Can you imagine how difficult it might be to take care of your teeth without a toothbrush, though? Today, toothbrushes are easy to find. But things weren’t always so easy
In ancient times, people often used a twig or a small piece of tree branch — called a chew stick or a toothstick — to brush their teeth. They would chew one end until it wasfrayed, then use the frayed end to scrape their teeth. If they had a knife, they might sharpen the other end of the chew stick to a point to use as a toothpick.
Other people would use rag dipped in saltwater to wash their teeth. Some people just rubbed baking soda directly onto their teeth. Today, baking soda is still an ingredient in many types of toothpaste.
Eventually, the chinese came up with the idea of attaching stiff, rough bristles from the back of a pig’s neck to a piece of bone or bamboo. News of the toothbrush spread far and wide, but it didn’t catch on quickly everywhere. In Europe, for example, people had a hard time finding horsehair or feathers stiff enough to work as a toothbrush.
In the 1900s, the toothbrush saw many innovations. Plastic handles replaced bone. Nylon bristles replaced animal hairs. The first successful electric toothbrush hit American shelves in the early 1960s.
Aren’t you glad that you have nice, modern toothbrushes to use? What do you think it would’ve been like to brush your teeth with coarse pig hair?
The next time you brush your teeth, be thankful for your toothbrush. It helps you clean your teeth and stay healthy. But is it really necessary to brush your teeth so often? It sure is!
After you eat, bacteria in your mouth break down sugar left on your teeth. As the sugar breaks down, it turns into acid that can damage the outer coating of your teeth — called ename — and make holes called cavities.
If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, bacteria can build up to form a clear film on your teeth called plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly helps to remove plaque and prevent it from forming. It’s important to avoid plaque, since it can cause a gum disease known as gingivitis
To avoid these potential problems, be sure to make regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a fluoride rinse part of your daily routine. If possible, try to brush your teeth after every meal!
Try It Out
- Do you know the basic things you need to do to take care of your teeth? Follow these simple guidelines to make sure you keep your teeth healthy: + Brush your teeth at least twice each day. + Brush all of your teeth for at least 2-3 minutes. + Floss your teeth regularly to remove food that hides where your toothbrush can’t reach. + Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. + Visit a dentist at least twice each year, so you can find and fix problems early.
- How can you be sure you’re brushing long enough? How about turning brushing time into singing time? If you learn a few Tooth brushing sons, you’ll be able to sing these songs while you brush. By the time you’ve sung several songs, your teeth will be super clean!
- Looking for a way to make learning about dental care even more fun? Check out Colgate’s Games website to explore a variety of fun and educational games and puzzles perfect for all ages. Have fun learning more about how to keep your teeth the healthiest they can be!
