Toothbrush

From ArticleWorld

A toothbrush is a handheld device used to brush the teeth. Generally they are simple brushes that fit well inside the mouth although mechanized brushes that provide rotary or vibratory action inside the mouth are also available. Toothbrushes are designed to be used with some sort of abrasive or cleansing agent, such as toothpaste, for maximum effectiveness.

History

The brushing of the teeth likely predates modern history. Current cultures in third-world countries use twigs or other kinds of natural bristles to scrub the teeth.

The first mass-produced toothbrush was in England in 1780; however, the first patented toothbrush was not in existence until around 1850 in the US by H.N. Wadsworth. The first patented tooth brush consisted of a bone handle into which the hair bristles of the Siberian Boar were inserted. This brush didn’t work very well as it dried poorly and the brushes often fell out.

The use of the toothbrush gained in popularity around the time of World War II as it was part of a soldier’s duty to brush his teeth daily. After the war, the practice was continues. Synthetic toothbrushes were first made of nylon and were introduced in 1938 by DuPont Corporation.

Electric toothbrushes date back to 1939 but were not mass-marketed until the 1960s. More varieties have since become available that provide rotary action and different degrees of vibratory action. Toothbrushes now come in multiple sizes, with varying degrees of softness of the brushes and with brushes supposedly designed to brush better between the teeth.

Technique

Brushing one’s teeth can be done twice a day per recommendation of the dentist or more often, such as after every eating experience. Toothpaste is applied to the bristles of the brush, after which the brush and toothpaste is slightly moistened.

The recommended brushing movement of the teeth is an up-and-down or vertical brushing of the surfaces of the teeth that face the tongue and the cheek. Horizontal movements of the brush are acceptable on the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Dentists generally recommend that one uses a regular toothbrush over an electric one. The use of floss between the teeth is recommended along with brushing.