Did The Romans Use To Brush Their Teeth With Urine
The Romans were known for their advanced engineering, military tactics, and impressive architecture. However, there is a strange and somewhat disgusting rumor that has been circulating for centuries. It is said that the Romans used to brush their teeth with urine. Is there any truth to this claim? Let's dig deeper to find out.
The Origin of the Myth
The story goes that the Romans used a mixture of urine and goat milk as a mouthwash to keep their teeth clean and white. Some even claim that they used a sponge on a stick, called a "scurbba", to apply the mixture to their teeth.
However, there is very little evidence to support this claim. The idea seems to have originated from a misinterpretation of ancient texts and a lack of understanding of Roman hygiene practices.
Roman Hygiene Practices
The Romans were actually very concerned with hygiene and cleanliness. They built elaborate bathhouses and public toilets, and even had a goddess of cleanliness, Cloacina.
They used toothpicks made from wood or animal bone to clean their teeth, and some even used tooth powders made from crushed bones and shells. They also used mouthwashes made from herbs and spices, such as mint, cinnamon, and myrrh.
Urine as a Cleaning Agent
While it is true that urine was used as a cleaning agent in ancient times, such as in the tanning of leather, there is no evidence that the Romans used it for dental hygiene.
In fact, urine contains ammonia, which can actually damage tooth enamel and cause bad breath. It is unlikely that the Romans would have used urine for such a purpose.
The Truth Behind the Myth
So, where did this myth come from? It is possible that it was spread by the Romans' enemies, who wanted to discredit their hygiene practices.
It is also possible that the myth originated from a misunderstanding of ancient texts. For example, Pliny the Elder wrote about the use of urine to clean clothing, but there is no mention of its use for dental hygiene.
The Verdict
In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the claim that the Romans used urine to brush their teeth. While they did have some unusual hygiene practices, such as using urine as a cleaning agent, they were also very concerned with cleanliness and had access to a variety of tooth-cleaning tools and mouthwashes.
Today, we have access to modern toothbrushes, toothpaste, and mouthwashes that are much more effective at keeping our teeth clean and healthy. So, let's leave the urine where it belongs - in the toilet.