Page 118 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2020

WHY DO WE
Brush Our Teeth?
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster
You go to the dentist twice a year for your six-month cleanings and checkups, and your dentist reminds you of the importance of brushing and ossing. Ever since we were kids, we’ve been told to brush our teeth in the morning and before bed, and after lunch too if possible, but why do we do this?
118 | August 2020
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While there are several health reasons (we’ll get into those in a minute), the history behind the practice of tooth brushing is quite interesting. All the way back in 5000 BC, Ancient Egyptians are recorded to have used a paste substance to clean their teeth. A version of toothpaste was also used in India and China as early as 500 BC.
These toothpastes weren’t
the minty-fresh version we
know today. Instead, ancient civilizations used a dry toothpaste, later referred to as dentifrice powder by the Greeks and Romans. Though the ingredients varied drastically, from crushed eggshells, pumice, ash and myrrh found in Egyptian versions to herbal mints mixed with salt and ginseng that were used in China, all toothpastes came in a powder form that were mixed with water to create a paste. It actually wasn’t until 1873 that Colgate would begin mass-producing the toothpaste that we all know today.
Since the beginning, the goal of toothpaste has remained much
the same: remove plaque, tartar, bacteria and food debris from teeth, protect enamel, control and prevent tartar buildup, promote gum health, whiten teeth, reduce tooth decay and, of course, freshen breath. Even ancient civilizations wanted to keep their teeth clean and their breath from o ending others!
We’ve come a long way since then, moving up from using
our ngers or the tips of twigs
to clean our teeth to using a toothbrush with bristles. In the 15th century, the Chinese used bristles from the necks of pigs attached to bamboo handles to fashion a tooth brush. Luckily we have several options for toothbrushes today, not just boar hair bristles.
Next time you brush your
teeth, thank the ancient civilizations who pioneered this important health ritual and the many scientists and medical professionals who have perfected it over the years. And don’t forget to schedule your next dentist appointment!