It took quite a long time for toothpaste to become popular.

In the early 19th century in the United States, tooth powder was the main form of dental care, not the paste we know today.

The tooth powder of that time was made by mixing chalk powder, charcoal, and salt, and it was more like an abrasive used to scrub the teeth.

A major innovation in the history of toothpaste occurred in the late 19th century. By the 1870s, paste-type toothpaste was first commercialized in the United States, and in the 1890s, metal tube toothpaste was introduced, making it hygienic and convenient to use. This marked the transition of toothpaste from a mere luxury item or special hygiene product to an essential everyday item for modern people.

In the mid-20th century, toothpaste faced another significant turning point. Research in the 1940s and 1950s revealed that fluoride was excellent for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities.

Major toothpaste brands began to add fluoride, which, combined with the U.S. government's water fluoridation policy, led to a dramatic decrease in the national cavity rate, representing a public health innovation.

As a side note, the real key to oral health after adulthood is not cavities but plaque and gum disease. Cavities cause pain as teeth decay, prompting patients to seek dental care relatively quickly. In contrast, gum disease caused by plaque is like a "silent thief."

If plaque, a transparent mass of bacteria that accumulates between the teeth and gums, is not removed in time, it hardens into tartar by combining with calcium in saliva. More bacteria cling to the surface of tartar, and these bacteria can penetrate the gums, causing inflammation. This process progresses slowly and almost painlessly, making it easy to neglect.

Eventually, the bone supporting the teeth (alveolar bone) deteriorates, causing seemingly healthy teeth to become loose, leading to the tragic outcome of extraction. For this reason, American dentists emphasize that the ultimate goal of brushing is not just to prevent cavities or eliminate bad breath, but to ensure effective plaque removal.

Misconceptions About Toothpaste

Media advertisements often show a generous amount of toothpaste on a toothbrush, but in reality, a pea-sized amount is sufficient for cleaning effectiveness.

Using too much toothpaste can create excessive foam, obscuring the view of whether the surfaces of the teeth and gums are being properly cleaned, leading to a hasty brushing job.

Additionally, the abrasive ingredients in toothpaste that help scrub away impurities should be chosen carefully. For those who experience tooth sensitivity, selecting products with small, soft abrasive particles (e.g., calcium phosphate, silica) can help prevent tooth wear.

Sometimes, ingredients like sorbitol, added for sweetness and moisture retention, can cause mild diarrhea or abdominal pain in sensitive individuals if ingested in excess, so moderation is necessary.

Recently, in line with the wellness trend, there has been a rise in popularity of "homemade toothpaste" that emphasizes only natural ingredients. However, commercially produced toothpaste undergoes processes that ensure stability of the formulation, preservation of fluoride activity, and verification of antibacterial effectiveness through rigorous clinical testing. It is practically impossible for individuals to achieve the same level of scientific oral care efficiency with simple ingredient combinations.

Ultimately, the most important essence is that "the act of brushing effectively to consistently remove plaque is more crucial than finding an expensive, high-quality toothpaste." Toothpaste is merely a useful lubricant and aid that enhances the effectiveness of brushing.

Throughout the history of American toothpaste, which has evolved from powder to scientific paste, one truth remains unchanged. The best and only sure way to enjoy delicious food with your teeth as you age is to maintain a proper brushing habit that thoroughly sweeps between the gums and teeth after every meal and to manage plaque diligently.