It is a common misconception that the bamboo toothbrush invention involves pandas. Recent articles and social media posts have been propagating this myth. The story goes that pandas have tiny bristles on their tongue to clean their teeth. And so they use a bamboo stick as a toothbrush.
This article explains the real story of the invention of the bamboo toothbrush. It is generally thought that people in ancient China used twigs from grapevines or mulberry trees as their primary form of dental hygiene. This was until around 1066 AD when Empress Xiao Wen — also known as Cing-Ching — invented the first toothbrush made from bamboo with horse hair bristles. However, there are no records to support this belief, nor has any evidence been found to substantiate those claims.
Who Invented The Bamboo Toothbrush?
There are no written records of the invention of the bamboo toothbrush. However, it is generally accepted that the original idea for a toothbrush came from the Chinese. The earliest toothbrush-like devices were made from a wide variety of materials, including the hair of various animals, feathers, and other plant fibers. The earliest bristled toothbrush was discovered in a toothpaste tube in a Chinese pharmacy, dating back to around 1066. This toothbrush looks similar to a modern toothbrush, except for the absence of a handle.
This first known toothbrush was created by dentists and royalty in ancient China. It was used to clean teeth and massage gums. The toothbrush bristles were made from the hair of a horse. This was due to the horse’s diet of grains and hay, which resulted in softer hair than that of a cow. Horse hair was used until 1932 when the softer bristles of pig hair were introduced.
The Real Story About Bamboo Toothbrush Is…
People in ancient China used twigs from grapevines or mulberry trees as their primary form of dental hygiene until around 1066 AD, when Empress Xiao Wen — also known as Cing-Ching — invented the first toothbrush made from bamboo with horse hair bristles.
The first toothbrush was made from a piece of bamboo with a piece of horse hair tied around one end. The bristles were tied at an upward angle, to allow them to reach the gum line while the head of the bamboo was used to massage the gums. This new bamboo toothbrush was first used by royalty, but it soon spread to the general public. It remained popular in China until 1848 when the Chinese switched to a toothbrush made of animal hair. The horse hair bristled toothbrush was popular around the world until 1932 when the softer bristles of pig hair were introduced.
Bamboo Twigs Are Still Used To This Day
Although the original bamboo toothbrush is long gone, bamboo twigs are still used today. Bamboo twigs are the preferred method of ancient Chinese dentists and patients with sensitive teeth. Bamboo is a porous material that is naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal. When bamboo is dried and sterilized, it makes an ideal toothbrush for those who are sensitive or allergic to other materials. Bamboo is easy to find, inexpensive, and has many health benefits. Because bamboo is a natural product, it is porous and easily absorbs liquids. This can be a disadvantage because bamboo toothbrushes are more likely to become contaminated and transfer bacteria to the user’s mouth. Bamboo toothbrushes, therefore, need to be replaced more often than synthetic brushes.
Bamboo Toothbrush Benefits
- The bamboo toothbrush is a great alternative for those with sensitive teeth or gums. It is also an eco-friendly option, as it is biodegradable.
- Bamboo is also a sustainable plant, which means it can be harvested without threatening the plant’s survival. Bamboo toothbrushes are chemical-free.
- It is naturally anti-microbial, making it a great alternative for those with sensitive teeth or gums or those who are concerned about bacteria build-up. It also makes a great toothbrush for people with orthodontic braces and children.
Wrapping up
Sounds shocking right? To summarise the article, the invention of the bamboo toothbrush took place about 1,000 years ago in China, where it remained popular until the mid-20th century. After that, Western toothbrushes took over and were used by people around the world. Bamboo is a great natural material used to make toothbrushes. It is naturally anti-microbial and is ideal for people with sensitive teeth or gums. Bamboo toothbrushes are also biodegradable and eco-friendly.
Now you know the real story, don’t wait to get your hands on the bamboo toothbrush and reduce plastic waste!
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