Dr. W.W. Sheffield is widely considered the "father of toothpaste" in its modern, tube-dispensed form.
While earlier forms of toothpaste existed, and individuals like Peabody contributed by adding soap in 1824, Dr. Sheffield, along with his son, is credited with developing and popularizing the toothpaste we recognize today packaged in a tube. He was inspired by the tubes used by painters and by 1892, they were producing and selling toothpaste in this format. This innovation significantly improved hygiene practices by making toothpaste more accessible and convenient for the public.