The History of the Toothbrush
Good oral care seems to have been high up on the agenda for humans since ancient times. Evidence found in Egyptian tombs dates early toothbrushes back to 3500 – 3000 BC, when the Egyptians and Babylonians made toothbrushes by flaying the ends of twigs.
Around 1600 BC, the Chinese developed ‘chewing sticks’, twigs taken from aromatic trees and chewed to sweeten the breath.
Fast-forward many hundreds of years to the 15th century, and the Chinese invented the first natural bristle brush. Bristles from a pig’s neck were attached to either bone or bamboo handles.
When this invention found its way to Europe it was adapted to use horsehairs which were much softer, or in some places feathers.
In 1780 William Addis invented what we now know as the modern toothbrush. He attached pig bristles to a specially carved handle made from cow bone.
Ad dis design was developed further in 1844 when the first three-row brush was developed.
The toothbrush didn’t become truly modern until 1938 when Du Pont invented nylon and so by the 1950s toothbrushes had much softer bristles that were much preferred by consumers and were more hygienic.
Here are some top tips for ensuring that your teeth are always correctly brushed.
Place the toothbrush at a 45°angle along the gum line. Move the toothbrush in a small circular movement, repeat for each tooth.
Brush the inside surface of each tooth, using the same back and forth motion.
Brush the chewing surface (top) of each tooth.
Use the tip of your brush to clean behind each tooth. Ensure you reach the front and back, top and bottom using up and down strokes.
A gentle brush of your tongue can help to remove odor causing bacteria.
After brushing, spit out any excess toothpaste. Don’t rinse your mouth immediately after brushing, as it will wash away the concentrated fluoride in the remaining toothpaste, thus diluting it and reducing its preventative effects.
The Dos and Don'ts of Tooth brushing:
All mouth problems are caused by plaque; a thick sticky layer made up of bacteria, food particles and organic matter.
Bacteria + sugar = acid = tooth decay = gum disease
Gum disease is related to an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque which can then lead to serious infection, damage to the bone and tissue and tooth loss.
Brushing Teeth Dos:
Do use a fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride is added to toothpastes because it can help to strengthen the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay. It also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria on your teeth produce.
Use a soft/medium toothbrush with a small head that can reach the spaces at the back of your mouth.
Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Break it down into the sections of your mouth–upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left; brush each section for 30 seconds.
Do use a stopwatch to get an idea of what two minutes feels like.
Use the right technique. Tilt the brush to a 45-degree angle against the gum line and brush using small circles. This method is the most gentle and effective way to remove plaque!.
Brush your tongue to remove odor causing bacteria.
Do use dental floss and/or interdental brushes to clean between the gaps in your teeth, each gap may vary in size.
Replace your toothbrush every three months , or after you have had a cold, virus or infection.
Consider a powered toothbrush, it can clean better, especially if you have difficulty brushing or with dexterity.
Do establish a good tooth brushing routine with children as early as possible.
Brushing Teeth Don't:
Do not brush too hard. Use a soft toothbrush and a gentle touch. If you are using an electric toothbrush, you just need to guide the brush rather than apply pressure. Too much brushing or brushing too hard will wear down the enamel on your teeth and damage your gums, which can cause sensitivity.
Avoid brushing from side to side as this can scrape at the gums.
Don’t forget to brush your back teeth.
Restrict from rinsing after brushing. Just spit out the toothpaste and allow the fluoride in the toothpaste to stay on your teeth.
Do not brush straight after eating, wait at least 30 minutes. Acid in food can soften the enamel, so brushing too soon will damage the enamel. After eating you should rinse away any food debris with a glass of water or chew some sugar-free gum.
Don’t ever share a toothbrush with anyone, even a family member. Germs and infection could be transferred via a toothbrush.
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