The history of oral hygiene products: how far have we come in 6000 years?

Abstract

How far have we come in the past six millennia? Numerous dental epidemiological studies indicate that people are keeping their teeth longer than over before in this century. Agents and devices have evolved, by custom and by research, to enable people, with professional assistance, to maintain good oral health. Our diets, our lifestyles and our professional colleagues have "conspired" as pathogenic influences on oral health. The profession has met the challenge by developing and perfecting a myriad of devices and agents to thwart these pathogenic factors. Patient motivation and professional acceptance of preventive dentistry procedures still remain challenges. We certainly eat well, speak well, look fine and "smell fresh"--but we also have plaque, gingivitis and dental caries. The reader can determine how much progress has been made by reflecting on his or her personal oral health status!

The Evolution of A Tooth Brush: From Antiquity to Present- A Mini-Review

“…Records start to emerge from modern day China about the use of "chewing sticks" around 1600BC. "Chewing sticks" addressed another aspect of oral care-fresh breath and were made from aromatic tree twigs [3]. Additional evidence from ancient China indicates that hair from the necks of pigs was used to form bristles in early toothbrushes.…”

Factors Associated With the Presence of Dental Plaque in an Urban Cohort of Elderly (Epidoso)

“…The mechanical means, which include tooth brushing and flossing can be performed both by the professional or by the patient according to Fischman, 22 and they should be the chosen method as they are the safest and the most efficient ones. The myth that aging leads to loss of all teeth added to the lack of initiatives aimed at controlling plaque in the elderly can influence the elderly to neglect plaque control measures.…”

Enhancement of Plaque Removal Efficiency in Children Brush Design or Awareness?

“…3 İlk kıllı diş fırçası, 17. yüzyılda Çinliler tarafından icat edilmiş olup, ilerleyen teknoloji ile birlikte birçok değişime uğramıştır. 4 Günümüzde plak temizleme etkinliğini geliştirmek amacıyla tasarlanan fırçaların baş boyutu, kıl uzunluğu, çapı, elastisitesi, sayısı, dağılımı ve açılanması gibi pek çok farklı dizaynı bulunmaktadır. 5,6 Çocuklara küçük başlı ve kalın saplı fırçalar önerilmekte olup, bütün bu değişkenler araştırıldığında birçok farklı sonuç elde edilmektedir.…”