Fun Science Facts from the Library of Congress
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Question Who invented the toothbrush and when was it invented?
Answer
Various peoples. 1938 (modern).
Poster from Gellé Frères Perfumers, Avenue de l’Opéra, 6, Paris. J. Cheret, 1889. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.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.
Four children being taught the correct use of a toothbrush by a dental hygienist at the Guggenheim Dental Clinic, between 1940-1945. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress.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.
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.
Poster promoting good oral hygiene. Federal Art Project, between 1936 and 1938. Prints and Photographs Division, Library of CongressSome other interesting toothbrush facts:
The first mass-produced toothbrush was made by William Addis of Clerkenwald, England, around 1780. The first American to patent a toothbrush was H. N. Wadsworth, (patent number 18,653,) on Nov. 7, 1857. Mass production of toothbrushes began in America around 1885. One of the first electric toothbrushes to hit the American market was in 1960. It was marketed by the Squibb company under the name Broxodent. Published: 11/19/2019. Updated 9/26/2024. Author: Science Reference Section, Library of Congress
Related Websites
A Comprehensive History of Dentistry and Dental Care
External
(Thought.co) - This site discusses the history of the toothbrush and toothpaste, including the first electric toothbrush invented in 1939.
Dental Care in Early America
External
(George Washington's Ferry Farm and Historic Kenmore) - Dental care has improved greatly in 200 years but the seeds of modern tooth care can certainly be seen when looking back to colonial days.
Dental Health
(United States War Office) From the National Library of Medicine, this 1945 military training film on dental health was designed for army troops. Over appropriate animation and classroom scenes, a narrator/dental officer explains the structure and function of human teeth. Shots include troops exercising, troops in the mess hall, and George Washington's dentures.
The Quest for the Perfect Toothbrush
External
(National Public Radio) - This article investigates toothbrush patents and innovations in design over the years.
Toothbrush
External
(How Products are Made) - Explains the manufacturing process of the toothbrush.
A Brush with History
External
(Smithsonian National Museum of American History) - Explores the history of dental products using 18th c. newspapers advertisements and recipes. In addition, oral hygiene products from their archives are highlighted.
Further Reading
Asimov, Isaac, and Carrie Dierks. Why do we need to brush our teeth? Milwaukee, WI: G. Stevens Pub., 1993. 24 p. (Juvenile).
Golden, Irwin B. Teeth for your lifetime: a complete, easy-to-read, and understandable guide to a lifetime of dental health . Upland, CA: Counterpoint Publications, 1993. 106 p.
McGrath, Kimberley A., and Bridget Travers, eds. World of Invention . Detroit, MI: Gale, 1999. 1043 p.
McGuire, Thomas. Healthy teeth healthy body : how to improve your oral and overall health. Sabastopol, CA: Mercury Free Publications, 2009. 150 p.
Panati, Charles. Extraordinary origins of everyday things . New York: Harper & Row, 1987. p.208-10.
Yang, Teresa. Nothing but the tooth : an the insider's guide to dental health. Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2023. 308 p.
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