Menu
We all know and love our toothbrushes. They help us get rid of that yucky stuff on our teeth, prevent cavities (with the help of toothpaste), and make our breath smell fresh. But did you know there’s more to learn about them? Let’s explore some interesting facts about toothbrushes.
When you’re picking a toothbrush, buy a standard toothbrush from a reputed company that follows the guidelines published by the American Dental Association. The toothbrush range from ICPA Health Products follows the ADA guidelines.
Toothbrushes have been around for a very long time, like 5,000 years! They didn’t look like today’s toothbrushes, though. In ancient times, people used things like small sticks with frayed ends to clean their teeth. Over time, toothbrushes changed and were made from bones, wood, or ivory handles with tough bristles from animals. The toothbrush we use today with nylon bristles was invented in 1938.
Surprisingly, the first mass-produced toothbrush was created by a man in jail. In 1770, a guy named William Addis got locked up for causing trouble. While in prison, he saw other inmates using rags covered in soot or salt to clean their teeth. So, he saved a bone from his dinner, got some bristles from a guard, and made a toothbrush by poking holes in the bone and sticking the bristles in with glue. After he got out of jail, he improved his idea, and started a company, and that company, Wisdom Toothbrushes, still exists in the United Kingdom today.
When it comes to choosing between a regular and an electric toothbrush, it doesn’t make a big difference for your teeth. What’s really important is to brush twice a day for two minutes with fluoride-containing toothpaste. Both types of brushes can clean your teeth well, so it’s up to you to choose the one you like. If using a regular brush is hard for you, you might find an electric one more comfortable. Ask your dentist which one is right for you.
There’s no strict rule about whether you should brush or floss first. Your teeth don’t mind which order you do it in, as long as you do both.
When you finish brushing, it’s essential to clean your toothbrush. Just rinse it with water to get rid of toothpaste and bits of food. Keep it standing up so it can air dry. If you store your toothbrush with others, make sure they don’t touch it to avoid spreading germs. And don’t put it in a closed container because that can make it a cozy home for unwanted bacteria.
Remember to change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles look worn out. An old toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
Whether you use a regular or electric toothbrush, go for one with soft bristles. Brushes with hard or medium bristles can hurt your gums and enamel. When you brush your teeth, be gentle. You don’t need to scrub hard; just brush enough to remove the stuff on your teeth. The fluoride in your toothpaste will do the rest of the work.
ICPA toothbrushes come in three groups, based on the bristle diameter. Bristles are those tiny, thin, hair-like structures that clean your tooth surfaces.
0.007” diameter bristle, known as a soft toothbrush, is ideal for daily use.
0.006” diameter bristle, known as an ultra-soft toothbrush is ideal for sensitive teeth, post-surgical care, and in cancer patients where brushing can be painful.
0.008” diameter bristle, known as a smart toothbrush, is ideal for those patients, who want a little robust and harder bristles.
And don’t forget: Brush for two minutes, twice a day. Four minutes every day can keep your smile healthy.
Sharing is usually a good thing, but not when it comes to toothbrushes. When you share a toothbrush, you might share germs and bacteria too. This could be a problem if you’re sick or have a weak immune system. So, it’s best to stick to your own toothbrush.
