Ridiculous History: The History of Morning Routines, Part Two: All Hail The Toothbrush! And Deodorant!

Release Date: June 10, 2025
Host(s): Ben Bolan and Noel Brown
Producer: Max Williams
Podcast by iHeartRadio

Introduction

In the latest episode of Ridiculous History, hosts Ben Bolan and Noel Brown delve into the evolution of two essential components of modern morning routines: the toothbrush and deodorant. Building upon their exploration of personal hygiene from part one, this episode offers a comprehensive journey through time, highlighting the innovations, cultural shifts, and marketing strategies that have shaped how we maintain oral and body hygiene today.

The Evolution of Oral Hygiene

Early Practices and Innovations

The discussion kicks off with a reflection on the rudimentary methods humans used to maintain oral health before the advent of modern toothbrushes. Noel Brown reminisces, “[...] the history of soap and the impact of soap on that whole idea cannot be understated,” setting the stage for a deeper dive into oral hygiene.

• Ancient Practices:
  The hosts trace the origins of toothbrushes back to ancient China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), where the earliest models featured bamboo or bone handles with boar hair bristles, resembling paintbrushes (09:20). They highlight the ingenious use of natural materials like chew sticks and twigs, which were frayed at one end to clean teeth effectively (08:00).

• Advancements Over Centuries:
  Ben Bolan points out that despite the simplicity of early toothbrushes, their design laid the groundwork for future innovations. “They took out the gunk first,” Ben remarks at 11:31, emphasizing the foundational role of toothpaste in oral hygiene.

Toothpaste Through the Ages

Noel Brown elaborates on the history of toothpaste, starting with the ancient Egyptians who, as early as 3000 to 5000 BCE, developed dental creams composed of powdered ashes from oxen hooves, myrrh, eggshells, and pumice (12:15). These ingredients served both abrasive and aromatic purposes, effectively cleaning teeth while masking unpleasant odors.

• Medieval to Modern Developments:
  Moving forward, they discuss how different cultures, such as Ancient Persia around 1000 BCE, crafted their own toothpaste mixtures using gypsum, herbs, honey, and crushed shells of snails and oysters (13:35). By the 19th century, toothpaste recipes became more sophisticated with ingredients like powdered orris root, charcoal, Peruvian bark, and essential oils for flavoring (14:00).

• The Tube Revolution:
  A significant milestone highlighted is the invention of the toothpaste tube by Connecticut dentist Washington Wentworth Sheffield in the late 19th century. Noel humorously advises listeners on proper tube usage: “You gotta squeeze it from the end, by the way. Don’t squeeze it from the middle” (15:08).

Marketing and the Normalization of Brushing

The episode delves into the pivotal role of marketing in transforming tooth brushing from a niche practice to a widespread habit. Claude C. Hopkins, a marketing mogul, is credited with popularizing toothpaste through aggressive advertising campaigns for Pepsodent (16:09). Noel remarks on the clever use of celebrity endorsements and catchy slogans to “normalize brushing your teeth,” effectively embedding the habit into American daily life.

• Pepsodent’s Impact:
  Ben Bolan shares a notable quote: "Nine out of ten dentists recommend Camel cigarettes," humorously juxtaposing historical marketing tactics with modern skepticism (15:33). This underscores how early advertising sometimes stretched the truth to boost product appeal.

• Introduction of Fluoride:
  The conversation transitions to the introduction of fluoride in toothpaste post-World War II, marking a significant scientific advancement. Noel notes, “In 1955, we see Crest launching their product line with the first toothpaste containing fluoride,” highlighting the shift towards evidence-based oral health benefits (24:02).

The Journey of Deodorants

Ancient Beginnings

Noel Brown and Ben Bolan explore the origins of deodorants, tracing them back to ancient civilizations. Mesopotamians around 2000 BCE used aromatic oils and resins to mask body odor (28:04), while Egyptians similarly employed scented oils and incense to maintain personal freshness in harsh desert climates (29:19).

• Cultural Significance:
  Cleopatra is mentioned as a historical figure who valued hygiene, using perfumed creams to enhance her public image (30:22). The Greeks adopted these practices, integrating pleasant scents into their grooming routines, a tradition that persists today.

Development of Modern Deodorants

The hosts trace the commercialization of deodorants to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

• Early Commercial Deodorants:
  In 1888, the first commercial deodorant, named Mum, was introduced. It was a waxy paste in a metal tin containing zinc oxide, which not only masked sweat but also reduced bacteria responsible for body odor (38:40).

