FROM TWIGS TO POWERFUL TOOTH BRUSH

TWIGS FROM THE BEGINNING

 Since ancient times, oral hygiene has been an essential part of human life. This led to the use of

twigs with flayed ends by the Egyptians and Babylonians around 3000-3500 BC. These twigs,

known as "chewing sticks," had two functions: the frayed end was used for brushing the teeth,

while the sharp end served as a toothpick.

Twigs from Neem Trees were also used by Indians and Chinese. It is believed that Neem aids in

healing and prevents infection.

AFTER TWIG, WHAT NEXT?

 The closest predecessor to the toothbrush we have today is a bristled toothbrush found

in the Chinese Tang Dynasty between 619 BC and 907 BC. The bristles were made from

coarse hog hairs and attached to bones and bamboo by drilling holes into them.

Toothbrushes with hog hair spread from Europe to China through travelers in the 17th

century. The Europeans found the hog hair bristles to be too hard and made alternatives

by using softer horsehair.

Massive sales of toothbrushes were made by William Addis after he left prison.

While imprisoned, Addis came up with a better way of cleaning his teeth rather than using a rag, charcoal and salt. He saved small bone from his meal and drilled small

holes where he inserted bristles. After his release, he began the Addis Company where

toothbrushes were made and sold in London and across Europe.He manufactures four

types of toothbrushes: Gents, Ladies, Child's and Tom Thumb. His company now

produces Wisdom Toothbrush which exists till today.

TIRED OF HORSEHAIR BRUSHES?

 Animals’ bristles were not ideal material as they retained bateria. About 150 years after

Addis began mass production, the DuPont invented toothbrushes with nylon used

instead of animal bristles. Nylon toothbrushes were more durable and effective than

the previous ones offering a more cleaner way to clean your teeth.

ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH

Today, we have electric-powered toothbrushes first produced by Tomlinson

Moseley. It was first created for patients with limited motor skills and those

with braces.

 In 2020, about 131.43 million Americans used power

toothbrushes. They can be used with rechargeable batteries. They also

have high-quality brushes which comes in different sizes and designs. The next time you hold a toothbrush in your hand, take a moment to

appreciate the remarkable journey it has undergone to become the

incredible tool you have today.

OLUWADAMILOLA JOY