History of the Toothbrush | Resolution for Oral Health

Posted on January 6, 2022

With the New Year comes new resolutions and putting your toothbrush routine high on the priority list is a great way to start 2022!  New habits can be hard to develop, but easy to maintain once you start. Consistent habits become routines and a maintained oral health routine makes a great base for the rest of your goals this year.

The recommendation to brush at least twice a day has been around for many years, but just how old is the toothbrush itself? Take a look at the timeline of development and how it came to be what we know of it today!

Early Development

• 3000 B.C.
  • An early form of the toothbrush, a “chew stick“, was used by ancient civilians. This object was a thin, frayed twig used to rub against teeth.
• 1400’s
  • In China, Stiff hairs were taken from a hog’s neck and combined with handles made from bone or bamboo. This created a bristle brush similar to what we use today.
• 1780
  • Europeans utilized the design from China with modifications to include horsehairs and feathers.
• 1857
  • The first American toothbrush patent was issued.

Modernization and Production of the Toothbrush

• 1885
  • Production on a mass scale begins in America.
• 1938
  • The first Nylon toothbrush was created by Dupont de Nemours and called Doctor West Miracle Toothbrush. Americans gladly welcomed this updated product into their growing oral health routines following the soldier’s return from World War II.
• 1960
  • The Squibb company put out one of the first electric versions for the American market called Broxodent.
• 2000’s
  • The electric toothbrush obtained the ability to spin, vibrate, and much more!

The toothbrush has come a long way to be part of your oral health routine! Make 2022 the year you make your smile journey part of your resolution with Cardinal Orthodontics! Don’t wait another day, call our office at 314-962-6242 to schedule your free exam.

Sources: 
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Categories: Oral Health
Tags: history, New Year's, oral health, toothbrush