Did you know that the first toothbrush was created around 3000 BC? Ancient civilizations would use a twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth to clean them. Taking care of your smile is nothing new; people have obviously been brushing their teeth for thousands of years. The first toothbrush with bristles, similar to current toothbrushes, was invented in around 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bamboo or bone, with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog's neck.
It wasn't until around 1940 that the first nylon bristled toothbrush was introduced, and people quickly became more aware of practicing good oral hygiene.
Here are some other interesting facts about toothbrushes and toothpaste:
- Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color.
- The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India.
- On average, children smile about 400 times per day.
- Your toothbrush should be replaced about every two months.
- Crest was introduced in 1955 and Colgate in 1873.
