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The Evolution Of the Tooth Brush

The toothbrush as we know it today was not invented until 1938. However, early forms of the toothbrush have been in existence since 3000 BC. Ancient civilizations used a "chew stick," which was a thin twig with a frayed end. These 'chew sticks' were rubbed against the teeth.

The Miswak (also called "siwak" or "miswaak") is a chewing stick made from a twig of a Salvadora persica (arak or peelu tree). The usage is incredibly simple. First peel of a small portion of bark from the end of the twig. Then chew on the peeled portion of the twig until it looks like a brush.

The tree itself has antiseptic properties and it is comparable to other oral disinfectants and anti-plaque agents used today. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the usage of Miswak.

The bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today, was not invented until 1498 in China. The bristles were actually the stiff, coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog's neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. Could you imagine brushing your teeth and gum's with the same bristles you brush your hair with?

Boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours. The first nylon toothbrush was called Doctor West's Miracle Toothbrush. Later, Americans were influenced by the disciplined hygiene habits of soldiers from World War II. They became increasingly concerned with the practice of good oral hygiene and quickly adopted the nylon toothbrush.

The Nylon toothbrush we use today has really made brushing easy and enjoyable. Without these nylon brushes, I'm pretty sure the world would be a different place, lacking the smiles that brighten it up each day!