Toothbrushing

Cleaning precedes the modern brush

The brush with a synthetic handle and bristles is only one step in the history of dental cleaning. Chewing sticks have long been used to form a fibrous end for rubbing teeth, and this use still exists with siwak. The brush otherwise combines the same functions: a part that you hold and a cleaning surface that you can guide into the mouth.

Old brushes notably used animal bristles attached to a handle. However, it is not enough to have an object resembling a brush to have our current prevention. The flexibility of the strands, their maintenance, the regularity of the action and the composition of the toothpaste are distinct questions, which have become clearer over time.

1938: synthetic strands change manufacturing

The Library of Congress dates the arrival of the nylon bristle brush to 1938. This change in material marks an important step in the modern form of the object. It becomes possible to manufacture regular synthetic strands, then vary their dimensions and organization depending on the model. The daily brush then becomes closer to the one we know.

This does not mean that every new form brings a major benefit. Even today, an accessible head and soft strands remain more useful criteria than a spectacular design. The material makes it possible to make the tool; its appeal then depends on how it touches surfaces and how easily a person can use it every day.

Fluoride evolves the purpose of toothpaste

At the beginning of the 20th century, American research focused on teeth with unusual coloring but relatively little cavities. The work ends up linking these observations to fluoride present in the water. The history shows both a protective effect and the importance of the dose: excessive exposure during tooth formation can modify the appearance of the enamel.

In 1945, Grand Rapids began a study of fluoridating its drinking water. This milestone belongs to the history of collective prevention, while fluoridated toothpaste will become a means of bringing fluoride directly into contact with the teeth when brushing. These are different uses, but they help to shift the focus: cleaning to have a fresh mouth is no longer enough, we also seek to reduce cavities.

Electricity adds assistance to gestures

The first electric brushes arrived on the American market around 1960, then the systems and formats diversified. Their practical interest is to produce the movement instead of the hand. The person must always guide the head, reach the different faces and maintain appropriate pressure: the motor does not decide for them which teeth have been forgotten.

The 2014 Cochrane review brings together 56 studies comparing electric and manual brushes. She finds a medium benefit of electrics on plaque and gingivitis, with moderate quality data. This supports their interest without making the manual a bad choice. Useful progress remains that which actually improves cleaning and makes the routine easier to maintain.