The history of all things tooth related is an interesting one which spans many centuries. Ever wondered where the humble toothbrush came from?

The first recorded invention of the toothbrush was 3000 BC when people used to use ‘chew sticks’ to brush their teeth – it was basically a twig that frayed at one end.

In 2000 BC Egyptians used toothpaste made out of crumbled pumice stone and white vinegar on their chew sticks.

The Romans used toothpicks to remove food between their teeth, and also doctors believed the human urine kept the teeth white and in place for longer. Wealthy Romans, especially popular with the wealthy females, would buy in Portuguese human urine which was thought to be the most effective! Thankfully our tooth whitening process is much more sophisticated now, although you will still find ammonia used in some dentist products. Urine was used right through the 18th century as an active ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste.

Street barbers would also do dentistry and one of their specials was tooth whitening. This would have involved filing down customer’s teeth and painting on nitric acid. This was tooth whitening at its worst because although it truly whitened the teeth, it destroyed the enamel which left the tooth to decay.

European travels went over to China and in 1498 they found the Chinese toothbrush – bristles made from really strong hair on the back of Siberian hog’s head necks stuck in bone handles. When the invention was taken back to Europe, it was met with some distaste. Most people used the Roman custom of picking the food out of their teeth and the upper classes brushed their teeth with soft horse hair.

In 1770, a gentleman called William Addis was jailed for his part in a riot. Whilst in prison, he decided to reinvent the way people brushed their teeth. He made a more sophisticated toothbrush and when he came out his toothbrush was sold in 1780. This business is now known as Wisdom toothbrushes.

In 1802 Italian dentists recognised a connection between coloured spots on the teeth and high level of fluorides. Although the teeth were unpleasant to look at due to the discolouration, there were no cavities in the teeth. Because of this, the Italians thought fluorides were a good thing. In 1840s the Italians introduced fluoride sweets for children to eat to help give them healthy teeth. In 1915 the Americans added fluorides to drinking water. It worked so well they added it to mouthwash and toothpaste.

Louis Pasteur was the first person who highlighted the idea of germs and bacteria. People really started to think about what they put in their mouths and the consequences of these actions.

In 1938, Du pont discovered nylon. He found this was great for making toothbrush bristles with rather than the unhygienic animal bristles. However, the nylon was so stiff it ruined gums so dentists would not support the idea. By 1950, they had made a much softer nylon which was ideal.

In 1961 the first electric toothbrush came about from the Squibb Company. Modern technology had taken hold and everyone wanted something different. The challenge for something bigger and better was taken up by General Electric who then invented a cordless battery operated one.

Peter Morgan is a health and beauty writer covering topics such as teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening kits as well as the latest teeth whitening products available to purchase online.

Peter Morgan is a health and beauty writer. For more info:
http://www.teethwhiteningsuperstore.com

Author Bio: Peter Morgan is a health and beauty writer covering topics such as teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening kits as well as the latest teeth whitening products available to purchase online.

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