Did you know...? The first toothbrushes were 'chew sticks' used by ancient civilizations

If you go shopping for a toothbrush in Coffs Harbour you will be able to find many different types and models. Manual, electric, ultrasonic, soft, hard… there are so many choices that you might even get lost. Of course it wasn't always this way. Our modern understanding of oral health only really began in the 1700's. And the widespread adoption of good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist only began in the last century!

Our ancestors didn’t have the luck that we do. But how did the ancient civilizations brush their teeth? Or did they even need to?

The first toothbrush as we would recognise it was attributed to the emperor of China in 1498. But although this was the first recognised toothbrush, it wasn’t the first invention used to clean teeth. In fact, the first known ways of cleaning teeth were 'chew sticks'. The Babylonians used this method as early as 3500 BC.

These chew sticks were twigs that were chewed until one of the ends becomes frayed. This end would then be used to brush the teeth. Depending on from which type of tree the twig came from, this whole process would be even more efficient. This is because some trees like the Arak or banyan trees have antiseptic properties, helping to fight the bacteria in dental plaque.

Although it sounds very primitive, a peer reviewed study published in 2014 in the North American Journal of Medical Science compared chew sticks to normal tooth brushes and found similar amounts of plaque removal.

As basic and common it is to us, nylon toothbrushes are not available for everyone, and chew sticks are still used in some parts of the world today. The process of chewing also stimulates saliva, which can assist in plaque removal and tooth remineralisation.

So should you ditch your fancy new Colgate or Oral-B electric brush and grab yourself a chew stick from the garden?

We don't recommend it! Modern brushes are designed to be hygienic, efficient and removing dental plaque, and safe to put in your mouth.

As you can see, the idea of cleaning teeth to keep them healthy is not new. Although dental decay is more common today due to diets that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, the idea that that prevention is better than cure has existed for thousands of years.

If you would like to discuss your oral health or dental needs book a consultation with Dr Kate Amos or Dr Sam Rosehill at Ethical Dental on 6652 3185 or book online.