We wake up early in the morning from a deep sleep and stand in front of the mirror or while roaming around the house, we brush our teeth very well so that no germs can harm us.

But have you ever thought that where did the practice of brushing teeth come from?

Natural Sticks as Tooth Brush

Humans have adopted the habit of brushing teeth for thousands of years, but according to official sources, Egyptians made coarse toothbrushes with the help of leaves and natural sticks (woods). Similarly, other cultures such as Indians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs also used similar crude brushes.

How Indians Brush Their Teeth?

When the famous Chinese traveler Yijing (Itsing) came to India, he saw the Indian teeth cleaning habits and mentioned in his book that the Indians used “wooden sticks” or “tooth wood” as tooth brushes, that are also called as “Datun”.

In Sanskrit, tooth wood is known as dantakastha—"danta" meaning tooth, and “kastha”, a piece of wood.

A Wisdom Toothbrush

Modern-day tooth brushing was revolutionized when English entrepreneur, William Addis, mass-produced 70 million toothbrushes in 1780 under the name “Wisdom Toothbrush”.

The first nylon bristle toothbrush, called the "Dr. Wests Miracle Toothbrush," was invented in the year 1938, in the United States by Dupont de Nemours. The nylon bristles were more durable and effective than natural bristles and became the standard for toothbrushes.

Why Should We Regularly Brush Our Teeth?

Brushing teeth is important because it helps to remove food particles and plaque from the teeth and gums, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

When we eat, bacteria in the mouth convert the sugars in food into acid, which can wear away at the tooth enamel and cause cavities. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth, can also lead to gum disease if not removed regularly.

By brushing teeth twice a day, we can remove the bacteria and plaque from our teeth and prevent the buildup of tartar, a hard, yellowish deposit that can form on the teeth and lead to more serious dental problems. Brushing also helps to freshen breath and promote good oral hygiene.

You should floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria from between the teeth and under the gum line. Regular dental check-ups and keeping cleanliness of your mouth are also important for maintaining good oral health.

Over the years, toothbrush technology has continued to improve, with the development of electric toothbrushes and toothbrushes with various shapes and sizes to suit different needs. Today, brushing teeth is recognized as an essential part of oral hygiene and a vital component in preventing tooth decay and gum disease.

So, this is the history of the development of the toothbrush.