Long before braces and electric toothbrushes, ancient civilizations were already thinking about oral hygiene. As far back as 3500 BCE, people were using chew sticks—small twigs softened and frayed on one end—to clean their teeth and freshen their breath. Cultures in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece also used early toothpicks, sometimes even crafted from silver or brass.
One of the most famous ancient tools is the miswak, made from the aromatic Salvadora persica shrub, also called the “toothbrush tree.” It offered natural antibacterial benefits long before modern science caught up.
At Olson Orthodontics, we’re always fascinated by the history of healthy smiles. While we’re thankful for today’s high-tech options—from nylon-bristled brushes to custom orthodontic care—it’s incredible to think how dental wellness has always mattered.
So next time you brush or floss (especially around your brackets!), remember: you’re taking part in a tradition thousands of years in the making.