Bridgeport Dentists and Toothbrush History

The first toothbrush, known as a “chewing stick”, was about the size of a toothpick and was made from a twig or stick that was frayed at the ends. The Babylonians used the chew sticks around 3500 BC by rubbing it against their teeth and gums to removed particles and plaque. Ancient Greek and Roman literature also discusses primitive toothpicks that should be chewed on to clean the teeth and mouth. In 2000 BC, Egyptians used to chew sticks to apply powdered pumice stone and wine vinegar to their teeth.

The chew stick evolved to the size of pencil. One end was chewed, which became soft and brush-like while the other side stayed pointed and was used to pick food and debris from between the teeth. The twigs for chew sticks usually came from aromatic trees that could clean and freshen the mouth. Chinese literature notes the use of chewing sticks around 1600 BC. European traders visiting China resisted the rudimentary toothbrush, preferring the Roman custom of picking their teeth after meals with brass or silver picks.

While the first bristled toothbrush came from China around 1600 AD, England’s William Addis claimed in 1780 to have made the first toothbrush. Year’s later, the toothbrush was enhanced with handles made from cattle bone. Natural bristles came from the necks and shoulders of pigs that lived in colder climates like Siberia and China, and were placed in the holes drilled into the bone and then tied by thin wire.

In 1857, H. N. Wadsworth was credited as the first American to receive a toothbrush patent and in 1844, Dr. Meyer L. Rhein manufactured and patented a 3-row, serrated bristle toothbrush. In 1885, the Florence Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts, in association with Dr.Rhein, began producing these toothbrushes for the United States.

As technology progressed, synthetic bristles replaced the natural swine bristles. Around 1938, Nylon was first applied to the toothbrush. The first real electric toothbrush was produced in 1939, developed in Switzerland, and was first marketed in the U.S. in 1960 by Squibb. General Electric introduced a rechargeable cordless toothbrush in 1961, and in 1987, Interplak offered the first rotary action electrical toothbrush for home use.

Despite these advances, most Americans didn't brush their teeth until soldiers brought the Army's enforced habit home from World War II. Today, people have a wide assortment of toothbrushes to choose from.

Bridgeport Dentists and the American Dental Association recommend brushing teething at least twice a day. Bridgeport Dentists recommends replacing your toothbrush every two to three months or as soon as the bristles are worn out, and every time you’re sick.