How do Egyptians brush their teeth?

How Ancient Egyptians Took Care of Their Smiles

Oral hygiene is something we rarely think twice about today, but keeping teeth clean has been a priority for humans for thousands of years. Long before modern plastic toothbrushes and minty toothpastes existed, people in ancient civilizations found clever ways to keep their mouths fresh.

Historical records show that the earliest versions of dental tools date back between 3500 and 3500 BC. During this time, ancient Egyptians and Babylonians did not have bristles or handles. Instead, they relied on twigs with frayed ends to scrub away plaque and food particles from their teeth.

These specialized chewing sticks, often cut from aromatic trees, acted as both a toothbrush and a natural breath freshener. This simple yet effective habit proves that taking care of a bright smile is a tradition as old as civilization itself.