Bone Toothbrush Mudlarked Pendant

Historical Information
Type: Toothbrush
Fabric: Bone
Date: Late 17th-18th Century
Find Location: The Thames Estuary, UK
Extra information:

The bristle toothbrush originated in China and made its
way to Europe after many centuries. Before its arrival,
Europeans cleaned their teeth by rubbing them with rags
rolled in salt or soot. The modern Western toothbrush is
credited to an English rag merchant named William
Addis, who is said to have "invented" it in 1780 while in
Newgate prison. He created the toothbrush by drilling
holes into a bone and using bristles obtained from a
sympathetic jailer. After his release, Addis produced
toothbrushes made from horsehair and bone, and his
business grew as refined sugar became more widely
available in England. The company, now known as
Wisdom Toothbrush/Addis Housewares, is still in
existance today.