Leawood KS General DentistThanksgiving is a time of looking back with gratefulness. During your feast you usually take time to share what you’ve been thankful for over the past year. It’s also a time to reflect on the first Thanksgiving and its rich history. Giving thanks over the years since that first feast when the Pilgrims and Indians sat together is a tradition to be treasured. At Gordan Dental, we’d like to acknowledge, with great thanksgiving, some of those who have gone before us to help make dental health a priority.
The toothbrush dates back to the Tang Dynasty in China. The first bristle toothbrush was made with hog bristle. A bristle toothbrush spread in Europe brought back from China from European travellers. The naming of the toothbrush is attributed to Anthony Wood who wrote in 1690 that he had bought a “toothbrush.” William Addis of England made the first mass-produced toothbrush while he was in prison in 1780. The handle was carved from cattle bone, and the brush portion was still made from swine bristles. In 1844, the first 3-row bristle brush was designed.
It is believed that it was the Egyptians who started using paste to clean their teeth around 5000BC. The ingredients in these ancient toothpastes were likely to include powder of ox hooves and burnt eggshells combined with pumice. Later, the Greeks and Romans favored more abrasiveness, and their toothpaste included crushed bones and oyster shells. The Romans kindly added more flavoring to help with bad breath. They also added powdered charcoal and bark. The Chinese used ginseng, herbal mints and salt. In 1873 Colgate started the mass production of toothpaste.
This November, take time to be grateful for all of your gifts. At Gordan Dental, we are thankful for all of our patients, and the opportunity to look back together with gratefulness to all those who have paved the way for optimal dental health.
Posted on behalf of Gordon Dental of Leawood