If you are like most people, you brush your
teeth twice a day with a manual or electric toothbrush that you purchased from
your grocery store or pharmacy. However, today’s toothbrush wasn’t even
invented until the later part of the 15th century.
Below are a few more fun facts that you may
not know about the tool that you use to brush your teeth.
That first attempt at a, “Toothbrush,” was
made from wild boar hair that the Chinese attached to a bamboo stick.
Variations of this original brush were used right up to the 20th
century.
When nylon was invented, the modern
toothbrush became a mainstay for families all over the globe back in 1938.
Apparently, oral hygiene has been important
to all cultures with archeologists uncovering toothbrushes from all over the
world. The toothbrushes were made from feathers, animal bones, and porcupine
quills.
The first variation of that crude Chinese
toothbrush made back in the 15th century resurfaced after an
Englishman invented his version while he was in prison back in 1780. Once he
was released, he started mass-producing what would become the Wisdom
Toothbrush. Wisdom is still around today, but has certainly changed from the
original horsehair and bone toothbrush.
The first chew sticks where unearthed by archaeologists
in Babylonia. These chewing sticks were removed from an Egyptian tomb believed
to be from 3000 BC. Chewing sticks were also removed from a Chinese Tomb that
archaeologists believe to be dated in 1600 BC.
The first patent was granted to HN Wadsworth
in 1857, but the mass production of the bore and bone toothbrush didn’t start
until 1885. Unfortunately, the animal bristles held on to the bacteria, took
too long to dry, and would often fall out.
Believe it or not, brushing twice a day didn’t
really take off in America until after WWII when soldiers were ordered to brush
every day.
Brushing and flossing are part of daily life,
as should regular dental checkups. Call or click and make your dental
appointment today.
