Dental hygiene is an irreplaceable contributor to oral health. Proper dental hygiene includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day. Teeth care dates back for thousands of years. However, early dental care tools were very different from what we use today. Let’s explore the history of the toothbrush together.
Teeth-cleaning tools have been around since 3500-3000 BC. In Babylon and Egypt, people used twigs with frayed ends to clean their teeth. In China in about 1600 BC, chewing sticks were developed from aromatic tree twigs. These chewing sticks were used to freshen breath.
The bristle toothbrush, which is similar to what we use today, was invented in China in 1498. These toothbrushes were made from bone or bamboo with the course hairs from a hog’s neck attached. As this idea was brought to Europe, the toothbrush design changed a little. The Europeans preferred using horsehairs instead of pig bristles, as they are softer. Around 1780, a toothbrush of more modern design was invented by William Addis in England. This toothbrush was the first mass-produced toothbrush. The handle was carved from cattle bone and the brush still used swine bristles.
The first toothbrush made with nylon bristles was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush. The use of the toothbrush was not common in the United States until soldiers came home from WWII and brought the habit with them. Today, toothbrushes come in many varieties. Both manual and electronic toothbrushes are available.
We welcome you to contact Sharpe Dental Studio today for more information about dental hygiene and to schedule a visit with our dentist in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Virginia Sharpe and our team are excited to get to know you and your family.
