Shocking truth: Ancient Romans brushed their teeth with urine

While today we view urine as a type of waste, in ancient times it was considered a valuable commodity. The Romans believed that the urine of both humans and animals worked to make their teeth whiter and keep them free from decay, so they used it as a mouthwash and mixed with pumice. pummis to make toothpaste.

Urine was used in toothpaste until the 1700s.

Urine contains many important minerals and chemicals such as phosphorus and potassium. In fact, urine was so effective that it was used in toothpaste and mouthwash until the 1700s.

According to the Romans, the best and most expensive urine on the market came from Portugal. It is said to be the best urine in the world so they often choose it to brush their teeth. Although most people would refuse to opt for a urine toothpaste these days, it really works!

When urine is stored in a jar without a lid, it gradually stinks and produces ammonia. This is the substance used in many household cleaners today, and was also the ingredient responsible for whitening teeth in Rome!

Because of its ability to produce ammonia, urine was also important to the textile industry, which was a booming trade during the Roman Empire. Often urine is used to bleach wool or linen and leather. It is also used in laundry. In fact, urine was so common in ancient Rome that even the Roman emperors Nero and Vespasian had to levy a "urine tax" on the urine collection unit at public urinals.