You will want to show everyone your pearly whites during the month since it’s National Dental Hygiene Month. In honor of the occasion, Modern Graphic History Library presents dental-related vintage illustrated advertisements.
Colgate advertisement by unknown artist, from Saturday Evening Post, September 7, 1918
You will want to have the whitest teeth possible. Otherwise, with dull-looking teeth, you might look older, and being told you look older could have unfortunate consequences…
Dr. West’s advertisement by unknown artist, from Saturday Evening Post, April 20, 1935
Plus you never know who you might meet… and you wouldn’t want anything but the brightest teeth.
Ipana advertisement by unknown artist, from Collier’s, May 15, 1948
Remember, it’s your social duty to have a wholesome mouth.
Colgate advertisement by unknown artist, from Ladies’ Home Journal, December 1915
Plus, by following proper dental hygiene, you can now brag to everyone about your teeth.
Colgate advertisement by Norman Rockwell, McCall’s, September 1957
Remember proper dental care isn’t just about choosing the best toothpaste…
Colgate advertisement by unknown artist, from Saturday Evening Post, October 12, 1917
It’s also about finding the proper toothbrush …
Tek advertisement by unknown artist, McCall’s, April 1930
And remembering to exercise your teeth throughout the day.
Grape Nuts advertisement by unknown artist, McCall’s, June 1930
So remember to take care of your teeth this October in honor of National Dental Hygiene Month…because everyone should have a great smile.
Pro-Phy-Lac-Tic Brush advertisement by Frances Tipton Hunter, McCall’s, October 1930
Credits
The Frances Tipton Hunter image and the advertisements for Tek, Grape Nuts, and Colgate (“social duty”) are from the Periodical Collection.
All other images are from the Walt Reed Illustration Archive.
