Motion settings, pressure detectors, and ionisation... When you’re browsing hundreds of science-fiction style dental inventions, it can be hard to imagine the modest origin of the toothbrush.


As early as 3000 BC we had ‘chew sticks’ for our teeth; a thin twig with a frayed end for cleaning. It might be hard to believe but this style of toothbrush is still common in some areas of the world today. 

The bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today, was not invented until 1498 AD in China. The bristles were actually the stiff, coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog’s neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. Delicious! 

Surprisingly, boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours. The first nylon toothbrush was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush.

If boar bristles don’t sound appealing, you might not have enjoyed living in Medieval Germany. They believed kissing a donkey would cure dental problems! 



In the industrial years of the 1800s lots of smart cookies were inventing new products to make life that little bit better.  It was in 1880 that Dr Scott advertised the first electric toothbrush, with just one small hitch - it was not, in fact, electric. Unsurprisingly, this did not catch on. 

A mere 50 years later electric toothbrushes made a resurgence, this time with more success- and electricity! They were initially created for patients with limited motor skills but expanded to the general public. 

Throughout the last 50 years the market has been saturated by brushes of all shapes and sizes. From hands-free to a $4,000 titanium toothbrush, there are an overwhelming variety to choose from. 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be the most high-tech or gold-plated. The most important thing is to get a toothbrush that is gentle and one you enjoy using. Find a toothbrush that makes cleaning your Pearlii whites effortless!



Take our quiz to find out what kind of toothbrush you are. 

As early as 3000 BC we had ‘chew sticks’ for our teeth; a thin twig with a frayed end for cleaning. It might be hard to believe but this style of toothbrush is still common in some areas of the world today. 

The bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today, was not invented until 1498 AD in China. The bristles were actually the stiff, coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog’s neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. Delicious! 

Surprisingly, boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours. The first nylon toothbrush was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush.

If boar bristles don’t sound appealing, you might not have enjoyed living in Medieval Germany. They believed kissing a donkey would cure dental problems! 

In the industrial years of the 1800s lots of smart cookies were inventing new products to make life that little bit better.  It was in 1880 that Dr Scott advertised the first electric toothbrush, with just one small hitch - it was not, in fact, electric. Unsurprisingly, this did not catch on. 

A mere 50 years later electric toothbrushes made a resurgence, this time with more success- and electricity! They were initially created for patients with limited motor skills but expanded to the general public. 

Throughout the last 50 years the market has been saturated by brushes of all shapes and sizes. From hands-free to a $4,000 titanium toothbrush, there are an overwhelming variety to choose from. 

At the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be the most high-tech or gold-plated. The most important thing is to get a toothbrush that is gentle and one you enjoy using. Find a toothbrush that makes cleaning your Pearlii whites effortless!

Take our quiz to find out what kind of toothbrush you are. 

Who invented the toothbrush and when was it invented?

Science Illustrated: Who invented the toothbrush?

Motion settings, pressure detectors, and ionisation... When you’re browsing hundreds of science-fiction style dental inventions, it can be hard to imagine the modest origin of the toothbrush.  Early inventions As early as 3000 BC we had ‘chew sticks’ for our teeth; a thin twig with a frayed end for cleaning. It might be hard to believe but this style of toothbrush is still common in some areas of the world today. 

The bristle toothbrush, similar to the type used today, was not invented until 1498 AD in China. The bristles were actually the stiff, coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog’s neck and attached to handles made of bone or bamboo. Delicious! 

Surprisingly, boar bristles were used until 1938, when nylon bristles were introduced by Dupont de Nemours. The first nylon toothbrush was called Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush. If boar bristles don’t sound appealing, you might not have enjoyed living in Medieval Germany. They believed kissing a donkey would cure dental problems!   The Electric Toothbrush In the industrial years of the 1800s lots of smart cookies were inventing new products to make life that little bit better.  It was in 1880 that Dr Scott advertised the first electric toothbrush, with just one small hitch - it was not, in fact, electric. Unsurprisingly, this did not catch on.  A mere 50 years later electric toothbrushes made a resurgence, this time with more success- and electricity! They were initially created for patients with limited motor skills but expanded to the general public.  Throughout the last 50 years the market has been saturated by brushes of all shapes and sizes. From hands-free to a $4,000 titanium toothbrush, there are an overwhelming variety to choose from.  At the end of the day, it doesn’t need to be the most high-tech or gold-plated. The most important thing is to get a toothbrush that is gentle and one you enjoy using. Find a toothbrush that makes cleaning your Pearlii whites effortless! So how do you think you scrub up? Take our quiz to find out what kind of toothbrush you are. 

