Materials in a Toothbrush

Earlier toothbrushes were made of wood, bamboo or Siberian hog hair. With the use of technology in the mid-19th century, American manufacturers redesigned the toothbrush with materials that made it more convenient to brush one's teeth.

Bristles

It is important to have bristles that last for a long time, since you are brushing your teeth everyday. Toothbrushes have natural or synthetic bristles usually made of nylon.

Handles

To hold the bristles, toothbrushes have plastic handles. Plastic is molded in a shape to form the handle, depending on the manufacturer's style.

Rubber

Manufacturers make use of rubber on toothbrush handles to provide a grip when brushing.

Glue

To combine the parts together, manufacturers use heated, industrial glue. This combines the parts together to form the complete brush.

Trimming

Toothbrush manufacturers use a trimming machine, which trims the bristles depending on the style of the model. Some toothbrushes are shaped in a way to accommodate braces, while others have features that allow you to reach farther into your mouth.

Resources

• Toothbrush History
• American Dental Association Statement on Toothbrushes