A Journey Through the History of Oral Care: From Antiquity to Modern Innovations in Materials and Sustainability

By Marco Arezio

The toothpaste tube, an apparently simple object, has a long and complex history intertwined with the evolution of oral care and material technologies. Since ancient times, oral hygiene has played an important role in human life, and the methods for cleaning teeth have undergone numerous transformations. The toothpaste tubes we know today are the result of centuries of innovations, from the invention of the first dental pastes to the selection of packaging materials.

The Origins of Oral Care

The use of substances to clean teeth dates back thousands of years. The Egyptians, around 3000 BC, used a mix of abrasive powders composed of bone ash and eggshells, mixed with myrrh and other aromatic ingredients. The ancient Greeks and Romans used similar substances, enriched with charcoal or coral powder. These rudimentary cleaning methods were primarily powder-based and were applied with cloths or fingers.

The Transition to Toothpaste

The evolution toward modern toothpaste began in the 19th century. In 1824, a dentist named Peabody was one of the first to introduce soap into formulations to enhance the cleaning power of dental powders. Shortly after, in 1873, Colgate & Company began producing the first commercially available toothpaste, sold in glass jars. While innovative, these containers had some drawbacks, such as difficulty in dosing and impracticality for everyday use.

The Invention of the Toothpaste Tube

Washington Sheffield.

The true turning point came in 1892 when Dr. Washington Sheffield, a dentist from New London, Connecticut, first introduced a metal tube to contain toothpaste. Inspired by the tubes used for artists' paints, Sheffield realized that this type of packaging was ideal for maintaining the freshness of the paste, protecting it from external contamination, and making daily use easier by allowing the contents to be easily squeezed out. This tube was made of tin, a soft and malleable metal that could be easily folded to seal the product inside.

In 1896, Colgate & Company followed Sheffield’s example and launched its first metal toothpaste tube, starting a revolution in the oral hygiene industry. From that moment on, the tube became the standard for toothpaste packaging.

The Evolution of Materials

Over time, the toothpaste industry evolved, and so did the materials used for the tubes. Although the first tubes were made of tin, this metal had some issues, including the risk of corrosion when in contact with the acidic components of toothpaste. In the 1950s, with the advent of plastics, metal tubes were gradually replaced by laminated plastic tubes, composed of multiple layers of different polymers.

Laminated tubes, often made of polyethylene and aluminum, offered numerous advantages: they were lighter, resistant to corrosion, and could be produced at lower costs. Additionally, these new materials allowed for greater flexibility in design and printing, enabling manufacturers to customize tubes with vibrant colors and appealing logos.

In recent years, growing environmental awareness has pushed the industry to explore more sustainable materials. Some manufacturers have begun introducing fully recyclable tubes made entirely of monomaterial polyethylene, which can be recycled alongside other plastic waste. Others are experimenting with bioplastics derived from renewable resources such as corn or sugarcane to reduce the environmental impact of the final product.

The Raw Materials of Toothpaste

Alongside the evolution of tubes, toothpaste formulations have also undergone significant changes. The raw materials used in toothpaste production are a combination of abrasives, binding agents, humectants, soaps or surfactants, flavors, colorants, preservatives, and, of course, fluoride.

Abrasives: Used to remove plaque and surface stains from teeth. Common compounds include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and silicon dioxide. These materials must be hard enough to clean but not so abrasive as to damage tooth enamel.

Binding Agents: Substances such as xanthan gum or carboxymethylcellulose are used to stabilize the paste and prevent the separation of components.

Humectants: Ingredients like glycerin and sorbitol are added to retain moisture in the toothpaste and prevent it from drying out.

Surfactants: Sodium lauryl sulfate is the most commonly used surfactant, helping to create foam during brushing and distribute the toothpaste evenly over the teeth.

Flavors and Sweeteners: Ingredients like mint for freshness and sweeteners such as sucrose and sorbitol improve the taste of toothpaste, making the brushing experience more pleasant.

Fluoride: One of the key ingredients in modern toothpaste, known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. It is typically used in the form of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, or sodium monofluorophosphate.

Preservatives and Colorants: Preservatives like sodium benzoate ensure the longevity of toothpaste, while colorants enhance its visual appeal.

Starks Tandpasta, Historic Dutch Toothpaste. Photo Wimedia

Recent Innovations and Sustainability

In recent years, attention has also shifted toward the environmental impact of toothpaste and its tubes. With millions of toothpaste tubes sold worldwide each year, disposing of these materials presents a significant challenge. This has led to innovations in both toothpaste formulations and tube design.

For example, some brands are developing solid toothpaste sold in reusable jars or in tablet form, eliminating the need for a tube altogether. Others are working on formulas free of microplastics and potentially harmful chemical ingredients for the environment.

At the same time, tube manufacturers are exploring 100% recyclable materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can be recycled alongside rigid plastic containers. These efforts are part of a broader movement toward sustainability, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of everyday consumer products.

Conclusion

The history of toothpaste tubes reflects not only the evolution of technology and materials but also changing consumer expectations and environmental awareness. From simple tin containers, tubes have evolved into advanced design objects, made with sophisticated materials that meet modern needs for convenience and sustainability.

At the same time, toothpaste formulations have transitioned from rudimentary powder mixtures to complex scientific compositions that effectively protect against cavities and improve oral hygiene. This continuous evolution is a perfect example of how even the most common objects can hide fascinating and intricate stories of innovation and progress.

© Reproduction Prohibited

1935 movie advertisement for toothpaste. Photo Tho-Radia

Cover photo Wikimedia