Go back in time and learn how our trusty toothbrush came to be.  

A brief history of the humble toothbrush

As we grow up, we all develop little personal care habits that quickly become ingrained in our routine.  How you tie your shoelaces, or how you get dressed, are personal preferences that don’t have a right or wrong answer.  

When it comes to your dental health, however, there is a particular order of doing things that is backed up by scientific research.  The first step in your dental routine should be (drum roll) flossing.  

Here’s a fun fact for you: that soft plaque between your teeth can turn into hardened tartar after just 24 hours.  Yikes!  

This is why it’s important to floss every day, and not just do a ‘panic floss’ before your next dentist appointment.

Flossing helps loosen the larger pieces of trapped food, which can then be swept away by your toothbrush bristles.

Flossing + Fluoride = Best friends forever

Did you know that each tooth has five surfaces?  The three sides you can see, plus the two sides pressing up against neighbouring teeth. 

Brushing only cleans the surfaces you can see, while flossing wiggles into those hidden spots to clean the other two surfaces.  When you clear out those spaces between your teeth, you create tiny grooves that allow your toothpaste to infiltrate.  

Why does this matter?  Because the fluoride in your toothpaste helps to strengthen your enamel, which prevents tooth decay. 

Our busy life means it is easy to get distracted, and rush through your dental health routine at the end of a long, hard day. 

But here’s the rub: if you floss your teeth after brushing, then you are more likely to forget. 

While we know it might be tempting to think ‘I’ll just do it tomorrow’, it’s essential to clear away that plaque before it hardens.  Otherwise, it’ll take you a trip to the dentist to get your tartar build-up removed. 

Hopefully, we’ve convinced you to adopt the ‘floss first philosophy’.

As we grow up, we all develop little personal care habits that quickly become ingrained in our routine. How you tie your shoelaces, or how you get dressed, are personal preferences that don’t have a right or wrong answer.  

When it comes to your dental health, however, there is a particular order of doing things that is backed up by scientific research. The first step in your dental routine should be (drum roll) flossing.  

Here’s a fun fact for you: that soft plaque between your teeth can turn into hardened tartar after just 24 hours. Yikes!  

This is why it’s important to use dental floss every day, and not just do a ‘panic floss’ before your next dentist appointment.

Dental flossing helps loosen the larger pieces of trapped food, which can then be swept away by your toothbrush bristles.

Did you know that each tooth has five surfaces? The three sides you can see, plus the two sides pressing up against neighbouring teeth.

This means that bamboo toothbrush of yours only cleans the surfaces you can see, while flossing wiggles into those hidden spots to clean the other two surfaces. When you clear out those spaces between your teeth, you create tiny grooves that allow your toothpaste to infiltrate.

Why does this matter? Because the fluoride in your toothpaste helps to strengthen your enamel, which prevents tooth decay. 

While we know it might be tempting to think ‘I’ll just do it tomorrow’, it’s essential to clear away that plaque before it hardens. Otherwise, it’ll take you a trip to the dentist to get your tartar build-up removed. 

Get your hands on some Biofloss Easy Picks to enhance your dental routine. 

Is it Best to Floss Before or After Brushing Your Teeth?

Dental Plaque and Tartar: Causes, Prevention, and Removal

As we grow up, we all develop little personal care habits that quickly become ingrained in our routine. How you tie your shoelaces, or how you get dressed, are personal preferences that don’t have a right or wrong answer.   When it comes to your dental health, however, there is a particular order of doing things that is backed up by scientific research. The first step in your dental routine should be (drum roll) flossing.   Want to know why?  Flossing loosens Here’s a fun fact for you: that soft plaque between your teeth can turn into hardened tartar after just 24 hours. Yikes!   This is why it’s important to use dental floss every day, and not just do a ‘panic floss’ before your next dentist appointment. Dental flossing helps loosen the larger pieces of trapped food, which can then be swept away by your toothbrush bristles.  Flossing + Fluoride = Best friends forever Did you know that each tooth has five surfaces? The three sides you can see, plus the two sides pressing up against neighbouring teeth. This means that bamboo toothbrush of yours only cleans the surfaces you can see, while flossing wiggles into those hidden spots to clean the other two surfaces. When you clear out those spaces between your teeth, you create tiny grooves that allow your toothpaste to infiltrate. Why does this matter? Because the fluoride in your toothpaste helps to strengthen your enamel, which prevents tooth decay.   Floss first to fight against forgetting Our busy life means it is easy to get distracted, and rush through your dental health routine at the end of a long, hard day.  But here’s the rub: if you floss your teeth after brushing, then you are more likely to forget.  While we know it might be tempting to think ‘I’ll just do it tomorrow’, it’s essential to clear away that plaque before it hardens. Otherwise, it’ll take you a trip to the dentist to get your tartar build-up removed.  Hopefully, we’ve convinced you to adopt the ‘floss first philosophy’. Get your hands on some Biofloss Easy Picks to enhance your dental routine. 

