Nearly 5,000 years ago, the toothbrush became more than just an idea. Today our team is going to give you a small history lesson behind the toothbrush and how it came to be what it is today.
Tools used for brushing teeth have dated back to 3000 BC, when the Egyptians would make brushes from fraying the end of a little twig, using the ends as bristles. By 1600 BC, the Chinese developed sticks made from aromatic trees that the people would chew on to freshen their breath.
And during the 15th century, the Chinese were also believed to have invented the first bristle toothbrush, made from pigs’ hair. The design was soon adapted when the concept was brought into Europe.
In 1780, a more modern design was created by William Addis in England. He carved the handle of the toothbrush from cattle bone, but still used pigs’ hair as the bristles. These natural bristles were used until Du Pont invented nylon and by 1938, the development of the modern toothbrush began.
By the 1950s, many people were using softer, nylon bristled toothbrushes. Today, there are electric and manual toothbrushes available for maintaining healthy, strong teeth. No matter what type of toothbrush you use, it’s important to brush and floss daily. Give our office a call today to schedule a dental cleaning with our dentist by calling 785-539-5949!