The History of Cacao: The Secret Behind Theodent's Non-Toxic, Remineralizing Toothpaste
When you think of toothpaste, the primary ingredient that comes to mind is probably fluoride. However, at Theodent, there is a superior way to take care of your teeth. Our line of toothpastes is fortified with an active ingredient called Rennou™, powered by cacao. But, you may wonder, what is cacao, and why is it so special? This blog post will delve into a brief history of this ancient superfood and how it has become the world's first true alternative to fluoride.
February 26, 2023
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The Mayans and Aztecs were some of the first civilizations to discover the power of cacao. They believed that cacao was a gift from the gods and used it in various ways, including medicinal purposes, knowing that it had powerful healing properties. They also used it as a form of currency, making it highly valued and a symbol of wealth and status among the ancient civilizations. The Mayans and Aztecs even had a god of cacao, Ek Chuah, who was associated with trade, merchants, and diplomacy. The importance of cacao in Mayan culture can be seen in the many artifacts and sculptures depicting cacao beans and trees and in the numerous hieroglyphs that refer to it.

When the Europeans first encountered cacao, they were captivated by this new and exotic food. It is believed that the first Europeans to discover cacao were the Spanish Conquistadors, led by Hernán Cortés, who arrived in Mexico in 1519, and were introduced to cacao by the Aztecs. The Conquistadors were impressed by the unique taste and texture of cacao and began to bring it back to Europe, where it quickly gained popularity among the elite.

Carl Linnaeus was a renowned Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist widely considered the father of modern taxonomy. He developed a classification system known as the Linnaean system, which is still used today.

Linnaeus classified plants and animals based on their physical characteristics and named thousands of species. In 1753, he published the "Species Plantarum," which included the classification and naming of cacao, calling it "theobroma cacao," which translates to "food of the gods" in Greek.

This name inspired the name of the company, Theodent, as it reflects the belief that the cacao tree is a gift from the gods and that the benefits it provides are divine. The name "Theodent" literally means "toothpaste of the gods" and symbolizes the company's belief that our toothpaste, powered by Rennou™, provides the best possible care for teeth. It's not just a regular toothpaste; it's a toothpaste of the gods, a product that brings the ancient wisdom of the Mayans and Aztecs to your daily oral care routine.

Initially, in Europe, cacao was consumed as a bitter beverage mixed with spices and sweeteners and was considered a luxury item, only accessible to the wealthy. It wasn't until the 18th century, with the industrial revolution and the development of new technologies, that the production of chocolate became more efficient and affordable.

This boom in chocolate production allowed its reach to expand to nearly all parts of the globe, where chocolate is now an integral part of many cultures. While most chocolate is full of harmful sugar and fats, the benefits of pure cacao are still robust, and knowledge of them is constantly growing.

Fast forward to the 1990s, when the foundation of our research began. The discovery of the effects of theobromine on tooth enamel was fortuitous. Scientists initially researching the effects of caffeine on teeth stumbled upon the benefits of theobromine. As it turns out, theobromine is similar in molecular structure to caffeine but with vastly different effects on enamel. While caffeine has adverse effects on enamel, theobromine has the opposite effect and is highly effective at remineralizing tooth enamel.

This unexpected discovery led to further research and, ultimately, the development of Rennou™, the world’s first true alternative to fluoride. It is more effective at remineralizing tooth enamel than fluoride and is non-toxic.

At Theodent, we believe in the power of nature to provide solutions for our health problems. The discovery of the benefits of theobromine on tooth enamel is a testament to this belief. So next time you brush your teeth, remember that the secret to a healthy smile might lie in cacao's history. Try Theodent's fluoride-free toothpaste today and experience the difference for yourself.

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