Growing up in the 50s I remember using baking soda and salt to brush my teeth. We bathed twice a week to save water and soap. I wore uniforms and at least some of the time I’m guessing my parents received help paying tuition at the parochial schools we attended. I remember one time my parents couldn’t give me the quarter I needed to attend Girl Scouts. We all ended up with advanced degrees. One of my brothers has passed away but my other brother and I are living well.
We weren’t poor but my dad was NYPD in the 60’s & 70’s when they paid next to nothing and my parents were eventually divorced when i was 15...we always found a way to stretch a dollar as far as possible and to this day i do the same even though i am successful in my business and make a nice income...thankful for those lessons...
I remember baking soda for brushing teeth, also. And having our water turned off one time for non payment...school/play shoes, and Church shoes...and never eating out.
“brother and I are living well.”
Well done!
Beat me to it, baking soda and salt, and my aunt added a touch of spearmint oil to flavor it. Also just using a brush cleans debris off the teeth and gums.