The Origins of the Modern Toothbrush

Despite the fact that most people brush their teeth the recommended twice a day, many people never stop to think about how the modern toothbrush came into existence.

Toothbrushes have been around since at least 3500 B.C., when they were used by the Egyptians and Babylonians. Back then, toothbrushes were simply sticks that people would chew until they broke down and formed a brush on one end and a toothpick on the other.

In the late 15th century, the Chinese updated the toothbrush by combining the hairs of the Siberian wild boar with bamboo sticks to make the first bristle-type toothbrush. While this design cleaned teeth better, the boar hair was rough on gums, leading some to use more expensive horsehair instead.

The toothbrush experienced another major reinvention around 1780 when William Addis invented a toothbrush made of bone and bristles, drilling small holes into a cattle bone and tying in fibers from wild pigs.

The toothbrush continued to improve over the years. During World War I, companies began manufacturing toothbrushes with celluloid handles. In 1937, Wallace H. Carothers invented nylon, which is still used for toothbrush bristles today.

Contact Bolivar Family Dental with any questions about choosing the right toothbrush for your smile.