The first recorded use of a toothbrush was found in 16^th century BC Chinese literature. As far as 3500 BC, Babylonians used chewing sticks fashioned from the twigs of particular aromatic trees. These glorified toothpicks were supposedly used to pick out food and freshen breath. The first bristled toothbrush did not appear on the scene until 16^th century AD in China. In 1780, William Addis of Clerkensald, England is given the credit of manufacturing the first modern bristle toothbrush from cattle bone and swine fibers. In the US in the late 30’s, the bristles were eventually replaced by nylon .

Today we have a dizzying array of choices when it comes to oral hygiene - the old school toothbrush, the water-pick, the rotary or power brushes, flossing sticks, and a whole isle dedicated to toothpastes and mouthwashes at the pharmacy or grocery store. As parents, it is our job to teach and maintain our kids oral health so they can develop healthy habits to fight against plaque and gingivitis, right?

Chronic gum disease is called periodontitis, which occurs when waste material or plaque collects around the teeth and irritates the gums. A build up of plaque around the gum-line leads to gingivitis but plaque can be kept in check with good habits. The health community is starting to link poor oral hygiene to a number of major health problems in adults that we, as parents, should be aware of -

They found that men with a history of periodontal disease had a 64 per cent increased risk of pancreatic cancer than men with no such history. And increased severity of periodontitis, for example with recent tooth loss, had the greatest risk.” ~ Medical News Today

Although this is not new news in the health community, there has also been mounting evidence linking gum disease and heart disease. A French study claims to be the first to show that the severity of each disease may also be connected. So in short, there is now a direct correlation between oral health and one’s chances of a heart attack later in life. Remember the food and bacteria that is cleared by regular flossing is the culprit. If left unchecked this bacteria can enter the bloodstream where they may activate the immune system, making artery walls inflamed and narrowed, or attach directly to fatty deposits already present in the arteries which causes further narrowing.

Historically toothpaste didn’t enter the scene until many years after the toothbrush. Though formulas similar to toothpaste were found to be used in China as early as 500 BC, toothpaste as we know it wasn’t invented until 1824 when a dentist known as Peabody first added soap to the formulas. In the 1850s, John Harris added chalk, and in 1873 it was first mass produced in jars. The collapsible tube was introduced in 1892. Advancements in synthetic detergents (after WW II) replaced the soap used in toothpaste with emulsifying agents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and Sodium Ricinoleate.

By the way, these two sodium based ingredients can create problems for those of us who snore. It is believed that the sodium dries out your palette, thus setting the stage for some serious snoring - so try a brand of toothpaste that does not have these ingredients. Also, avoid mouthwashes that have alcohol in them, they have the same affect.

Floss, similarly was developed many years before it was officially invented. Toothpick grooves and floss like material have been found in the teeth of many prehistoric human skeletons, dating back to the same times as the original Babylonian toothbrushes. Levi Spear Parmly is given credit with the rediscovery, starting to tell people to floss with a piece of silk in 1815.

Personally, I have always thought of brushing and flossing your teeth as primarily about ridding your mouth of food so you don’t get cavities (which is true). But after researching it a bit more it seems wise to think of it more of neutralizing your mouth and tongue of unwanted bacteria, acids and germs as well. In other words food is only part of the problem, the bacteria and other unsavory partners like plaque are the real reason why we should be diligent with our kids oral hygiene as well as our own.

Healthy Oral Habits At A Glance:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. [Source: ADA.Org]

Sited Links:
American Dental Association | Oral Hygiene
Medical News Today | Pancreatic Cancer Linked to Poor Oral Hygiene
Daily Mail | Keeping Your Teeth Clean Could Help Prevent Heart Attack