Q&A: How Well Do You Know Your Toothbrush?

Your toothbrush is an important part of your daily routine. It helps keep your teeth gleaming and your breath fresh. How much do you know about that brush that’s in your hand twice a day? Here are some intriguing facts about the most commonly used dental health item in the world.

Q. What Options Do You Have in Toothbrush Types?

There have not been many innovations to toothbrush shapes and styles, and you basically have three major options.

Manual: A manual toothbrush requires no power and is easy enough for anyone to use. Manual brushes range from inexpensive plastic versions to eco-friendly bamboo brushes.

Electric: An electric toothbrush thoroughly cleans each tooth by carefully cupping each tooth in bristles. An electric toothbrush uses replaceable brush heads that are usually round. It has several features and settings, including massage, deep clean, sensitive, daily clean, and many more.

Battery-powered: These small, portable brushes let you take electric power on the road. The handle usually contains a battery that powers the rotating head. A battery-powered brush does not have the same power or features as a full electrical setup, but it can be a step above a manual.

Q. Who Invented the Toothbrush?

People have looked for ways to clean their teeth and freshen their breath for centuries.

The first toothbrush on record appeared in 1600 BC. China’s Tang dynasty was the first society to create a mass-produced toothbrush, and it was remarkably similar to the brushes we use today. It was about five inches long with an attached brush made of hog’s hair.

The first mass-produced toothbrushes appeared in the late 1700s. A British inventor named William Addis invented a brushing device that featured a bone handle and a brush head made from animal hairs.

The Addis brush was a huge hit. Addis exported toothbrushes around the world and supplied British soldiers in both world wars. Queen Mary's dollhouse in Windsor Castle has miniature Addis brushes in the bathrooms. The Addis company still exists, but it no longer sells toothbrushes.

Q. Who Invented the Electric Toothbrush?

Although there were so-called electric toothbrushes in the 1800s, they weren’t really powered by electricity. In fact, they were a bit of a scam.

In 1959, Swiss dentist Philippe Guy Woog invented a truly electric brush he named the Broxodent. The pharmaceutical company E. R. Squibb and Sons brought the Broxodent to the US.

The Broxodent was electric, but it had one serious flaw. It connected directly to a home’s electrical power source, which meant using it gave you as high a chance of getting electrocuted as getting clean teeth.

In 1961, General Electric introduced a cordless electric toothbrush that used a charging station. This was an enormous leap forward that made the electric toothbrush easy to charge and safe to use. Today’s electric toothbrushes use the same charging technology.

Q. Should You Use an Electric Toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes have several advantages. Compared to manual toothbrushes, they:

Remove more plaque from teeth.
Require less manual strength and dexterity.
Are easier for children and the elderly to use.
Have timers to ensure you brush for the recommended time of two minutes.
Use gentle pressure to preserve tooth enamel and help prevent gum recession.
If you have difficulty using a manual toothbrush or a tendency to brush too hard, a battery-powered or electric toothbrush may be a good option.

Q. Is a Waterpik an Electric Toothbrush?

Waterpik is the trade name for a particular type of water flosser. A water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator, is an alternative to string flossing. With a water flosser, you use a steady jet of water to flush out plaque and debris that's between your teeth.

Water flossing is the best way to clean around your teeth if you have braces or another dental appliance. Many people say they prefer water flossing because it:

Is gentler on teeth.
Helps freshen breath.
Preserves tooth enamel.
Helps remove surface stains.

If you’re intrigued by water flossing, talk to your dentist or dental hygienist. Some people who can't get the hang of string flossing have had great success with water flossing.

Contact Malan Family Dentistry for All Your Dental Needs

Even the best toothbrush in the world can’t replace regular dental checkups. If it’s been a long time since your last professional cleaning, call us. We provide expert dental care for the entire family.