Understanding Toothbrush Materials: A Comprehensive Guide

Brushing your teeth is an important part of dental hygiene. Proper brushing may help you to avoid costly and often painful trips to the dentist. From animal bone to plastic handles, toothbrushes have come a long way since first being invented thousands of years ago.

Bristles

• In 1498, the Chinese invented toothbrushes that used the hair from hogs' necks as bristles. However, in 1938, when Du Pont invented nylon, it became the preferred material for bristles. However, some toothbrushes still use rubber bristles or points, such as those designed for infants.

Handle

• Original European handles were made from the bone of animals, and before that, they were made from twigs. Plastic is now used to make the handles of toothbrushes. The plastic is molded into the shape of a handle depending on the preference of the manufacturer.

Rubber

• Some toothbrushes are equipped with rubber handles to assist with gripping the toothbrush. Some also have rubber tongue scrapers fixed to the back of the toothbrush, opposite of the nylon bristles.

Electronic Toothbrush

• An electronic toothbrush also contains a small motor and a battery. The motor is designed to spin or rotate the bristles. According to the Forsyth Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry, electronic toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and gingivitis.