Toothbrush facts for kids
A toothbrush is a tool we use to clean our teeth. It has a small brush at the end of a handle. We often put toothpaste on a toothbrush. Toothpaste helps clean teeth and usually has fluoride, which makes teeth strong. Both toothbrushes and toothpaste come in many different colors. Toothpastes can also have many fun flavors. Using a good toothbrush, especially an electric one, can make brushing your teeth enjoyable. This helps you keep your mouth healthy and your smile bright!
How the Toothbrush Was Invented
People have always tried to keep their teeth clean, even before toothbrushes existed. Long ago, people would chew on a stick until one end became soft and fuzzy, like a brush. Sometimes, they dipped a finger in chalk or salt and rubbed their teeth with it.
Fancy toothpicks were also popular. These were often made of gold or decorated with jewels. People would wear them on their necklaces or stick them in their hats when they were not using them.
The first real brushes for teeth came from China. The Chinese made them using hair from the back of wild hogs.
The kind of toothbrush we use today was invented by a man named William Addis. He came up with the idea while he was in jail. First, he saved a bone from one of his meals. He then poked small holes in the bone. A prison guard gave him some stiff bristles. William tied these bristles into tiny bundles. He cut them to make them even and put glue on their ends. Then, he pushed the glued ends into the holes in the bone.
William Addis started a company that still makes millions of toothbrushes every year. His invention changed how people cleaned their teeth forever!
Images for kids
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Three plastic toothbrushes
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The horsehair toothbrush was said to have been used by Napoleon Bonaparte (1769–1821)
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'Indexo' finger toothbrush, New York, United States, 1901–1919. It is made entirely of rubber, which has been shaped to fit over the index finger.
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A child being shown how to use a toothbrush.
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Patented in 1985, curved bristles allow for safe and easy brushing of teeth and gingival sulcus.
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Various electric toothbrush heads
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Interdental Brushes
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Chewable toothbrushes
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See also
In Spanish: Cepillo de dientes para niños
