The History of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening may seem like a modern phenomenon, but the practice actually has a very long history. In fact, humans have been concerned with their smiles for hundreds, and even thousands, of years.

Early teeth whitening can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Rome. The Egyptians mixed pumice stone and wine vinegar, which they applied using their chew sticks. The Romans, however, were convinced human urine was the best whitening agent. Despite the apparent undesirability of using urine to our modern senses, however, it does in fact contain ammonia, which has since been recognised as an effective agent in cleaning teeth.

By the 18th century, barbers were responsible for teeth whitening, in addition to the usual hair clipping they’re known for today. Teeth were filed down using a metal apparatus, and then treated using nitric acid, making them shiny and white. Unfortunately, the downside to this technique was that it wore down enamel and led to very pulpy and decayed teeth. This did not hinder the popularity of the practice, however, as white teeth became a status symbol, despite the negative consequences of the compound. Thankfully, techniques have improved significantly since then.

In the early 19th century, Italian dentists discovered the positive effects of fluoride on teeth in preventing cavities. Within a few decades, dentists were recommending patients suck fluoride lozenges, and fluoride became a popular ingredient in toothpaste, mouthwash, and even water. Unfortunately, despite the decreasing presence of cavities, excessive amounts of fluoride actually stained and discoloured teeth.

A 2002 survey of dentists conducted by the American Dental Association and Colgate indicated that teeth whitening is the fastest growing area of a dentist’s business, while the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reported that between 1996 and 2001, demand for teeth whitening and bleaching increased by over 300%. These numbers underscore the fact the age-old practice of teeth whitening remains as popular as ever, and a wide array of options, from professional whitening to at-home kits, are available to meet this demand.