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Oral hygiene has always been an important part of maintaining overall health even throughout history. For literally thousands of years, humans have found ways to keep their teeth and mouths clean. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), \u201cearly forms of the toothbrush have existed for nearly 5,000 years.\u201d<\/p>\n
Can you even imagine what the first toothbrush probably looked like? Your Sachse dentist is here to take a walk back through time to explore the evolution of the toothbrush.<\/p>\n
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With help from The Library of Congress, Dr. Ernani Domingo and our team have compiled a timeline with things that\u2019ll intrigue you about the first few toothbrushes of our time.<\/p>\n
3000 BC<\/strong> \u2013 The earliest form of the toothbrush was found back in biblical times. It was called, the \u201cchew stick\u201d and used by Ancient civilizations. People would rub this thin twig with a frayed end against their teeth to remove food and plaque. This would be the time to thank your dentist for never exposing your gums to splinters!<\/p>\n 1498 <\/strong>\u2013 The first bristle toothbrush was invented in China. Believe it or not, this form of the toothbrush had many similarities to the toothbrushes used today. These devices were made by attaching the stiff, coarse hairs from the back of a hog\u2019s neck to handles that were typically made from bone or bamboo.<\/p>\n 1938<\/strong> \u2013 Thankfully dentistry rid the boar bristle. Dupont de Nemours introduced nylon bristles, and Americans welcomed Doctor West\u2019s Miracle Toothbrush, the first nylon toothbrush.<\/p>\n