/oss/taxonomy/term/4339/all en /oss/article/student-contributors-health-and-nutrition-history/are-electric-or-manual-toothbrushes-better <p>The first ever toothbrush design, used by ancient Babylonians and Egyptians, dates back to 3500 BC. The primitive toothbrush, known as a “chew stick”, was a thin twig with a frayed end. The modern toothbrush was designed by William Addis in England and was the first mass-produced toothbrush, entering the market in 1780. Its handle was carved from cattle bone and the bristles were made from pig’s hair. Quite the luxury upgrade from twigs, wouldn’t you say? Fast forward to the 1960s, when the electric toothbrush was introduced.</p> Fri, 07 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000 Hosna Akhgary 9972 at /oss /oss/article/health/great-floss-debate-or-when-science-and-common-sense-collide <p>Dental patients around the globe were ecstatic following a 2016 Associated Press article disputing the merits of flossing in preventing cavities and gum disease. No more shaming during routine dental appointments. ‘Toss your floss’ parties became all the rage. Conversely, dentists were appalled, having long professed the importance of flossing. So what to make of this egregious finding? Could toilet paper be next?</p> Mon, 17 Feb 2020 18:43:00 +0000 Mark Grossman BSc, DDS, Contributor 8120 at /oss