According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the majority of adults in the United States are not happy with their smile. This has led to an increase in popularity of dental procedures such as teeth whitening. But how did teeth whitening become so popular? Let’s take a look at its history.

Ancient Teeth

The practice of teeth whitening actually began over 4,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Their culture strongly emphasized physical beauty, and white teeth were viewed as a sign of wealth. A type of toothpaste containing wine-vinegar, pumice stone, and ground hooves was used to achieve whiter teeth. Although this concoction did help make teeth more white, it obviously was not practical and caused a lot of damage to the tooth enamel. 

Ancient Romans utilized what they called “chew sticks” as toothbrushes, chewing on them to scrape off particles on the teeth. Although they could have stopped their efforts with the chew sticks, they also decided to go one step further and use urine to get rid of dental stains. This was due to urine having a high ammonia content. 

During the 17th century, barbers were responsible for both hair and teeth. As far as whitening goes, they would file down the teeth and apply an acid to whiten them. This process did whiten the teeth, but it also damaged the enamel and led to tooth decay. 

The Rise of Fluoride & Modern Whitening

During the late 1800s a connection was drawn between fluoride and healthy teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this connection took off in the 1930s when people who drank water containing fluoride were observed to be better protected from tooth decay and cavities. 

Also in the late 1800s, chlorine was used to gain whiter teeth. Chlorine is a natural element that is an ingredient in lots of cleaning products, bleach, and is also poisonous if swallowed or inhaled. In the 1900s, hydrogen peroxide was the most popular way to whiten teeth. In the 1970s, scientists wanted to find a faster way to heal patients’ gums after removal of braces. To do this they used trays filled with Gly-Oxide, a side effect of using this was brighter and whiter teeth due to the high amount of carbamide peroxide. Different forms of peroxide are still the main component of most whitening products today. 

Teeth Whitening Today

Most ways to whiten teeth throughout history are harmful to both your teeth and your general oral health. Most whitening products offered currently are safe, however, there are always certain trends that are best to avoid. Here are some helpful tips on how to safely get a whiter smile:

• Consult with your dentist to decide if you want to whiten in-office or at home
• Over-the-counter whitening strips can be used, but be mindful of overusing them
• At-home “do it yourself” remedies may not give the lasting result you want 
• Teeth-whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are best for upkeep
• Talk to your dentist if you suffer from sensitive teeth or gums

Teeth whitening has come a long way since its early days and is now one of the most popular procedures in cosmetic dentistry. While there are many ways to achieve brighter teeth, it’s important to do so safely and under the guidance of your dentist. We hope you found this post helpful and that it has given you some ideas on how to get whiter teeth. If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us.