Tin of Eucryl toothpowder, by Eucryl Limited, Southampton, 1960-1970

Made by Eucryl Limited, Southampton. The inscription on the lid reads 'Eucryl Toothpowder/For Cleaner Whiter Teeth. Net Weight 40 Grammes'. Toothpowders and toothpastes are thought to have been used as long ago as 500 BC in China. They did not appear in Britain until the late 18th century, and were applied using brushes by the rich, while the poor used their fingers. Many of the early powders probably caused more harm than good, as they contained abrasive substances such as china, brick dust and cuttlefish.