History of Teeth Whitening: From Ancient Remedies to Modern Dentistry
When Did Teeth Whitening Begin?
The history of teeth whitening stretches back thousands of years. Believe it or not, people in
3000 BC were already experimenting with ways to keep their teeth clean and bright. Ancient civilizations used
“chew sticks,” made from frayed tree branches, to scrub away food particles and naturally polish their teeth.
Egyptian and Roman Whitening Practices
Around 2000 BC, the Egyptians developed an early form of toothpaste by mixing powdered pumice stone with wine
vinegar. This mixture, applied with chew sticks, helped whiten teeth and freshen breath. A few centuries later,
the Romans added their own twist by using toothpaste made with human urine. Surprisingly, the ammonia present
in urine acted as a whitening agent and was used well into the 18th century.
Risky Whitening in the Pre-Dental Era
Before professional dentistry existed, barbers often doubled as tooth extractors. Those seeking whiter teeth
sometimes turned to dangerous methods, such as applying corrosive nitric acid or filing teeth with metal tools.
Unfortunately, these practices frequently led to tooth decay and tooth loss rather than the desired white smile.
Teeth Whitening in the 20th Century
By the late 20th century, teeth whitening became more science-driven. In the early 1990s, people commonly used
carbamide peroxide gels in custom mouth trays overnight. While this method provided some whitening effects,
research later revealed that most of the active ingredient worked within the first hour. Overnight treatments
also caused sensitivity and throat irritation in many users.
Modern Teeth Whitening Innovations
Today, the history of teeth whitening has reached a safe and effective stage. Modern whitening
kits use advanced gels with higher but safer concentrations of peroxide. Non-glycerin solutions help reduce
sensitivity, and users can wear trays for just one to four hours to achieve visible results. Dentists also
offer professional whitening treatments with LED light acceleration for even faster outcomes.
Conclusion
From ancient chew sticks to cutting-edge whitening technology, the history of teeth whitening reflects
humanity’s timeless desire for a bright and confident smile. While past methods were often risky, modern science
ensures that achieving a radiant smile is now both safe and effective.
