Dr. Lyon’s Tooth Powder

Dr. Lyon’s Tooth Powder

1994.1.1

Sample tin of Dr Lyon’s tooth powder donated by Mrs. George Drake. According to the description on the bottle, Dr. Lyon’s tooth powder is prepared by an experienced, practicing dentist. This tooth powder is intended to be used for cleaning teeth and preventing tooth troubles. It contains “no drugs, grit, pumice, acid, or other harmful ingredients.” Dr Lyon’s tooth powder was manufactured by the R.L. Watkins Company in Cleveland, Ohio. The product was established in 1866 by Dr. J.W. Lyon.

Tooth powder has been used since antiquity to clean and whiten teeth. In the United States, concern for oral hygiene practices developed in the early 20th century by government and health agencies. It was believed that a lack of dental hygiene led to other diseases in the body. Tooth powders were prepared by druggists or homemade by individuals. Commonly used ingredients included orris root, powdered cuttlebone, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), calcium carbonate (chalk), and charcoal. However, many commercial tooth powders were unregulated, leaving consumers with little information about the safety of the products they used.

By the mid-1940s, toothpaste had overtaken tooth powder as the most popular form of dentifrice. In 1949, toothpaste claimed around 75% of the American market. Tooth powder is considered a cost-effective alternative to toothpaste in parts of the world today. Colgate currently markets a tooth powder that is popular in India and other countries.