Tools used for brushing teeth date back to 3000 BC, when the Egyptians made brushes by fraying the end of a little twig, using the ends as bristles. By 1600 BC, the Chinese developed sticks made from aromatic trees that people would chew on to freshen their breath. And during the 15th century, the Chinese were also believed to have invented the first bristle toothbrush, made from pigs’ hair. The design was adapted when the concept was brought into Europe.
In 1780, a more modern design was created by William Addis in England. He carved a handle for the toothbrush from cattle bone, but still used pigs’ hair for bristles. These natural bristles were used until Du Pont invented nylon in the 1930s. In 1938, the development of the modern toothbrush began. By the 1950s, many people started using softer, nylon bristled toothbrushes.
Today, there are electric and manual toothbrushes available with soft and more stiff bristles to help maintain healthy, strong teeth.
No matter what type of toothbrush you use, it’s important to brush and floss daily. Give our office a call today at 785-539-5949 to schedule your next dental cleaning.