Sticks to Chew? A Brief Overview of Toothbrush History.
Sorry, dogs, but toothbrushes are man’s best friend. At Starting Point Dental & Orthodontics, our experts on pediatric dental care in Overland Park know that people overwhelmingly selected the toothbrush—beating out the microwave, car, and television—as the one amazing invention from recent history that we simply cannot live without. So where did you get the toothbrush? Have we brushed our teeth consistently? Let’s investigate the origin of our enduring dental companion.
Historical Foundations
Our experts on pediatric dental care in Overland Park know that we have the earliest known mention of ancient toothbrushes from ancient Babylon. “Chewsticks,” which date to 3500 BC, have been discovered next to buried Babylonians. These primitive toothbrushes were nothing more than twigs with one end sharpened and used as a tooth pick and the other end frayed by a rock for brushing. The Greeks, Romans, Chinese, and Egyptians of antiquity also used “chewsticks.”
Hairy Development
A family dentist in Overland Park explains that the Chinese Tang Dynasty, which ruled from 619 to 907, is credited with creating the first bristled toothbrush. The coarse hairs of local hogs were probably used to make the bristles. The handle was made of bamboo and bones, with tiny holes drilled into one end for the insertion of hair. Throughout the 17th century, China exported hog hair toothbrushes; however, Europeans discovered that the bristles were too harsh for their gums and switched to horsehair, which was softer.
Large-scale Manufacturing
As one of the top sources for pediatric dental care in Overland Park, we know a thing or two about toothbrushes. In fact, William Addis was released from prison in 1780, and then his toothbrush production went into full swing. Addis wanted an alternative to wiping his teeth with a rag soaked in water, charcoal, and salt while he was confined. While incarcerated, he made a bone with horse hair bristles and used it to brush his teeth.
He established the Addis Company following his release, and his toothbrushes quickly gained enormous popularity in London and throughout Europe. He produced four different kinds of toothbrushes: Tom Thumb, Gentle, Ladies, and Child’s. Wisdom Toothbrush / Addis Housewares, his business, is still in operation today.
Patented
A family dentist in Overland Park explains that H.N. Wadsworth of the United States filed for the first toothbrush patent in 1857, despite Addis being the first to successfully produce the device in large quantities. The US did not start mass producing the product until 1885, even though the patent was approved in 1857.
Sick of Long Tongues
Our experts on pediatric dental care in Overland Park know that the modern toothbrush was created in 1935 when the DuPont Company invented nylon, more than 150 years after Addis started making his brushes. A cleaner method of brushing has been made available to the public by nylon bristled toothbrushes, which are far more hygienic and efficient than models made of hair. The first nylon-threaded toothbrushes were produced in 1938.
Connect it.
As a top family dentist in Overland Park, we are very familiar with electric toothbrushes. In fact, the Broxodent was the first electric toothbrush, created in Switzerland in 1958. The Broxodent cleaned teeth with a vibrating brush head, just like modern models. Nevertheless, the Broxodent and other comparable models required to be plugged in to function because batteries were not as advanced as they are now.
A Prolonged Teeth Cleaning Process
The toothbrush withstood chewing sticks and horsehair brushings quite nicely. There are thousands of toothbrushes available these days, but we advise purchasing one that has the ADA seal of approval. Additionally, don’t forget to brush for two minutes twice a day.
A key part of pediatric dental care in Overland Park is the toothbrush, we all know that. It is truly one of the most crucial items in your child’s oral hygiene kit. Frequently disregarded and undervalued, it is imperative that you allocate sufficient time to selecting the appropriate toothbrush for your child. The following are some wise purchasing tips to take into account when selecting your child’s next toothbrush.
Bristles
As a top family dentist in Overland Park, we know that there are many different sizes and forms of bristles. The majority of dentists believe that toothbrushes with soft, rounded bristles are the best. This is due to the fact that soft bristles efficiently clean teeth without endangering delicate gum tissue.
Burs, which are liners made of hard rubber bristles, do not add any additional cleaning power and can cause gum irritation. Furthermore, rounded tooth brushes are gentler on delicate teeth and gums than sharper brushes, which can easily cause fraying and damage to delicate gums. Therefore, look for soft, rounded bristles in a new toothbrush to prevent tooth pain in Overland Park.
Dimensions
Experts on pediatric dental care in Overland Park believe the toothbrush head should be small enough to clean all of the hard-to-reach areas and big enough to fit comfortably in your child’s mouth. The toothbrush head should slide easily between their cheek and back molars. Bring your child with you when you buy their toothbrush so you can measure their mouth correctly and avoid cavity treatment in Overland Park. Select a toothbrush that is meant for children or the age range of your child.
Handle
An experienced family dentist in Overland Park knows that the best handle isn’t determined by shape; rather, it’s based on comfort. There are handles that are vibrating, angled, curved, and straight. Make sure the handle of your child’s new toothbrush is comfortable and big enough for them to hold while they brush for two minutes. It might be difficult for them to grip and properly brush their teeth if the handle is the incorrect size. To make toothbrushes easier for your child to hold, look for ones with a rubber grip.
When Should You Trade It in?
Toothbrushes encounter several issues that may shorten their lifespan. First, regular use gradually weakens and reduces the effectiveness of bristles. The bristles that are worn down start to appear frayed and lose their shape. When your child’s toothbrush starts to lose its shape and the bristles start to fray, usually after three months of use, it’s time to replace it to avoid tooth pain in Overland Park.
Whenever your kid becomes ill, it’s time to replace their toothbrush. Bacteria can accumulate on the toothbrush’s handle and bristles, which could prolong or rekindle their illness at a later time. Once your child has recovered from a cold or the flu, buy them a new toothbrush right away to avoid cavity treatment in Overland Park as well as getting infected again.
Purchasing a new toothbrush every three months is a good general rule of thumb.
Ask Us!
Adult toothbrushes meet all of the same requirements as toothbrushes used by kids. Please contact Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics if you are unclear about the specific toothbrush your child should be using! Most of the time, we can recommend a particular model in addition to offering you assistance in selecting the ideal toothbrush for your child. Come talk to us about the resources your kids use to improve their oral health!
At Starting Point Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re not just about straightening teeth, but creating infectious smiles that brighten up Kansas City! If you’re hunting for a kids dentist in Overland Park or a teen dentist in Overland Park, consider your search over. We offer cavity treatment in Overland Park for tooth pain in Overland Park, each one tailored to your individual needs – because when it comes to orthodontic care, we believe in a personalized approach. From tiny tots to terrific teens and fantastic families, our children’s dentist in Overland Park offers consultations to all ages.
We’re committed to making radiant smiles accessible for everyone. That’s why our services are as wallet-friendly as they are high-quality. We accept almost all dental insurance and offer interest-free payment options. Military personnel and families with multiple braces-wearers even get special discounts. Our sports dentists in Overland Park and orthodontists are not only experienced, but also specialized in providing dental mouthguards in Overland Park and dental night guards in Overland Park.
So, request an appointment here or call our clinic at 913-553-2492 and let us add some sparkle to your smile!
