Who Invented Toothbrushes?

The first toothbrush molded into the form as we know it today was made by a Chinese emperor in 1498. It was constructed out of hog bristles (from the stiff, coarse hair on a hog's neck) and a bone or bamboo whittled handle. Toothbrushes were still not common in Western culture until the 17th century.

History

Different structures of the toothbrush date to 3000 BC, when societies were documented as using thin twigs with frayed ends, referred to as a "chew stick."

Significance

The creation of the toothbrush made people more aware of the need for good oral hygiene and increased the depth to which teeth could be cleaned.

Types

At the beginning of the 19th century, rag cloths were used as a cleaning agent for teeth by using a forceful rubbing action over the area. The first nylon bristled toothbrush was crafted and made available to the public by DuPont de Nemours in 1938 and was named "Doctor West's Miracle Toothbrush."

Considerations

William Addis of England made the first mass-produced toothbrush in 1770 after producing one while incarcerated. Mass production of toothbrushes in America made from boar bristles began in 1885.

Fun Fact

The electric toothbrush was first marketed in 1960 after being constructed by Philippe-G. Woog, but wasn't initially received well by the public.

Resources

• Toothbrushes.com