• Antiperspirants and Aluminum Salts:
  The conversation addresses the 1903 introduction of antiperspirants like Ever Dry, which used aluminum salts to block sweat glands. This innovation aimed to reduce sweating but raised concerns about pore clogging and skin irritation (39:28).

• Buffered Antiperspirants:
  In 1940, a French chemist developed buffered antiperspirants to mitigate the harsh effects of early formulations, combining antiperspirants with soluble nitriles to create a less abrasive product (46:09).

Aerosol Deodorants and Environmental Impact

The shift to aerosol deodorants in the mid-20th century is discussed, highlighting both their convenience and environmental repercussions.

• Rise and Fall of Aerosols:
  Aerosol deodorants became popular due to their ease of application. However, the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in propellants led to environmental concerns, resulting in bans and a gradual shift to alternative dispensing methods like pumps (47:11).

• Environmental and Health Concerns:
  Noel comments on the modernization challenges, noting the ban on aluminum zirconium in 1977 due to safety and environmental issues (47:52). Ben adds optimism by mentioning the United Nations’ progress in ozone layer recovery as of 2024 (48:11).

Cultural and Modern Perspectives on Hygiene

Body Odor and Social Norms

Ben Bolan and Noel Brown discuss how societal attitudes towards body odor have evolved, particularly in densely populated urban environments like New York City. They emphasize the discomfort and social faux pas associated with excessive body odor in close-quarters settings, comparing it to the annoyance of undisclosed loud conversations or music in public spaces (36:57).

Holistic Backlash and Modern Alternatives

The episode touches on the current backlash against chemical deodorants, specifically those containing aluminum, leading to a resurgence of "natural" alternatives. However, the hosts note the trade-off between effectiveness and the natural approach, often resulting in reliance on masking odors rather than eliminating them (38:17).

• Activated Charcoal and Aesthetic Dentistry:
  Noel mentions the trend of using activated charcoal in toothpaste and the cultural practices around aesthetic dentistry, linking historical practices to contemporary trends like dental grillz and cosmetic enhancements (51:42).

Conclusion and Future Directions

Ben Bolan and Noel Brown wrap up the episode by reflecting on the intricate history of toothbrushes and deodorants, acknowledging the blend of necessity, innovation, and marketing that has shaped these everyday items. They tease future episodes that will explore other aspects of personal grooming, such as hairstyling and dental aesthetics, promising listeners more engaging and "ridiculous" historical insights.

• Final Remarks:
  “So, okay. Odorono is not perfect. It irritates the skin, especially if you use it regularly,” Ben concludes, highlighting ongoing challenges in personal hygiene product development (45:54).

• Acknowledgments:
  The hosts extend gratitude to their producer Max Williams, research associate Jeff Factor G. Bartlett, and others who contributed to the episode’s creation (51:25).

Notable Quotes

• Ben Bolan on Early Toothbrush Design:
  “So, okay. Odorono is not perfect. It irritates the skin, especially if you use it regularly.” (45:54)

• Noel Brown on Marketing Impact:
  “Claude C. Hopkins [...] normalizes brushing your teeth.” (16:09)

• Ben Bolan on Fluoride Introduction:
  “In 1955, we see Crest launching their product line with the first toothpaste containing fluoride.” (24:02)

• Noel Brown on Cultural Hygiene Practices:
  “For New Yorkers in particular… BO is a real trigger.” (37:27)

Key Takeaways

1. Historical Foundations:
   Oral and body hygiene practices have ancient origins, with early civilizations developing rudimentary methods to maintain cleanliness.

2. Material and Technological Advancements:
   Innovations in toothbrush and deodorant design reflect broader technological and material progress, from natural bristles and aromatic oils to synthetic compounds and aerosol sprays.

3. Marketing’s Role in Hygiene Habits:
   Strategic marketing campaigns have been pivotal in transforming personal hygiene practices from optional to essential, deeply ingraining them into daily routines.

4. Environmental and Health Considerations:
   The evolution of hygiene products has been influenced by growing awareness of their environmental and health impacts, leading to regulatory changes and shifts towards more sustainable alternatives.

5. Cultural Shifts and Social Norms:
   Perceptions of body odor and oral hygiene are shaped by cultural norms and societal expectations, varying significantly across different eras and communities.

For more insightful episodes on the quirky and fascinating aspects of history, tune into Ridiculous History by iHeartRadio.