Who Invented The Toothbrush?
In so many shops, toothbrushes and toothpaste are important oral care products that you can pick up, but where did they come from? They didn't always look, of course, like the toothbrushes that we have today. Learn the history of toothbrushes and how to make sure you're choosing the right toothbrush for your needs.
The World's First Toothbrush
Most scholars believe that the first toothbrushes were made by ancient Babylonians and Egyptians from frayed twigs between 3500-3000 B.C. We know this because ancient Egyptians used "chew sticks", which were carefully stored objects in their tombs.
It is assumed that in the 1400s, the Chinese invented the first natural bristle toothbrush, using the hair of pigs for the bristles and bone or bamboo for the handles. These toothbrushes were brought to Europe, and this style was modified for the use of horse hairs, favoured by many Europeans. Feathers have been used by other designers in Europe. These ancient instruments were not as smooth as modern toothbrushes.
Who Invented The Toothbrush?
The more modern toothbrush was designed by William Addis around 1780 in England. The handle was carved from cattle bone and the portion of the brush was also made from the fur of pigs. The first 3-row bristle brush was devised in 1844.
Natural bristles made from animal hair were still used before nylon was invented by Dupont de Nemours, according to the Library of Congress. In 1938, Nylon began the production of the modern toothbrush. Softer nylon bristles were developed in the 1950s, and these were chosen by people for toothbrushes. In 1939, the first electric toothbrush was produced, and in 1960, the first electric toothbrush commonly used in the United States was invented.
Modern Toothbrushes & How To Choose The Right Toothbrush For You
Today, both manual and electric toothbrushes come in many shapes and sizes. Usually, plastic moulded handles and nylon bristles are made of them. Dentists and experts in dentistry will now assess what kinds of toothbrushes are best for oral health. To make them easier to carry and use, the most recent toothbrush models have handles that are smooth, twisted, curved and contoured with grips and soft rubber areas.
- It is recommended to purchase a toothbrush with soft-bristle brushes
- The best toothbrush grips are those that are easiest for you to carry/hold
- All areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth, may be best reached by smaller head toothbrushes, but that will depend on your mouth size.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or when it starts to show some wear, whichever comes first
In addition to the fabrics, since the times of the Egyptians and Babylonians, the basic design has not changed. A handle and a bristle-like head to clean the teeth are part of all toothbrushes. Over its long history, the toothbrush has grown into a scientifically crafted tool using modern ergonomic designs and healthy and hygienic materials that support all of us.
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