During the ancient Roman times when everyone was focused on cleanliness, what did people do about their teeth? Did the common person know about dental hygiene and hot to care for their teeth? Thanks

by LevinZa20
CriticalComplexity

Aristocrats would apparently use soft twigs with polishing powders applied to it and use them like toothbrushes. Or, more likely, get their slaves to do it for them.

Apparently there were also weird concoctions mixed up to be used as toothpaste. Although the poorer people might have simply used their finger as a toothbrush, I suspect.

Also, urine was used as a mouthwash. Urine decomposes down to ammonia, which is a good cleaning product, so various Roman authors attest to that technique.