When it comes to oral health there are two very common tools we all use. These tools are great for helping to keep teeth clean and they have come a long way over the years.

The toothbrush

The toothbrush has origins as early as 3000 BC. The Egyptians and Babylonians had to craft their own tools in order to clean their teeth. These tools were made by fraying one end of a twig. The frayed end of the stick was used to help clean food out from around their teeth. The first more modern type of toothbrush was made in England in the 1700’s. It was crafted using cattle bone and swine bristles. By the 1950’s nylon bristles, like we use today, became common as people preferred the softer feeling. Though not as effective as our toothbrushes today, these tools helped to improve their oral health.

Dental Floss

Oral health
Brushing and flossing daily is important to good oral health.

The origins of when dental floss was first used are unknown, but it is believed that people in prehistoric times used horse hair to loosen food from between their teeth. In 1815, Dr. Levi Spear Parmly introduced silk thread coated in wax and stressed the importance of brushing and flossing daily to prevent dental disease. By the mid 1900’s dental floss was made out of nylon instead of silk. Todays dental floss has been improved with more varieties to aid people in maintaining great oral health.

Oral Health Benefits

Brushing and flossing daily are essential to good oral health. Using a good toothbrush and dental floss daily can help remove plaque from the teeth. If left untreated, plaque can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Routine dental check ups can also help maintain the health of your mouth. Depending on the condition of your mouth, you may need to visit the dentist more or less often. Check with your local dentist and ask about other recommendations for your oral health.

 

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