It’s easy to think of treatments like teeth whitening as a modern phenomenon. But would you be surprised to learn that people have been wanting brighter smiles for over 4,000 years? That’s right – even ancient Egyptians saw pristine teeth as a symbol of wealth and status. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry today is less expensive, and less…well, you’ll see! Keep reading to learn more about teeth whitening treatments then and now.
An Ancient Egyptian Concoction
Like many cultures throughout time, the ancient Egyptians put a lot of importance on aesthetics. Their artwork, for example, often revolved around this idea of perfect balance, and sought to maintain a cosmic order through expression.
While white teeth didn’t quite have the same all-powerful connotation, this philosophy no doubt contributed to the effort. Their treatments involved mixing together ground pumice rock and vinegar, then brushing the concoction over their client’s teeth.
When In Rome…
You might not want to “do as the Romans did” in this situation. The empire famous for its feats of engineering used human urine to whiten teeth. Now, technically, urine does contain ammonia, which is acidic enough to have a bleaching effect. But you probably would prefer the Egyptian method over this one!
17th Century Barbers
Have you ever gone to your hair stylist to have work done on your teeth? It’s not something many people do nowadays, but in the 17th century barbers cut hair and teeth. In fact, they used a metal file to wear down their client’s enamel, creating a rough texture primed for a nitric acid treatment.
Needless to say, this method brightened smiles pretty well, but ultimately caused tooth decay. You won’t find your local dentist using such abrasive materials today!
The Modern Way: Peroxides
The 19th and 20th centuries actually teamed-up to create the teeth whitening process most widely used by modern dentists. Early dentists found that hydrogen peroxide was not only effective at eliminating dental staining, but also safe. In 1918 they learned that heating lamps can greatly speed up the whitening process, and in 1989 dentists made a carbamide peroxide gel that works well with take-home trays.
Finally, with these fast and convenient methods introduced to the dental world, teeth whitening took off and continues to be a popular dental cosmetic choice for patients seeking more confident smiles. If these tales from the past have inspired you to beautify your teeth, don’t forget to call your dentist for an appointment!
About the Practice
Dr. Mark M. Farthing and Dr. Armin M. Tepner have a wealth of experience in the field of dentistry and keep their office up to date with cutting-edge technology. Thanks to top-notch tools and their top-notch skills, Dr. Farthing and Dr. Tepner can provide you with a personalized, quality teeth whitening experience. To contact their office, call 317-898-3384.