Tooth Brushing is an Important Habit

In order to take proper care of your teeth, you should pay attention to your toothbrush.

Luckily we no longer have to use pig bristles to make our toothbrushes.

Tooth brushing tools have been around for over 3000 years when the Babylonians and the Egyptians made a brush by fraying the end of a twig.

The Chinese are believed to have invented the first natural bristle toothbrush made from the bristles from pigs’ necks. The bristles were attached to a bone or bamboo handle.

The modern design for the toothbrush came around 1780. The handle was carved from cattle bone and the brush portion was still made from swine bristles. In 1844, the first three-row bristle brush was designed.

Natural bristles were the only bristles until Du Pont invented nylon. It wasn’t until around 1948 that the truly modern toothbrush came to be.

There are so many types, shapes, and models of toothbrushes today. One of the most important things to remember about them is to use them at least twice a day, for at least 2 minutes each time.  We call this the 2 by 2 rule.

So many modern options for toothbrushes.

Replace your toothbrush every three or four months.  If you have been sick recently it is also a good idea to replace it to prevent infection.

If you want suggestions of what type of toothbrush will work best for your situation, speak with Dr. Croft at Columbia Orthodontics.

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