We frequently take dental care for granted because it is a regular part of our lives. So it’s fascinating to see how civilizations brushed their teeth throughout the history of dentistry. After all, seeing an old Chinese toothbrush makes it easier to appreciate your toothbrush. Today, we’ll dive deep into some of dentistry’s finest historical moments, specifically ancient Chinese dentistry.
How Toothpaste Was Created
It is thought that toothpaste first originated six thousand years ago in China, Egypt, and India.
China: The Chinese would produce a thick paste by mixing bones and twigs with flower petals, salt, and water. This was their version of toothpaste. Then, the Ancient Chinese would apply this paste to the end of a bamboo leaf to place it on their teeth.
The Ancient Chinese used various methods besides toothbrushing to maintain oral hygiene and fresh breath. The Ancient Chinese, for instance, regarded oral hygiene procedures including gargling with tea after meals, using Poria fungus as toothpaste, and sprinkling particular herbs or spices into one’s mouth.
Egypt: Manuscripts from the 400s in Ancient Egypt depicted a recipe for the most efficient toothpaste. Egyptian toothpaste frequently had a blend of pepper, salt, iris flowers, and wet mint leaves. The paste would then be applied, like the Chinese, using the end of a split twig.
There is additional evidence for a toothpaste brand that is popular in Rome and is thought to be urine-based. In addition, research on the benefits of urine therapy might back up the effectiveness of brushing with urine.
India: Toothbrushing in Ancient India differed significantly from the Ancient Chinese and Egyptians. Twigs were also utilized for brushing. However, the Ancient Indians would fill these twigs with sweet nectar before brushing.
Then, the ancient Indians chew on the twig while softly pressing it against their teeth. As a result, the ancient people of India would enjoy whiter teeth, a cleaner mouth, and fresher breath.
For more abrasion, ancient Romans and Greeks frequently preferred toothpaste to contain oyster shells and crushed bones. For extra flavor and the treatment of unpleasant breath, bark and charcoal might also be a part of Romans’ toothpaste.
Toothpaste development in the modern era did not begin until the 1800s.
Even though it would sound horrible to us now, early toothpaste would often include soap. It wasn’t uncommon for chalk to also be an ingredient in toothpaste in the 1850s. Betel nuts would also be a toothpaste additive in the 1800s. Finally, after ten years, a home encyclopedia described the usage of ground charcoal in toothpaste.
Today’s toothpaste frequently uses a unique formulation to prevent or treat conditions like tooth sensitivity. For example, fluoride toothpaste was introduced in 1914 to prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste with low abrasive properties also would become part of our toothpaste choices.
Fluoride, a common ingredient of modern toothpaste, was only introduced into the composition in 1914. However, fluoride in toothpaste was endorsed as effective in oral care by the American Dental Association in 1960. Aside from fluoride, some toothpaste also contained Triclosan, an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The antibacterial and antifungal agent guards against plaque accumulation, periodontal disease, bad breath, and tooth decay.
Currently, different toothpaste variants are available on the market to address various dental needs of consumers.
How Toothbrushes Were Created
Ancient people used items easily found in their surroundings as a toothbrush. Chew sticks, animal bones, bird feathers, tree twigs, and porcupine quills are examples of such items.
The Chinese developed the first modern toothbrush in the late 1400s. The toothbrush attached to a bamboo stick used the stiff hairs from a hog’s hair. On the other hand, Muslims used miswak, a twig derived from a Salvadora persica tree, to clean their teeth. Traditional Indian medicine also made toothbrushes from the neem tree.
William Addis of England who invented the first mass-produced toothbrush in 1780 and received the honor. Meanwhile, in the United States, H.N. Wadsworth held the first patent for a toothbrush in 1857. However, mass production of the oral hygiene instrument only started in 1885.
In 1938, nylon-based synthetic fibers took the role of natural animal bristles found in toothbrushes made from Siberian boars. On February 24, 1938, this led to the creation of the first toothbrush with a nylon bristle. We can credit American conglomerate DuPont for replacing animal fibers with synthetic fibers.
In 1954, Dr. Philippe Guy Woog of Switzerland challenged the traditional manual toothbrush market with his invention of the first electric toothbrush. His invention was a plugged-in device running on a line voltage and initially designed for people receiving orthodontic treatment or with limited motor skills.
In the 1960s, American multinational conglomerate General Electric (GE) came out with a rechargeable, cordless toothbrush that could move up and down.
Electric Toothbrush
These days, most dentists advise using an electric toothbrush. They’re softer on the gums, make cleaning hard to reach easier, and do a better overall job cleaning your teeth.
You may be wondering if the extra cost is worthwhile. Sonicare and Oral B have higher initial costs, and their batteries eventually wear out. However, using an electric toothbrush can reduce dental plaque by up to 21% and the risk of gingivitis by 11% after three months. If you’re still not sure, here are four reasons why you should buy one:
1. Electric Toothbrushes Make Oral Hygiene A Lot Easier
Whatever you think about using an electric toothbrush, it is undeniable that it makes good brushing habits much simpler to keep. But it’s not a matter of being lazy. Have a dentist ever told you your brushing technique needs improvement? Now you don’t have to worry about that any longer because your electric toothbrush will do it for you.
And it’s not merely for the sake of convenience. Additionally, it is beneficial for those with physical limitations or who have trouble brushing certain areas of their mouth. You’ll find it much easier to stick to your oral hygiene practice because it makes brushing your teeth and gums much more accessible—no need to dread brushing before bedtime any longer.
2. Electric Toothbrushes Clean Your Teeth And Gums Much More Effectively
Having something that is simple and effective sounds like the sweetest combination. And even more so when it comes to your brushing practices. But unfortunately, while your daily brush and floss are necessary, it can be a little tedious.
Fortunately, electric toothbrushes provide more than simple operations. They have also been more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums than a manual toothbrush. The most effective cleaner cleans just as well as dental office toothbrushes. In addition, they scrub off the plaque that accumulates inside those difficult-to-reach areas, which is why many dentists suggest them.
3. It’s Eco-Friendly
Don’t dispose of your toothbrush in the trash or spend money on a beautiful bamboo toothbrush. All you need is to clean and change the electric toothbrush heads. Simple. And for the most part, when you purchase an electric toothbrush, the electric toothbrush heads usually come free. Just get the right brand.
4. It Makes Your Follow-Up Appointments Go Smoother
One last benefit of the devices is that they can make visits to the dentist much more seamless. Particularly for devices with soft bristles, the standard brush and floss routine can reduce to merely brushing. In addition, with an electric toothbrush, you can concentrate more on brushing, so you’re less likely to overlook areas where tooth decay typically grows.
Are you thinking about getting your child an electric toothbrush? Some electric toothbrushes have built-in timers to remind you to brush your teeth for a full two minutes. Many parents discover that this encourages their children to wash their teeth properly. In addition, a lot of kids like the excitement of using an electric toothbrush.
