In 18th century America, they used baking soda as toothpaste, a very good idea. However, in an effort to get their teeth very white, they also used pumice. Soldiers used pumice to take the rust off their weapons, so you can imagine what it did to tooth enamel.
Also, since toothbrushes were handmade, they were very expensive so when you bought one for your family, you bought ONE for your family. The family that brushes together gets periadontal disease together!
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I'd rather be historically accurate than politically correct.
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