William Edward Addis Inventor of Toothbrush

Biography of William Edward Addis

Early Life

William Addis is widely credited as the inventor of toothbrush which can be said as the simplest invention but the very important in today’s era. Although different material was used in ancient past to serve the purpose of toothbrush, like chew sticks, tree twigs, bird feathers, animal bones and porcupine quills. Chinese used bamboos to clean their teeth’s but the creation of appropriate form and purpose of toothbrush is credited to William Addis.

Birth history and career

He was born in 1734 in England. It is widely known that he became a rag trader, collecting rags and then pulping them to make high quality paper and earn money through solding them. Story of invention of toothbrush was somehow linked to his stay in prison in 1780 for causing a riot. In order to utilize his time during his stay in prison he thought of coming up with better and hygienic solution to clean teeth rather than cleaning with a piece of rag.

History of Manufacturing of toothbrush

It is believed that he saved a piece of bone found in his prison meal, made half a dozen small holes in one end, and used broom standing in the corner of his cell to make bristles and used glue to stick the bristles in place.

After his release from prison he started a business that would manufacture the toothbrushes. It became a source of his earning and he became very rich. After his death his business was transferred to his son also called William, and it stayed in family ownership until 1996. By 1840 significance of toothbrushes spread across the world and they were being mass-produced in number of countries like England, France, Germany, and Japan.

Interesting facts related to history of toothbrush

It is difficult to believe but true that most Americans did not brush their teeth until Army soldiers took a stand and added it into part of everyday routine after World War II. Toothpaste were available in powder form in early times, however modern toothpaste were developed in 1980’s.

Inventor of Toothbrush

William Edward Addis is considered as the inventor of toothbrush and it is the only invention which he made throughout his life. He was not at all a scientist or any famous inventor but his invention can be considered very important.

Toothbrush

Toothbrush is a kind of instrument which is used orally. The function of the toothbrush is to clean the teeth and other dust, unhygienic materials from our mouth and tongue. It consists of a handle which is kind of flat and a bit wider from a side. The bristles are attached with the handle on that flat part and it is used with toothpaste to cleanse the mouth. Toothpaste normally includes fluoride which is used for the shining of the teeth. There are a number of types of toothbrushes which includes from a simple to a wide variety of expensive toothbrushes. Toothbrush does not look like any big invention in the modern times when it is made through machines but it was worth important at those times.

Criticism

Although it is believed that William Edward manufactured toothbrushes while his stay in prison, but lot of people criticize this viewpoint. According to them hand drills were not available in prison for digging the hole in brush so how is it possible that toothbrush was manufactured in prison without use of hand drill.

Modification in toothbrushes

In early times toothbrush hairs were made up of broom material, but later on with advancement animal’s hair were used. Other efforts were directed to improve the hygiene quality and level of comfort. Nowadays toothbrushes are available in different form and material for children, adults and elderly people.

Death

He died in year of 1808 at the age of 74 years.