Should you brush or floss first?

As our eyes part open in the morning, our thoughts focus on that first sip of caffeine that will help us kick start our day. The warm cup in our hands gives us a moment of happiness before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. So, it is no wonder that tea is the most consumed drink in the world. 

But did you know that tea is also one of the leading causes of stained and discoloured teeth?

Studies have also shown tea to be worse than coffee - coffee lovers rejoice!

The reason tea may actually be worse than coffee is due to the tannin that tea contains.

Tannins are chemical compounds that are strong in flavour and have astringent properties. The darker your tea, the darker the tannin and therefore the more severe the discolouration is likely to be.

Key takeaway: Black tea has a higher tannin content compared to herbal or green tea.

B. Does that mean green tea won’t stain my teeth?

Short answer, no. Although the tannin content is weaker in green tea, it still exists and therefore you can still experience staining.

Ultimately, if you take good care of your oral hygiene and have a consistent routine, a cup of green tea shouldn’t give you any stains.

C. How can I still enjoy tea without experiencing staining?

Choose a tea with a lower tannin content, such as herbal or green tea, as they aren’t as harsh. Secondly, add a dash of milk. Casein, which is a protein found in milk, helps stop these tannin molecules from sticking to your teeth.

Still worried about stains? Order one of our amazing Home Teeth Whitening Kits to remove your teeth stains and keep your teeth looking white!

You can keep drinking all the tea without worrying about discoloration.

Tannins are chemical compounds that are strong in flavour and have astringent properties. The darker your tea, the darker the tannin and therefore the more severe the discolouration is likely to be. 

Short answer, no. Although the tannin content is weaker in green tea, it still exists and therefore you can still experience staining. 

What Are Tannins in Tea, and Do They Have Benefits?

Can adding milk to your tea prevent staining?

As our eyes part open in the morning, our thoughts focus on that first sip of caffeine that will help us kick start our day. The warm cup in our hands gives us a moment of happiness before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. So, it is no wonder that tea is the most consumed drink in the world.  But did you know that tea is also one of the leading causes of stained and discoloured teeth? Studies have also shown tea to be worse than coffee - coffee lovers rejoice!  A. How does tea stain our teeth? The reason tea may actually be worse than coffee is due to the tannin that tea contains. Tannins are chemical compounds that are strong in flavour and have astringent properties. The darker your tea, the darker the tannin and therefore the more severe the discolouration is likely to be.  Key takeaway: Black tea has a higher tannin content compared to herbal or green tea.  B. Does that mean green tea won’t stain my teeth? Short answer, no. Although the tannin content is weaker in green tea, it still exists and therefore you can still experience staining.  Ultimately, if you take good care of your oral hygiene and have a consistent routine, a cup of green tea shouldn’t give you any stains.  C. How can I still enjoy tea without experiencing staining? Choose a tea with a lower tannin content, such as herbal or green tea, as they aren’t as harsh. Secondly, add a dash of milk. Casein, which is a protein found in milk, helps stop these tannin molecules from sticking to your teeth. Still worried about stains? Order one of our amazing Home Teeth Whitening Kits to remove your teeth stains and keep your teeth looking white! You can keep drinking all the tea without worrying about discoloration.

Spilling the tea on teeth staining including some tips and tricks to keep them pearly and white!

The A, B, C’s of teeth stains

Teeth whitening is a process of bleaching that works on the dentin and enamel to lighten discolouration. Dentists use substances, such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, to create an oxidation reaction.

Teeth whitening is an effective way to improve your smile and overall confidence, but just how much does teeth whitening cost? Well, that depends on where you go, the kind of treatment you choose, and the number of sessions you need to get your teeth to your desired shade of white. 

Let’s have a look at what you can expect to pay for teeth whitening treatments, and the kind of whitening this affords you.

If you speak to your local dentist, they’re likely to recommend a teeth whitening solution at their own practice. Now there’s nothing wrong with this.

The setback with this option is the cost. 

