Toothbrush History & Construction
The modern toothbrush, fashioned with nylon bristles and a plastic handle, came about in 1938, according to the Library of Congress. Before that time, boar bristles were used in place of nylon, and in fact, toothbrushes dating back to China in the late 15th century were made of boar's hair, attached to bone or bamboo handles. In the U.S., the practice of regular tooth brushing came about largely due to soldiers returning from World War II who'd learned to practice rigorous dental hygiene.
The Toothbrush & Good Dental Health
The toothbrush removes plaque (a film of bacteria) that accumulates on the teeth and gums. The American Dental Association notes that the acid in plaque attacks the enamel on teeth after you eat. It's important to remove plaque so that it doesn't harden into tartar or calculus. The bristles of the toothbrush, when applied to the teeth correctly and frequently, remove plaque before build-up results in cavities and more dire forms of periodontal disease, such as receding or bleeding gums or tooth loss.
Using a Toothbrush
The ADA recommends using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush, in a size that feels good in your mouth. When brushing teeth, place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use short back-and-forth strokes to clean all of the surfaces of the teeth (inner, outer and chewing surfaces). Up-and-down strokes using the tip of the toothbrush takes care of plaque on the inside of the front teeth. Brush the tongue as well, to remove bacteria that can cause bad breath. The ADA recommends brushing teeth at least twice a day---and using dental floss to clean the area between the teeth at least daily.
Toothbrush Care
Nylon bristles get worn out with repeated use, rendering the toothbrush an ineffective tool for plaque removal. The ADA advises purchasing a new toothbrush every three to four months, or even more frequently, depending on the amount of wear and tear on the brush. Rinse the toothbrush well after each use to remove toothpaste and other debris, prop it upright and let it air-dry (storing toothbrushes in closed containers can cause undesirable microorganisms to grow on the bristles). The ADA notes that sharing toothbrushes can spread infection between users of the brush. Particularly at risk are those with infectious diseases and weakened immune systems.
