How did biblical people brush their teeth?

How Did People in Biblical Times Keep Their Teeth Clean?

It’s a question that rarely crosses our minds today—how did people thousands of years ago manage dental hygiene? While toothbrushes as we know them didn’t exist in biblical times, people still had ways to care for their teeth. Jesus and His contemporaries, living in the ancient Near East, relied on simple but effective methods passed down through generations.

One of the most common tools was the chew stick—a twig, often from aromatic trees like licorice or neem, frayed at one end to create a brush-like texture. These sticks weren’t just practical; some also had antibacterial properties, offering a surprising level of dental protection. People would chew one end until it became soft and fibrous, then use it to scrub their teeth and massage their gums.

Other cultures in the region, like the Greeks and Romans, had developed early forms of toothpaste. Made from ingredients such as crushed bones, oyster shells, and even charcoal or ash, these pastes were mixed with saliva or water and applied with fingers or rags. Some concoctions included spices like mint or cinnamon not only to freshen breath but also for their cleansing qualities.

While there’s little direct mention of dental care in the Bible, it’s clear that hygiene, including oral care, mattered in daily life. Cleanliness was often tied to religious and social practices, and maintaining one's health was a sign of discipline and self-respect.

So, though they lacked modern toothbrushes and fluoride, people in biblical times were far from neglectful. With twigs, fingers, and simple pastes, they managed to keep their smiles intact—one chew stick at a time.