Ever wondered what the history of the toothbrush is? Today we’re going to share how the twice-daily ritual of brushing our teeth began. Here are some fascinating facts on the origins of the toothbrush, toothpaste, and the dental industry.
History of the Toothbrush: A Timeline
Natural bristle brushes were invented by the ancient Chinese who made toothbrushes with bristles from the necks of cold climate pigs.
According to sources, the first toothbrushes were that of the ancient Babylonians around 3500 BC who practiced tooth brushing by using frayed ends of twigs? Ouch!
William Addis of Clerkenwald, England, created the first mass-produced toothbrush.
The first American to patent a toothbrush was H. N. Wadsworth and many American Companies began to mass-produce toothbrushes after 1885.
The Pro-phy-lac-tic brush made by the Florence Manufacturing Company of Massachusetts is one example of an early American made toothbrush.
The Florence Manufacturing Company was also the first to sell toothbrushes packaged in boxes. In 1938, DuPont manufactured the first nylon bristle toothbrushes.
Most Americans did not brush their teeth until Army soldiers brought their enforced habits of tooth brushing back home after World War II.
The first real electric toothbrush was produced in 1939, and developed in Switzerland.
Toothpaste was used as long ago as 500 BC in both China and India; however, modern toothpastes were developed in the 1800s.
In 1873, Colgate mass-produced the first toothpaste in a jar. In 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield of Connecticut manufactured toothpaste into a collapsible tube. Sheffield’s toothpaste was called Dr. Sheffield’s Creme Dentifrice. In 1896, Colgate Dental Cream was packaged in collapsible tubes imitating Sheffield
In 1848, Waldo Hanchett patented the dental chair.
Next time you brush your teeth, be lucky it’s not with a toothbrush made of pigs or twigs!
About Krengel Dental, Dentist in Bloomington, MN and St. Louis Park, MN
Krengel Dental is a highly-rated modern dentist in Bloomington, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. Weโre passionate about being a leader in using cutting-edge dental technology while also creating a lively and friendly environment. Our team is talented both in skill and making the dentist feel fun rather than a chore. If youโre looking for a new Twin Cities dentist, please contact us today!
