• Oral Hygiene

    10 Facts about the History of Oral Hygiene

    The Chinese are credited as having produced the first toothbrushes during the Tang Dynasty (618 to 907 AD).  The first toothbrushes were constructed from ivory, bone, or bamboo and hog’s or horse’s hair. Two ivory handles were found in a tomb dating from 959 AD.  These handles are approximately the size and shape of the modern toothbrush.  There were two columns of four holes each drilled into them for the bristles.   The Chinese used mouthwash daily.  There were a variety of items used, including saltwater solutions, tea, horse urine, wine, and vinegar. The Romans would burn and grind up animal bones to use in their dentifrices. In India, people cleaned…