Old-fashioned hygiene habits that are anything but clean

Burnt Herbs and Wine for Teeth Cleaning

Dental care in the Victorian era was anything but fresh. People brushed their teeth with burnt herbs like rosemary and rinsed with wine or vinegar. In some cases, even urine was used. No wonder bad breath was widespread.

These methods may have helped a little – but they were no substitute for real toothpaste. Conversations must often have taken place amidst wrinkled noses.