Teeth whitening is a popular option when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. Everyone wants to have a beautiful, white smile. But it has been around for a lot longer than you probably thought. Even before the first whitening products were available to buy, people were using all sorts of remedies and methods to brighten their teeth. Read on to learn more about the history of teeth whitening and how it become what it is today!
Ancient Egyptian Teeth Whitening
For people who were higher status in ancient Egypt, white teeth were of great importance. Whitening teeth was something that fascinated the Pharaohs, and they had their own method of achieving a beautiful smile. Often times, they would use a special toothpaste that was comprised of wine-vinegar, pumice stone, and ground oxen hooves. The way people kept their teeth clean back in the day was with a “chew stick.” This was a twig with a frayed end that people would rub against their teeth. Basically an ancient toothbrush.
Ancient Roman Teeth Whitening
The ancient Romans would also use chew sticks to brush their teeth and remove plaque. According to old sources, they would use urine to clean their teeth because it contains ammonia and keeps them white. The health and appearance of their smiles were of upmost importance.
European Teeth Whitening
There was a group of Nomadic people who used to clean teeth by using acid and filing them down. Even though this did help to restore them back to white, their enamel would end up damaged and gone. It is no wonder that this method did not catch on.
Modern Teeth Whitening
In the late 1800s, dentists started using chlorine as a way of restoring teeth back to a whiter color. This was a popular method used all across Europe until the early 1900s. At this point, the use of hydrogen peroxide became more popular. In the year 1960, a dentist known as William Klusimer invented peroxide-based whitening agents, and they were popular until about 1970. However, when peroxide-based formulas were made stronger, this was too harsh on the gum tissue.
All sorts of other techniques were experimented with, including the use of heating lamps. However, heat from these lamps was far too intense and would overheat the dental pulps, the inner layer of the tooth, sometimes causing the need for endodontic therapy. In 1989, carbamide peroxide was introduced as a whitening agent. This treatment was effective and had less negative side effects.
Teeth whitening has come a long way, but now it can be done in the comfort of your own home with take-home whitening kits from your dentist. Let’s leave these old whitening “hacks” in the past!
About the Author
Dr. John T. Michaels earned his dental doctorate from the Ohio State University Dental School and is committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Norfolk County Dental Society, Massachusetts Dental Society, and American Dental Society. For more information on teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment at his office in Norwood, visit his website or call (781) 769-6140.
FAQs
How Did Teeth Whitening Originate? Many years ago, ancient Egyptians created a paste using ground pumice stone, wine vinegar, and ground oxen hooves to whiten their teeth. Since appearance was of utmost importance during this time, they considered a bright smile to be a symbol of virility, wealth, and sensuous appeal.
How did they whiten teeth in the 60s? ›
In the 1960's, dentists stumbled across the use of hydrogen peroxide. While peroxide gel was commonly used as an antiseptic to treat gum disease, they noticed that a side effect of treatment was actually whiter teeth.
How did people whiten their teeth in the 1970s? ›
Post-1900, the use of hydrogen peroxide came into practice. Around 1960, dentist William Klusimer invented different peroxide-based whitening agents widely used till 1970. From 1989 onward, carbamide peroxide became a teeth whitening agent with virtually no side effects.
What do dentists say about teeth whitening? ›
Dentists typically recommend teeth whitening for patients that are not entirely happy with their smile due to minor to moderate discoloration.
What was the ancient technique for teeth whitening? ›
Often times, they would use a special toothpaste that was comprised of wine-vinegar, pumice stone, and ground oxen hooves. The way people kept their teeth clean back in the day was with a “chew stick.” This was a twig with a frayed end that people would rub against their teeth.
What was the original color of teeth? ›
Enamel is on the surface of every tooth and it has a natural hue of white. However, the underlying dentin layer has a slightly yellowish color. This yellowish hue shows through the enamel in almost everyone, but more so for those with naturally thinner or more translucent enamel.
How do you get the whitest teeth ever? ›
Seven Ways to Naturally Whiten Teeth
- Eat Strawberries. One of the simplest ways to naturally whiten your teeth is just by eating strawberries. ...
- Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables. ...
- Brush After You Eat or Drink. ...
- Rinse with Apple Cider Vinegar. ...
- Apply Coconut Oil. ...
- Brush Your Tongue. ...
- Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide.
Aging: Most teeth become worn down over the years, and they might turn into a yellowish or grayish-blue color. Tooth decay: The more a tooth deteriorates, the less blood flow it'll receive. Without nutrients to survive, the tooth can break down and turn gray.
Why do old people's teeth get dark? ›
As you grow older, your tooth enamel wears thinner. This exposes more of the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish hue. As a result, your teeth may appear slightly more discolored as you age.
What does vaseline do to teeth? ›
If you're after a more unusual way to try protecting your teeth, some people swear by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly (yes, Vaseline) to their teeth. This is believed to help protect them against potentially damaging foods or beverages, particularly if you've just had your teeth whitened!
Vaseline adds sheen and distracts tired cheeks. This deters contestants from letting their smiles slip. And, the cleaner and slicker the teeth are, the harder it is for lipstick to stick to the enamel. Practice makes perfect, but excessive practice makes a pageant winner.
How did Romans whiten their teeth? ›
Cosmetic dentistry
The ancient Romans whitened their teeth using toothpaste made from human urine and goat milk. Dental bridges and crowns were developed in ancient Rome in 500 BCE. This form of dentistry was a craft the Etruscans were skilled at.
What is the theory of teeth whitening? ›
The mechanism suggested for the surface demineralization is that during the bleaching procedure the pH of the whitening agent becomes more acidic and the hydrogen ions attack the enamel crystals, freeing calcium and phosphate ions from the enamel surface.
Did you know facts about teeth whitening? ›
Allow us to educate you on the complicated & often misleading world of teeth whitening.
- Your teeth are like sponges…they absorb. ...
- Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth. ...
- The key to teeth whitening is the delivery device. ...
- Custom-fitted whitening trays cost $500+ from a. ...
- Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal.
Tips for getting white teeth range from avoiding certain foods to occasional brushing with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. While tooth-whitening kits are readily available at most pharmacies, many natural remedies can also help remove stains and protect tooth enamel.
How did ancient Romans whiten their teeth? ›
Cosmetic dentistry
The ancient Romans whitened their teeth using toothpaste made from human urine and goat milk. Dental bridges and crowns were developed in ancient Rome in 500 BCE. This form of dentistry was a craft the Etruscans were skilled at.
