The History of Toothpaste By: CKENOL

I.                 Introduction:

Toothpaste was created more than 7000 years ago. Throughout those centuries and around the world there have been different developments and recipes used to keep the mouth clean and fresh. Today’s toothpaste has come a long way since the ancient Egyptians.

II.             Discovery:

A form of toothpaste has been used since 5000 BC by the Ancient Egyptians. It was used for the same reasons we use toothpaste today like: keeping teeth and gums clean and healthy, teeth whiter, and breath smelling fresh. But it is not like the toothpaste we have today. Instead of paste form it is powder. In Egypt they used a blend of powdered ox hooves, burnt eggshells, myrrh, and pumice (volcanic rock). The Greeks and Romans wanted something that would do a better job of getting rid of plaque buildup on their teeth. So they added ground bones and oyster shells for more friction. They also added flavorings like powdered charcoal and bark to resolve bad breath. The Chinese used many other substances like ginseng, herbal mints, and salts. (1) The 1^st modern toothpaste that we use today was developed in the 1800s. In 1824 dentist named Peabody was the 1^st to put and use soap in toothpaste. By 1896, Colgate was mass producing and selling toothpaste in collapsible tubes (the ones we use today) and replaced soap with emulsifying agents (helps to remove plaque) like sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium rincinoleate and floride. (2) (3)

III.         Biography of investigator

There are several Peabodys and there is no information specifying his 1^st name therefore I could not find a biography.

IV.        Impact on humanity

Without toothpaste everyone would have bad breath, bad teeth, and gum diseases. But because we have toothpaste we can all have nice healthy smiles. :D

V.            Journal article review

Toothpaste has been around for more than 5000 years. The 1^st forms were powders. Modern forms of toothpaste were made into creams and gels around the 19^th century. Over the centuries there have been a wide range of methods and ingredients used into making toothpaste. (2)

References

·      (1)http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/GoodOralHygiene/BrushingandFlossing/HistoryToothbrushesToothpastes.cvsp

·      (2)http://armourassociates.com/papers/fluoride.pdf

·      (3)http://inventors.about.com/od/dstartinventions/a/dentistry_2.htm