In ancient Rome, the quest for fresh breath and clean teeth led to a peculiar yet practical dental hygiene practice.

Romans found that urine, when processed over time, could serve as a reliable teeth cleaning and whitening agent. This was due to the transformation of urine into ammonia, a compound known for its cleaning properties.

• Urine, when distilled over time, produces ammonia.
• Mixed with water, ammonia acted as a teeth whitening agent.

Although unpalatable by modern standards, this method proved effective for maintaining oral health among ancient Romans.

The ritual becomes so popular... that it turns into big business for urine collectors throughout the Eternal City.

Public spaces featured designated pots where citizens could leave their contributions, which were later collected and processed into ammonia for redistribution.

The demand for ammonia-based mouthwash was so significant that the Roman government decided to levy a tax on urine. This "pee tax" illustrated just how integral the practice had become to Roman society.

Such practices highlight the resourcefulness of ancient people in utilizing available materials for personal care, despite our contemporary perceptions of them as unconventional.