Shiseido introduced Japan's first toothpaste in 1888 when the majority of Japanese used toothpowders. This premium quality toothpaste sold briskly despite it costing six times more than conventional toothpowders. Advertised as effective in protecting teeth and gums from decay and disease, the formula was revolutionary for its day in containing fluoride. New research was quickly adopted. When studies showed fluoride was enhanced by vitamin B6 hydrochloride, it was added to the formulation, true to Shiseido's tradition of technological innovation.

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