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3500 BCE
Early Life
The earliest know "toothbrush" was called a "chewing stick" which was used by the Babylonians, but was later improved by the Chinese. The Chinese used aromatic twigs to freshen their breath. -
Jan 1, 1401
Toothbrush?
The Chinese are believed to have invented the first natural bristle toothbrush made from the bristles from pigs' necks in the 15th century, with the bristles attached to a bone or bamboo handle. When it was brought from China to Europe, this design was adapted and often used softer horse hairs which many Europeans preferred. Other designs in Europe used feathers. -
Development
A man named William Addis made the first mass-produced toothbrush. While he was in prison he felt that there was a better way to clean your teeth and so he took small animal bones, drilled holes through them and tied hairs through the holes to make the bristles. It later turned into a business. -
Patent
H.N. Wadsworth was granted the first U.S. patent for toothbrushes. -
Nylon
Du Pont Laboratories invented nylon, it was only a matter of time before nylon bristles made their way on toothbrushes. -
Electric Toothbrush
The first electric toothbrush was made in 1939 and the first electric toothbrush in the US was the Broxodent in 1960. -
Today
Present day toothbrushes are used all the time, the design used are the nylon toothbrush and the electric toothbrush.
