How did medieval Europeans brush their teeth?

How Medieval Europeans Kept Their Teeth Clean

In medieval Europe, oral hygiene looked nothing like our modern routines. There were no plastic toothbrushes or minty toothpastes—just simple, natural solutions passed down through tradition. For rural folk, a fresh hazel twig was often the tool of choice. By chewing one end, it frayed into a makeshift brush, its fibrous strands ideal for scrubbing away food particles and plaque.

For those in towns or among the wealthier classes, a softer approach was preferred. Instead of twigs, people used pieces of linen cloth to wipe their teeth clean each morning. It wasn’t flossing or brushing in the way we know it, but it helped maintain some level of cleanliness.

Toothpaste, as we know it, didn’t exist. Instead, people relied on mixtures recommended by physicians or learned through custom. Sea salt was a common abrasive, used to scrub the teeth and freshen breath. Its coarse texture made it effective, if a bit harsh on the gums. Mixed with salt, ground herbs like cloves were especially prized—not only for their fresh scent but also for their mild antiseptic properties. Cloves, in particular, were valued across medieval medicine for their ability to soothe toothaches and mask unpleasant odors.

While dental care in the Middle Ages lacked scientific precision, it reflected a practical approach rooted in available materials and ancient wisdom. The habits may seem primitive today, but they were part of a broader effort to maintain health in a time when decay and disease were constant threats. Long before fluoride and electric brushes, people found ways—however modest—to care for their smiles.