Toothbrushes
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This 1930s article describes toothbrushes that emerged in the 19th century, initially made from horse hair but later only from bristle. It details what was considered a rational design at the time and warns against excessive use that could damage enamel and gums.
Encyclopedia article (1928–1936)
Toothbrushes, appeared in the 19th century and were first made from horse hair (now they are made only from bristle). Rubber brushes are considered irrational, as they do not clean the small depressions in the teeth and in the narrow spaces between them. A rationally constructed brush is considered to be one made from a celluloid plate about 2 centimeters wide, in which medium-hard bristles are planted in bunches of 4 in a row (54-56 bunches) with spaces corresponding to the interdental spaces; the length of the bunches in even rows differs from the length of those in odd rows by 1 mm, and the tops of the bunches are cut roof-like. With a brush moistened with water (or with the addition of tooth elixir or tooth powder), one tries to clean the teeth from all sides, wiping the upper teeth by rotating the brush downward, and the lower teeth in the opposite direction. Excessive use of toothbrushes leads to the grinding away of enamel and the appearance of deep grooves at the neck of the teeth, as well as to injury of the gums.
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“Toothbrushes.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/toothbrushes/