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Though primitive toothbrushes started out as toothpicks

and chewing sticks, over the years the toothbrush has
changed quite a bit. Take a look at the timeline below to
learn how the toothbrush has changed over the years.

3500 B.C.
Babylonians used chewing sticks to clean their teeth.
They were careful to select twigs from aromatic trees
that they believed would clean and freshen their mouth.
They chewed on one end of the stick until it became soft
like a brush, and kept the other end pointed to pick out
food that got stuck between their teeth. These sticks
were the size of a pencil.

15th-16th Century
The first “toothbrush” (with bristles) was invented in
China and was made of animal bone, bamboo and hog
hair. The bristles were very hard.

1780
William Addis of England invented the first mass-
produced toothbrush. While in prison, he drilled small
holes in a cattle bone, tied swine fibers (from wild pigs) in
bunches, passed them through the holes and then glued
them.

1844
The first three-row bristle brush was designed by Dr.
Meyer Rhein.

1857
H.N. Wadsworth was the first to patent the toothbrush.
Like those before him, he used animal bone and swine
hair.

1885
Other American companies began to mass-produce the
toothbrush.

1938
The nylon toothbrush, the first to be made with synthetic
bristles, appeared on the market. People preferred these
bristles because they were softer and more hygienic
than animal hair bristles.

1939
The first electric toothbrush was invented in
Switzerland.

1940s
Soliders in the United State Army returned from World
War II and brought their habit of tooth brushing home
with them. The concept spread thoughout the country
and nylon toothbrushes became very popular.

1960s
The Broxodent was the first electric toothbrush to be
sold in the United States by the company Squibb. A year
later, General Electric was the first company to sell a
rechargeable cordless toothbrush.

1987
The company Interplax designed and sold the first rotary
action electric toothbrush.

2003
In an annual survey of adults and teens, the toothbrush
was voted the number one invention people can't live
without, beating out the computer, cell phone and
automobile.

Today
Technology has sure come a long way! The modern-day
toothbrush is typically constructed out of a plastic
handle and nylon bristles. The modern day toothbrush
handle comes in many varieties, including handles that
are straight, angled or curved. Toothbrush heads also
come in a variety of shapes and sizes for people of all
ages and sizes.

To learn about the correct way to brush your teeth visit

the Brushing & Flossing section.

Pennsylvania Dental Association | 3501 North

Front Street | PO Box 3341 | Harrisburg, PA |
17105 | Phone: (717) 234-5941
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