Washington Sheffield

Who was Washington Sheffield?

Washington Wentworth Sheffield was an American dental surgeon best known for inventing toothpaste. With the help of his son Lucius T. Sheffield, he is also known for being the first person to place the paste in collapsible tubes for public sale. He also made important contributions to the fields of Dentistry and Dental Surgery. He was considered one of the most skilled dentists in New England and the United States. In 1896, Colgate & Company began selling its own toothpaste that mimicked Dr. Sheffield's ready-made toothpaste and sold it in collapsible tubes like Dr. Sheffield.

Later in life, he spent most of his time as treasurer and manager of his companies, the Sheffield Dentifrice Company and the International Tooth Crown Company, in New London, Connecticut.