The History of Toothpaste

Have you ever wondered how toothpaste came to be? The history of toothpaste goes back for thousands of years. Our dentist and team in Las Cruces, New Mexico, are excited to share some fun toothpaste facts with you!

Way back in 5000 BC, before the toothbrush was even invented, it is believed that the Egyptians started using a paste to clean their teeth. Ancient Greeks and Romans also used pastes to clean their teeth. Around 500 BC, those in China and India began using toothpastes.

Ancient toothpastes were made from different ingredients, but they were used to treat some of the same oral concerns as today: whitening teeth, freshening breath, and cleaning the teeth and gums. Ancient toothpaste ingredients include powdered ox hooves, ashes, and burned eggshells. These ingredients were combined to create a pumice. In Rome and Greece, the citizens preferred more abrasive toothpaste, so they included things like crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans also used charcoal, bark, and flavoring to help with bad breath. In China, herbal mints, salt, and ginseng were also included in toothpaste.

In the 1800s, modern toothpastes began to develop. At the time, toothpastes included soap and chalk. In England, toothpaste contained betel nut. In the 1860s, some toothpastes contained ground charcoal.

Toothpastes were usually in powder form until the 1850s. During this decade, Crème Dentifrice, a toothpaste in a jar, was developed. In 1873, Colgate started mass producing toothpaste in jars. In the 1890s, toothpaste in a tube was developed.

Until 1945, toothpaste contained soap. Soap was then replaced by ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate to make the paste smooth. After a time, modern toothpastes were developed to help prevent or treat specific oral conditions, like tooth sensitivity.

We welcome you to contact David Sudimack at 575-522-7320 today to learn more and to schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sudimack.

How Do I Take Care of My Toothbrush?

Toothbrush care is vital for good oral health. Your toothbrush is your tool for a healthy, happy smile, and should be treated well. Here are some things to remember as you strive to do so.

First, remember that toothbrushes should be replaced every 3-4 months. This will help keep your mouth clean, as bacteria are prone to growing on toothbrushes. If the bristles of your brush look frayed or worn, replace the brush sooner than 3-4 months. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Hard bristles can damage tooth enamel and hurt your gums. Remember to use gentle pressure as you brush to help reduce these issues.

When you buy a toothbrush, choose one with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal guarantees a solid product that has passed rigorous testing for both safety and effectiveness. The Seal cannot be purchased; it must be earned through testing. This ensures you get a product that does what it says it does. In this case, that is that the toothbrush is designed to give your mouth the best clean possible.

Next, when you store your toothbrush, make sure it is in open air and not a closed space. Closed spaced allow bacteria to breed rapidly, filling your toothbrush and eventually your mouth. If you must keep your toothbrush in a closed space for a period of time, say for traveling purposes, be sure to air it out as much as possible.

Finally, support your tooth brushing habit with regular visits to your dentist. This allows them to catch any problems early, clean your teeth, and instruct you for any further dental care improvements needed. If you are in the Las Cruces, New Mexico area, please call David Sudimack at 575-522-7320 to schedule your next appointment. Dr. David Sudimack and our team will be happy to help you!

The Best Smiles are Possible with Oral Health Care

Are you taking the time to oversee effective oral health care? Caring for your teeth is of the utmost importance to ensure you do not submit to the effects of oral health conditions such as gum disease and tooth decay. The best smiles are possible with oral health care. Facts about oral health care include:

– Try to brush your teeth twice daily and floss your teeth once daily.

– Make sure to listen to your dentist and attend your bi-annual professional cleanings.

– Take heed when putting your oral health at risk during times of exercise or contact sports, so wear safety equipment.

– Typically, look for dental cleaning products that feature the ADA Seal of Acceptance or recommended and approved by your dentist.

– Quit unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking, and using drugs.

– Look for ways to keep your teeth clean like using mouthwash or chewing sugarless gum after meals.

– Make an effort to eat healthy, nutritious, and balanced meals every day that are free from excess sugar.

If you think you have oral health ailments, please call David Sudimack so we can get you in to see Dr. David Sudimack and our team as soon as possible. Our office is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and we can be reached at 575-522-7320. We look forward to making your smile shine!