Toothbrush section Mudlarked Pendant

Historical Information

Type: Early Plastic Toothbrush
Fabric: Casein or Celluloid Plastic with Natural Bristles
Date: c. 1920–1940
Find Location: Essex, UK
Extra Information:
This toothbrush handle is moulded from an early plastic and stamped “Pure Bristle – Sterilised,” a phrase commonly used before the invention of nylon bristles in 1938. The bristles themselves would have been animal hair—most often boar—carefully sterilised to reassure buyers at a time when public health awareness was growing.

The modern toothbrush has its origins in China during the late 15th century, where boar bristles were set into bone or bamboo handles. The idea was introduced to Europe in the 17th century, but it was William Addis of England in 1780who is credited with inventing the first mass-produced toothbrush, using a carved bone handle and swine bristles. By the early 20th century, toothbrushes became widely available, shifting from bone and ivory to early plastics such as caseinand celluloid.

This example captures a moment of change: durable early plastics were beginning to replace bone, but natural bristles were still in use—just before the transition to nylon transformed everyday dental hygiene.