Tooth brushing

Tooth brushing is a form of hygiene, in which a person cleans their teeth with a toothbrush. Brushing teeth properly can prevent cavities, and periodontal, or gum disease, which causes at least one-third of adult tooth loss. If teeth are not brushed correctly and frequently, it could lead to the calcification of saliva minerals, forming tartar. Tartar hardens (then referred to as 'calculus' if not removed every 24 hours.

Food and dental plaque are removed from between teeth using floss and interdental brush. It is softly placed between the teeth and wiped along the sides of the teeth, particularly underneath the gums. A toothbrush cannot reach below the gum line or in between teeth. When used with brushing as part of routine dental hygiene, it can lessen gingivitis and bad breath.

Poor dental health has been associated with heart disease and shortened life expectancy. Brushing one's teeth has is an important part of dental care. As long ago as 3000 BC, the ancient Egyptians constructed crude toothbrushes from twigs and leaves to clean their teeth. Similarly, other cultures such as the Greeks, Romans, and Indians cleaned their teeth with twigs. Some would fray one end of the twig so that it could penetrate between the teeth more effectively.

Modern day toothbrushing as a regular habit became prevalent in Europe from the end of the 17th century. The first mass-produced toothbrush was developed in England in 1780. In the United States, although toothbrushes were available at the end of the 19th century, the practice did not become widespread until after the Second World War, when US soldiers continued the tooth-brushing that had been required during their military service.