Teeth were a crucial factor in whether a man could become a soldier during the Civil War. In a timely and efficient manner of loading and firing a rifle/ musket, a man would need to be able to use his teeth to tear off a cartridge and empty the contents into the barrel of the rifle/ musket. Dental hygiene was not a large focus to most of society during the Civil War, the cost of the majority of dental procedure was only affordable to the upper class. To own a toothbrush was trying, they were handmade and typically crafted with an ivory handle. Dentistry was just beginning to establish a standing because of the establishing colleges who would teach dentistry and their importance. Dental practices were not regarded equally to the Union or Confederates.