| A Brief History of Toothbrushes and Toothpastes |
You may be surprised to learn that the tradition of brushing teeth goes back about 5,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence reveals that both the Egyptians and the Babylonians brushed their teeth with frayed twigs beginning around 3500 B.C.
In the 15th century, the Chinese are credited with creating the toothbrush. This toothbrush was an all-natural brush designed from boar bristles that connected to a handle fashioned out of bamboo or bone. In 1600 B.C., the Chinese also developed 'chew sticks' from twigs, using them to keep their breath fresh.
Eventually, the early 15th century Chinese brush found its way to Europe and was produced with horse hairs or feathers. In 1780, the first modern toothbrush's design credit went to William Addis, who used a pig's bristles and a bone handle.
Natural bristles continued to be used until nylon was invented in the late 1930s, leading to the development of the toothbrush as we know it today. Today, brushes come in all shapes and sizes to help make brushing safe and easy no matter what your dental health needs are.
Toothpaste, like early tooth brushing, is attributed to the ancient Egyptians from around 5000 B.C. Later, Greece, Rome, China, and India adopted toothpaste. These early toothpastes included a wide variety of ingredients that would sound quite distasteful today, including powder of ox hooves, ashes, crushed bones, shells, and powdered charcoal. Sometime after - to make the toothpaste more palatable - spices, mint, flower petals, and even salt were added.
The first modern toothpaste was manufactured by Colgate in 1873 and was distributed in jars. Tubes came twenty years later. Fluoride was added in 1914, guiding us into the era of today's healthy, flavorful, effective toothpastes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ok Everyone, Say ... CHEESE!
|
I’m sure you’ve all heard of prebiotics for your gut, but have any of you heard of prebiotics for your mouth?! Yep it’s true! New research has shown that having the right proteins in the mouth aid in fluoride uptake as well as nurturing good bacteria in the mouth and casting out the bad, cavity causing bacteria. How do we do this? Well, first, let’s go over the difference between PRObiotics and PREbiotics.
PRObiotics are supplements/foods that contain LIVE colonies of good bacteria that our bodies need to function optimally.
PREbiotics are foods that the PRObiotic colonies like to eat. Think of it like fertilizer: If you want your roses to have beautiful blooms you give them fertilizer for roses, not fertilizer for tomatoes. Make sense? Good!
The #1, super awesome, amazing prebiotic protein is: Casein. Fluoride needs to bind to Casein to be able to move through the plaque and strength enamel. This prebiotic helps to decrease cavity bacteria colonies and raise the pH of the mouth, giving the mouth a new foundation to promote the growth of good bacteria. YAY!
Now, where can find this protein? Has Colgate or Crest added it to their toothpaste lines? Sadly, no. But it CAN be found in something I personally love eating (more than toothpaste!) …… CHEESE!
That’s right! Good ol’ cheese. So make sure that when you snack you grab some cheese instead of gummy worms. Or, better yet, have some cheese with your favorite snack. Like cheese and crackers, or apples and cheese. Cheese and gummy worms? Probably not, but you get the idea.
- Jocelyn RDH |
|
|
| What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? |
Naturally occurring enamel protects the teeth and cementum protects the roots. The underlying dentin is a less dense system of microscopic tubes and canals. If the enamel or cementum is reduced, heat and cold more easily stimulate the nerves and can cause sensitivity.
There are several dental problems that can cause tooth sensitivity:
• cavities
• fractured or cracked teeth
• worn tooth enamel
• exposed tooth roots
Regular check-ups can help prevent these issues and detect them early if they do occur. However, if you currently are experiencing tooth sensitivity, the first step is to review proper brushing technique and try a desensitizing toothpaste. If the sensitivity continues, make an appointment to come in for an assessment. In some cases, fluoride gels can strengthen tooth enamel and bonding agents can seal problem tooth roots.
|
|
|
