Dr. Robert Hutson, inventor of the first Oral-B toothbrush, died last month (no free linkage anymore). He was San Jose’s first periodontal dentist, and, if I remember the obituary correctly, was appalled by the bruising on his patients gums caused by toothbrushes. He used the now common tufted layout and end-rounded bristles to help create a brush that was still tough on teeth but gentler to gums. This was in 1950, and Oral-B went on to become the leading toothbrush manufacturer. Oral-B toothbrushes traveled with the first moon landing.

In ancient times, some cultures used frayed tree branches to clean their teeth. Some web sources say that the Chinese invented the modern toothbrush (1498 A.D.) which was then brought to Europe. Boar bristles were used until the invention of nylon. Dr. West’s Miracle Tuft Toothbrush (an original ad, large gif) brought the truly contemporary toothbrush to the masses.

An interesting sidenote: here’s a WWII era ad for Scot Toilet Tissue which asks “With most doctors having to ration their time today and almost every hospital full to capacity–are you prepared for a possible home delivery?” It describes how to make your own protective masks from toilet tissue. Clever, huh?