Forget fancy tubes and minty flavors! Ancient Egyptians kept their pearly whites gleaming with a DIY scrub that would make your dentist cringe. Their secret weapon? A paste made of crushed pumice stone, vinegar, and water. While this might sound like a recipe for disaster, it actually worked – at least for a little while. The pumice acted like a super abrasive, removing surface stains and plaque. However, here’s the nasty truth: this gritty gunk was probably wreaking havoc on their teeth! The pumice was way too harsh for enamel, slowly wearing it down over time with consistent use. Plus, the vinegar’s acidity packed an extra punch, weakening those pearly whites even further. Imagine using sandpaper to polish your car – that’s kind of what was happening to their teeth! So, while the Egyptians might have achieved a temporary sparkle, their quest for a brighter smile likely left them with dull, damaged chompers in the long run.
Brushing with Grit: The Shocking Secret of Ancient Egyptian Smiles
