You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about your toothbrush, but that little brush in your bathroom is more interesting than you might think! Here are five things you probably didn’t know about your toothbrush.

1. It Wasn’t Always A Brush

The original “toothbrush” was a simple tool– a frayed stick to chew on. In many countries, dental sticks are still popularly used to clean the teeth between meals. In India, the wood of the neem tree provides the chewing stick, while in the Southeastern United States, sassafras is the wood of choice.

2. It’s Not A New Invention

The first actual toothbrushes were invented in China during the Tang Dynasty, which lasted from 619–907 AD. These toothbrushes had bristles made from hog hair that was set into handles made of bone or bamboo. Toothbrushes weren’t widely adopted until the 1700s in Europe, and until the 20th century, horsehair and boar bristle toothbrushes were a major Chinese export.

3. Soft Bristles Are Your Friend

Your teeth are covered with a tough, but relatively thin layer of enamel. Enamel is the toughest substance produced by the body… but abrasion from hard toothbrush bristles can damage it and your gums. If you’re wondering “What should I ask my dentist,” a brush recommendation is always a good idea. Most dental professionals recommend soft bristled toothbrushes. Whether you use a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush to polish up your smile, you should remove plaque gently with a soft-bristled brush.

4. It Didn’t Always Go With Toothpaste

For many centuries, people didn’t put toothpaste on their brushes. Instead, they’d use tooth powder, with or without a brush. The earliest known recipe for tooth powder comes from ancient Egypt and included the ashes of cows’ hooves, myrrh, pumice, and crushed eggshell.

By 1900, a paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda was popular in both Europe and America. But only after WWI did toothpaste become more popular than tooth powder.

5. You Should Probably Replace It

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? If the answer is more than three months ago, you’re likely due for a change. Toothbrush bristles fray and become less effective at removing plaque over time. This is one of the most frequently asked questions for your dentist, and they’ll be happy to help remind you that you need to switch brushes!

Have more questions about your oral health or brush routine? Schedule an appointment with us at Brush Dental or stop your office in Seattle for a tour!