Posted on 5/1/2024 by Singing River Dentistry Madison
While you stand at the bathroom sink, look in the mirror, and brush your teeth, you may wonder how the toothbrushing trend started. For decades, there has been incontrovertible evidence that tooth brushing is vital for dental and overall health. How did tooth brushing become a daily ritual?
Early Twig Chewing
As early as 5000 BCE, humans began cleaning their teeth with twigs. In Ancient Egypt, people used twigs from an arak tree because the twigs frayed into brush-like extensions. People in Ancient Greece and Rome, as well as those in China and India, cleaned their teeth with twigs. Monks in India began cleaning their teeth and scraping their tongues with wood in the 8th century and had rules about the length of tooth brushing and the importance of hygiene before beginning their duties for the day.
When Did Modern Tooth Brushes Evolve?
What we think of as modern toothbrushes began to be manufactured in the late 1600s in England, although they were not mass-produced until about 100 years later. Toothbrushing in England was seen as something for the upper class and was shunned by working-class Brits until well into the 19th century. Toothbrushes began to make their way into America at about the same time. However, most Americans did not clean their teeth daily until after World War II. Soldiers who were in the war came home and continued the practice of brushing their teeth every day because they were required to while they were in the military.
Is It That Important to Brush Your Teeth?
In a word, yes. Decades of study of periodontal disease and tooth decay make it clear that brushing your teeth twice a day helps your body fight off cavities and gum disease. You can keep your natural teeth, and your gums will not become inflamed and infected. Tooth brushing is one of the single best things you can do for your dental health and overall health.
Not sure whether you are brushing and flossing correctly, or you just want to ask about your oral health? Let us help! Reach out to our office today, and we will make an appointment for you to see our dentist.
About Us - Madison, AL | Singing River Dentistry Singing River Dentistry is a patient-centered dental practice, devoted to helping patients of all ages improve their oral and overall health. Call us! Singing River Dentistry Madison, 7559 Hwy 72 W, Suite 105, Madison, AL 35758 \ 256 - 562 - 4001 \ madison.singingriverdentistry.com \ 11/27/2024 \ Page Phrases: dentist Madison AL \
While you stand at the bathroom sink, look in the mirror, and brush your teeth, you may wonder how the toothbrushing trend started. For decades, there has been incontrovertible evidence that tooth brushing is vital for dental and overall health. How did tooth brushing become a daily ritual?