What Did People Use Before Toothbrushes Were Invented?

His ^ | 04/09/2024

[MikelTackNailer]

"Ever eat a pine tree?"

"Most parts are edible."

[lilypad]

I remember in grade school when we would be assigned to give a speech how many kids would give it on “how to brush your teeth”. Finally the teacher said, “ no more teeth brushing lessons speeches!”

[CTyank]

My grandmother used to give us black Birch twigs off a branch of the tree. I got so I’d go hunting for my own to chew on.

Very tasty and refreshing. Apparently it may help fight cavities.

[Chickensoup]

After wwii soldiers who had been taught to brush their teeth in the military went home and taught their families to brush. Remember all the toothpaste commercials in 50s and 60s?

Rare now.

And no new toothpastes. Last new toothpaste brand I recall is Tom’s in the 80s

[Sirius Lee]

Beethoven, despite his often otherwise disheveled appearance, always had pearly white teeth which he constantly polished with a napkin.

[mairdie]

What a great thread. Many thanks.

[SisterK]

LOL
the best

[metmom]

We used whatever was cheapest.

Aim, IIRC, was one of them.

[metmom]

Very interesting.

We have a bunch of black birch on our property.

As an aside, it’s fantastic for the wood stove. Great burning hardwood with high heat content.

Someone told me it’s a rare tree. I don’t know about that.

[LilFarmer]

Neem stick. You can still buy them on Amazon!

[Semper Vigilantis]

You can get fresh sticks and even request size from Neem Farms in FL. Buy American! https://neemtreefarms.com/

[moovova]

“What Did People Use Before Toothbrushes Were Invented?”

Pliers?

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks SeekAndFind. In Shakespeare's time, people cleaned their teeth first thing in the morning with a soft cloth and 'sweet paste'.

[Red Badger]

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

I quit using tooth past back in 1968. Started using baking soda and salt, then just baking soda. I have had ONE cavity since I started doing that. Still have all my teeth except wisdom teeth.

[LilFarmer]

Cool, thanks for the link! I’ve never used them but I think it could be an interesting prep item

[Albion Wilde]

There was a bit of pushback in British society against using toothbrushes, however...

The jokes just write themselves!

[Albion Wilde]

I quit using tooth past back in 1968. Started using baking soda and salt, then just baking soda. I have had ONE cavity since I started doing that.

Yes, I was surprised the article didn't mention the use of baking soda. I use baking soda dampened with hydrogen peroxide every once in awhile to remove coffee and tea stains.

[Magnum44]

[PLMerite]

“I’m going to eat your garage.” - vaguely remembered comedy skit.