Historical evolution of the toothbrush

• Main Authors: Isidro de Jesús Nápoles González, Maria Elena Fernandez Collazo, Ana María Napoles Salas, Patricia Jiménez Beato
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editorial Ciencias Médicas 2015-01-01
• Series: Revista Cubana de Estomatología
• Subjects: historia; cepillo dental; higiene bucal; placa dentobacteriana.
• Online Access: http://www.revestomatologia.sld.cu/index.php/est/article/view/289

Oral hygiene dates back to ancient times. Primitive people used their nails or wood chips to clean their teeth. In pre-Hispanic times indigenous people used plant roots or rubbed their teeth with their fingers. The toothbrush as we know it today appeared in the 17th century. Toothbrushes are designed in a variety of types, sizes and bristle thicknesses. Bristles are disposed in various angles to facilitate brushing. The purpose of the review was to learn about the historical evolution of the toothbrush. An exhaustive retrospective online search was conducted with Google search machine. Relevant data were collected with personal manager asynchronous communication tools such as Endnote as aids in the arrangement of quotations. Original journal papers, websites and blogs were consulted. Selection of materials was not restricted by date, authors or styles. The texts selected for review were those containing references to the study topic. We do not think it is necessary to use high technology toothbrushes for oral hygiene. An adequate technique and knowledge about the toothbrush will facilitate the process, preventing common conditions caused by dental plaque (caries and periodontal disease) and thus preserving for a longer time the functionality of teeth in the oral cavity.