Evidence suggests that the use of toothbrushes to clean teeth dates back as far as 3000 BC
. These early tooth brushes were not like the ones we use today of course. Instead branches from trees were used to scrape unwanted matter from teeth, a method still in use today in less developed parts of the world.
The first actual toothbrushes originated in China in the late 15th century, the bristles were made from animal hair and the handles were made from bone. These primitive tooth brushes arrived in Europe via traders who visited China. Until this time, the Europeans tended to rely on using toothpicks to clean their teeth.
After Louis Pasteur's findings regarding bacteria and germs, people became worried about the idea of putting animal hair in their mouths and the search for a replacement material started. This did not happen until the 1930s when nylon was discovered. Although at first the new nylon toothbrushes were very stiff and dentists did not recommend them due to the damage they caused to people's gums. It wasn't until a softer type of nylon was developed in the 1950s that the use of nylon toothbrushes became widespread.
With regard to toothpaste, a form of toothpaste made from pumice stone and vinegar was used by the ancient Egyptians but perhaps more amazing is the fact that Romans pioneered the use of a form of toothpaste made from urine! Incredibly the use of urine to make toothpaste continued up until as late as the 1700s and in fact it has been proven that the ammonia in the urine does in fact act as a teeth whitening agent.
It is not a well known fact but a couple of hundred years ago it was actually barbers who would perform cosmetic teeth whitening treatment. Although many of you may have heard that barbers used to perform tooth extractions, you probably hadn't heard that barbers used to perform a form of teeth whitening treatment by filing the teeth down and then dabbing them with acid. This treatment tended to do more harm than good however.
You'll be pleased to hear that tooth whitening is a lot less painful and a lot more effective treatment these days. The teeth whitening treatments these days include take home kits, laser teeth whitening and smile strips. It is now the fastest growing treatment in the world of cosmetic dentistry and no such things as animal hair or urine are involved!