Metal bottle for Graves' tooth powder, United States, 1906-1916

Made:
1906-1916 in United States
Metal bottle for Dr. E.L. Graves tooth powder, USA

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Metal bottle for Dr. E.L. Graves tooth powder, USA
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Metal bottle for Dr. E.L. Graves tooth powder, USA

Dr E L Graves, an American dentist, claimed that his tooth powder “cleanses, brightens, beautifies and saves the Teeth, heals soft and bleeding gums [and] makes fillings last”. He also claimed it was “unequalled” and that his recipe was the result of 32 years of investigation.

The tooth powder cost 25 cents a bottle and was guaranteed by the Food and Drugs Act passed by the United States government in 1906. It was also sold in the United Kingdom. However, regular tooth brushing only became commonplace in the United States after American troops brought back the habit after the Second World War.

Details

Category:
Dentistry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A629725
Materials:
complete, tin (metal), paper (fibre product) and tooth powder
Measurements:
overall: 105 mm 43 mm, 0.04kg
type:
tooth powder