Quick History of the Toothbrush and ToothPaste…

This will make you thankful of what you have today

It seems people have been trying to keep their teeth nice and clean for quite a long time. Evidence has been found that as far back as Ancient Egyptians, people were using primitive tools made from twigs to brush their teeth.

To this day, people in many countries still use twigs from trees with antibacterial properties, such as cinnamon and neem. These have been found to be just as effective as modern toothbrushes.

The first object closer to resembling an actual toothbrush was invented by the Chinese. The handle was made of bamboo and it had boar bristles for cleaning teeth.

As for toothpaste, it’s been a long journey to the minty fresh chemical concoctions that we slather over our pearly whites today. When pastes, for the purpose of cleaning teeth, were first being invented, the ingredients were nothing short of nasty. If you have a weak stomach…you may want to skip down.

People would use mixtures comprised of ash, burnt eggshells, crushed bones and all sorts of gross stuff that you don’t want in your mouth. Not sure what they were thinking…but finally morphed to the pastes we use today.

Here are some more fun facts about the toothbrush and toothpaste:

• The electric toothbrush first appeared in 1939.
• Egyptians used a form of toothpaste over 5000 years ago.
• Colgate introduced aromatic toothpaste in a jar in 1873.
• Colgate dental cream was packaged in collapsible tubes in 1896.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products in the United States, including toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and toothbrushes.

Sharing fun facts about dental hygiene, dental health, or other dental-related mysteries make great conversation starters. You can also use them when teaching your child how to brush or getting them to cooperate on days when they’d rather not brush.

We’re pleased to offer a FREE report that provides addition important dental information. Why not get your copy now? The Parent’s Guide to Children’s Oral Health is just a click away. And it’s absolutely FREE.

Also, for added information, make an appointment, or have a question answered, you’re more than welcome to call us at West Olds Dental at (587) 855-4747 or click here to visit our website.