humanity has ever seen.
1. Chew Sticks
Long before bristles and toothpaste, ancient Egyptians and Babylonians used twigs from aromatic trees like licorice or neem. They chewed one end until it frayed, then rubbed it along their teeth. Some cultures still use chew sticks today because they’re naturally antibacterial and effective. Even the World Health Organization has recognized the benefits of certain types of chew sticks.
2. Animal Hair Brushes
The first bristle toothbrushes came from China in the 1400s. These brushes used coarse hog hair bristles attached to bone or bamboo handles. While it sounds pretty uncomfortable, it was a breakthrough that paved the way for the toothbrushes we know today. Europe later adopted the concept but swapped hog hair with softer horsehair, making it slightly more pleasant to use.
3. Crushed Shells and Charcoal
Instead of toothpaste, ancient Romans used a blend of crushed oyster shells, charcoal, bark, and even ground bones. Some added baking soda or salt for extra abrasion. These gritty mixtures helped scrape away plaque, though they likely did damage to enamel in the process. Still, the idea of using something abrasive to clean teeth continues today—with a much gentler touch.
4. Urine (Yes, Really)
In ancient Rome, urine was actually a part of some dental hygiene regimens. The ammonia in urine was believed to whiten teeth and disinfect the mouth. Needless to say, we do not recommend trying this method. It’s more a reminder of how far we’ve come in understanding what helps—and what harms—our oral health.
5. Porcupine Quills and Bird Feathers
Native cultures around the world used whatever they had on hand—including bird feathers, pine needles, or even porcupine quills—to remove food debris and plaque. It may sound painful, but it shows the ingenuity of humans in using nature to maintain dental health. The concept of flossing with sharp or pointed tools has existed for centuries, even if it was a bit riskier back then.
6. The Cloth Rub
In the Middle Ages, people might use a linen cloth to rub teeth clean, sometimes applying salt or vinegar to the fabric. Though not as effective as brushing, it provided a mild abrasive and helped reduce food residue. Cloth rubbing remained common even into the 19th century in areas where toothbrushes weren’t available.
7. The Modern Revolution
The nylon-bristle toothbrush was introduced in 1938, and it changed everything. Suddenly, brushing became more comfortable, consistent, and sanitary. The electric toothbrush debuted in the 1950s, giving us even more options for oral hygiene. Today’s brushes are designed to be soft on enamel but tough on plaque—and when combined with fluoride toothpaste, they’re safer and more effective than any ancient method.
What We Can Learn
Even though ancient methods were rough (and sometimes downright odd), the desire to maintain clean teeth is timeless. Every culture and era found ways to care for teeth using what they had available. That determination is something we can admire.
With the help of your Idaho Falls dentist, you’ll never need to resort to hog hair or charcoal again. Just regular brushing, flossing, and checkups will do the trick.
Celebrate the Progress
The next time you brush your teeth, take a second to appreciate your soft-bristled brush and minty toothpaste. You’re part of a long, strange history of humans trying to protect their smiles—just with a lot more comfort, a lot less guesswork, and thankfully, no animal parts or urine involved.
Need help finding the right brush or technique? Your dentist in Idaho Falls can walk you through options that work best for your smile. We promise—no crushed bones required.
