Outdated hygiene practices that are anything but clean

Freshening Breath with Urine

These days, a little minty mouthwash is enough to feel fresh after a garlicky meal. But back in the 18th century, people turned to a much more repulsive solution: urine. Thanks to its ammonia content, it was believed to disinfect the mouth and whiten teeth.

This practice wasn’t new; even the ancient Romans swore by its effectiveness. But while it might have had some scientific basis, just thinking about rinsing with urine today is enough to make you nauseous. Luckily, we’ve come a long way in oral hygiene.