Before the invention of toothpaste what did people use to clean their teeth?

Various ingredients have been used as dentifrices over the years, including salt (abrasive) and bicarbonate of soda (antacid and surfactant, still a major ingredient of tooth powders).

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Some aboriginal people chewed on a certain type of wood that actually had antibacterial properties, as well as the wood working its way between their teeth to remove food particles and plaque.

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