About two hundred years ago, William Addis invented something that looked more like today’s toothbrush. He took thick animal hairs, called bristles. He attached the hairs to a handle made from animal bone. William Addis found that lots of customers wanted his invention.

People still wanted to improve the tooth cleaner. Animal hairs did not feel great against human teeth! That is why someone tried to change them . They were made out of nylon. Then plastic was used as a handle of the toothbrush. Now it was much nicer to use a toothbrush. Millions were sold.  

About fifty years ago, the electric toothbrush was invented. It cleans your teeth very well.

Today, we have toothbrushes with soft or hard bristles. There are special sizes for adults, children, and babies.

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