The 1800s were a time of great change in dental care. Up until the early 1800s, people used a variety of methods to clean their teeth. This included using soot, ashes and even urine! In the early 1800s, people began to use toothbrushes more frequently. The first toothbrush was made with hog bristles and was very stiff. Eventually, softer bristles were developed and the toothbrush became more comfortable to use. Toothpaste also became more common in the 1800s. Early toothpastes were made with abrasives such as chalk or ground up oyster shells. These ingredients helped to remove plaque and stains from teeth. Today, we have many different types of toothpaste available that contain fluoride, which helps to prevent cavities.