The road to a radiant smile: The fascinating evolution of toothpaste

In the 9th century, toothpastes made from crushed oyster shells began to be used in Persia and later gained popularity in Europe. Oyster shells are rich in calcium, which helps strengthen tooth enamel. In the 18th century, people in England brushed their teeth with powder made from burnt bread. Then in 1824, American dentist Peabody added soap to toothpaste to improve cleanliness.

The first commercially produced toothpaste was marketed by Colgate in 1873, sold in glass jars. A few years later, in 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield was the first to use toothpaste in a collapsible tube, which proved to be very practical and similar to today's packaging. In 1914, fluoride began to be added to toothpaste, significantly contributing to the prevention of tooth decay.

Not surprisingly, toothpastes around the world vary not only in their composition but also in their often-unconventional flavours. In Japan, for example, you can find toothpaste with curry and wasabi flavours. In Russia, there are toothpastes with pine forest flavours, while in India, natural herbs such as neem and basil are popular ingredients. In the US and Europe, mint flavours are the most common, but you can also find cinnamon, vanilla and even chocolate-flavoured pastes.

Today's toothpastes are the result of long-term development and contain various ingredients that help maintain oral hygiene. The main components include abrasives, fluorides, and detergents. Abrasives, such as aluminium oxide and calcium carbonate, help remove plaque and stains from teeth. Fluorides, most commonly in the form of sodium fluoride, strengthen tooth enamel and protect against tooth decay. Modern toothpastes also often contain ingredients to prevent gingivitis and improve overall oral hygiene.

In Slovakia, Biela Perla is one of the leading manufacturers of toothpastes. The company focuses on producing high-quality toothpastes that combine modern scientific knowledge with natural ingredients. Biela Perla offers a wide range of products, including toothpastes for teeth whitening, gum protection, and special formulations for children.

We are pleased to have Biela Perla as part of our Made in Slovakia project, where we had the unique opportunity to visit their production facility and learn more about the process of creating a quality toothpaste. Watch the footage from our report, where you will see how a Slovak company succeeds in a demanding market with innovative and high-quality products. Additionally, you can view the "behind the scenes" video below the article to see how this excellent cooperation took place.