Toothbrush Trivia

Have you ever thought about the toothbrush?  Who invented the toothbrush and when was it invented?   Various people invented the toothbrush as we know it today.  This “modern” toothbrush with the nylon bristles was invented about 1938.  Other forms of toothbrushes have been in existence since 3000 BC.  These so called “chewsticks” were rubbed against the teeth to clean the teeth.  A bristle type toothbrush was invented in China in 1498.  These were bristles removed from the back of a hog’s neck and attached to a handle made of bone or bamboo.

These bristle brushes were used until 1938 when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours.  This toothbrush was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush and Americans were influenced by the good hygiene habits of soldiers returning from World War 2 and adopting the nylon toothbrush.  Believe it or not, most Americans did not brush their teeth prior to World War 2.  Drs. Ogle, Schmitz, and Hart are pleased to know that now the majority of  Americans brush their teeth.  Family Dentistry has a goal to provide Great Dental Care for a Lifetime however brushing and flossing have to be performed by the patient on a routine basis for this to occur.