5 INTERESTING TOOTHBRUSH FACTS

Your toothbrush works hard for you every day! Not only does it remove plaque and tartar from your pearly whites, but it also helps wash away any remaining food particles and bacteria from your gums. But what do you really know about the tool you trust enough to use twice a day? Probably not much. At Biltmore Commons Dental Care, we stress the importance of regular dental care through brushing and flossing, and hope that these fun, unknown facts will help make your brushing experience more enjoyable.

5 Interesting Toothbrush Facts

1. THE TOOTHBRUSH IS 5,000-YEARS OLD

The toothbrush appears throughout history in different forms. Ancient brushes often looked more like chewing sticks or skinny twigs with frayed ends. Our ancestors used these chewing sticks to remove food from their teeth, and over time, brushes were made out of bone, wood, or ivory handles and stiff bristles from hogs or boars. The modern, nylon-bristled toothbrush we use today was invented in 1938.

2. THE FIRST MASS-PRODUCED BRUSH WAS INVENTED IN PRISON

In 1770, an Englishman by the name of William Addis was imprisoned for starting a riot. During his imprisonment, he saw fellow inmates using rags and salt to scrub their teeth. Addis went to work to create a toothbrush, using an animal bone he saved from dinner and bristles he received from a guard. Once he was released from prison, he quickly modified his prototype to create the first mass-produced toothbrush. His company, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists today in the United Kingdom.

3. GO WITH SOFT BRISTLES

While there are different toothbrushes on the market, make sure you go with a soft bristle brush. The hard and medium bristle brushes tend to cause damage to your teeth and gums. The same is true whether you use a manual or a powered brush. You should also never scrub vigorously, as this can defeat the purpose of using a soft bristle brush. You should only brush as hard as necessary to remove the film from your teeth; your fluoride toothpaste will take care of the rest.

4. LOOK FOR THE ADA SEAL

When looking for a new toothbrush, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This seal lets you know that the ADA Council of Scientific Affairs has inspected and approved your toothbrush. With this seal of approval, you are guaranteed that your brush won’t lose bristles during normal use. These inspections also ensure that the handle remains sturdy and strong, and that your new brush can help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease.

5. THERE’S NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MANUAL OR POWERED BRUSHES

The truth of the matter is your teeth don’t care whether you use a manual brush or a powered one. The most important thing to remember is that you need to brush twice a day and use fluoride toothpaste. Both these styles of brushes are efficient enough to clean your teeth and massage your gums. So, it all comes down to your preference.

CONTACT US

Brushing your teeth and caring for them at home is just part of your dental care and hygiene. You should also be seeing your dentist at least twice a year. If you’re looking for a friendly and welcoming team of dental experts, then give Biltmore Commons Dental Care a call. We even offer cosmetic dentistry, dentures, and TMJ treatment. Dial (602) 249-2227 today!