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.
Tools for brushing the teeth were around as early as 3500 to 3000 BC. The Egyptians and Babylonians made brushes by fraying the end of a twig. In Egypt, ancient tombs have been found that contain toothsticks alongside their owners. The Chinese developed chewing sticks from aromatic tree twigs around 1600 BC.
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. William Addis made the first mass-produced toothbrush in 1780. Boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were invented. The first toothbrush made with nylon bristles was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush.
We invite you to contact our office today to learn more about dental hygiene and to schedule an appointment with our dentist in Beaver, Pennsylvania. Dr. Pam Crumrine and our team are thrilled to help you reach and maintain ideal oral health!