While the whitening process may be quick, it is far more costly compared to take-home teeth whitening options. Professional in-chair whitening can cost up to $260per tooth!

Teeth whitening kits typically contain one of two bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The ADA evaluates these two ingredients closely, so be sure to always look for the ADA’s seal of approval when purchasing these teeth whitening kits.

The ADA strictly recommends that whitening gels do not contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. We’re happy to say that Pearlii’s teeth whitening kits follow ADA safety guidelines (many of our competitors do not).

Your teeth are forever, and your confidence should be too. 

If you’re looking for a take-home teeth whitening kit, odds are you’re just looking for the best option. While Pearlii’s kits are at the higher-end (AUD 89.99), you get what you pay for. 

Our kits are safe and gentle to use, vegan and cruelty-free. And best of all, for every teeth whitening kit sold, Pearlii sponsors an entire year’s supply of toothpaste and toothbrushes for a child in East Timor who needs a little help.

Teeth whitening is an effective way to improve your smile and overall confidence, but just how much does teeth whitening cost? Well, that depends on where you go, the kind of treatment you choose, and the number of sessions you need to get your teeth to your desired shade of white.

If you speak to your local dentist, they’re likely to recommend a teeth whitening solution at their own practice. Now there’s nothing wrong with this. 

While the whitening process may be quick, it is far more costly compared to take-home teeth whitening options. Professional in-chair whitening can cost up to $260 per tooth!

The ADA strictly recommends that whitening gels do not contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. We’re happy to say that Pearlii’s Teeth Whitening Kits follow ADA safety guidelines (many of our competitors do not).

If you’re looking for a take-home teeth whitening kit, odds are you’re just looking for the best option. While Pearlii’s kits are at the higher-end ($89), you get what you pay for. 

Our kits are safe and gentle to use, vegan and cruelty-free. And best of all, Pearlii is giving back 50% of its profits to provide free dental surgery for people who can’t afford or access a dentist.

Check out the Pearlii Home Teeth Whitening Kits.

Save on teeth whitening without compromising on quality

Teeth whitening: Surging popularity brings issues to resolve

So what is teeth whitening? Teeth whitening is a process of bleaching that works on the dentin and enamel to lighten discolouration. Dentists use substances, such as carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide, to create an oxidation reaction. Teeth whitening is an effective way to improve your smile and overall confidence, but just how much does teeth whitening cost? Well, that depends on where you go, the kind of treatment you choose, and the number of sessions you need to get your teeth to your desired shade of white. Let’s have a look at what you can expect to pay for teeth whitening treatments, and the kind of whitening this affords you.  Teeth whitening at the dentist If you speak to your local dentist, they’re likely to recommend a teeth whitening solution at their own practice. Now there’s nothing wrong with this.  The setback with this option is the cost.  While the whitening process may be quick, it is far more costly compared to take-home teeth whitening options. Professional in-chair whitening can cost up to $260 per tooth!   Teeth whitening at home Teeth whitening kits typically contain one of two bleaching agents, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The ADA evaluates these two ingredients closely, so be sure to always look for the ADA’s seal of approval when purchasing these teeth whitening kits. The ADA strictly recommends that whitening gels do not contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. We’re happy to say that Pearlii’s Teeth Whitening Kits follow ADA safety guidelines (many of our competitors do not).   Is teeth whitening worth the cost? Your teeth are forever, and your confidence should be too.  If you’re looking for a take-home teeth whitening kit, odds are you’re just looking for the best option. While Pearlii’s kits are at the higher-end ($89), you get what you pay for.  Our kits are safe and gentle to use, vegan and cruelty-free. And best of all, Pearlii is giving back 50% of its profits to provide free dental surgery for people who can’t afford or access a dentist.  

What else could you want? Check out the Pearlii Home Teeth Whitening Kits.

Ever wondered how much teeth whitening really costs in Australia? Here at Pearlii, teeth are at the root of our business, so we know what we’re talking about. Click here to learn more.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

Put simply, floss gets into places your toothbrush can’t.

It removes plaque and food from in between your teeth and along your gum line. Give flossing a go straight after a meal and you’ll be amazed by how much food is still stuck in between your teeth. If you don’t remove it, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and infections.

For first-timers, we know flossing can be tricky. The only way you can learn is really to give it a go, but we’ve also created a quick masterclass for you to hopefully make the process easier:

Break-off about 18 inches of dental floss (or from your elbow to your fingertips) and wrap it around your middle fingers until you have 2-3 inches left in between

Next, pull the floss taut using each thumb and index finger

Then glide the floss against the sides of each tooth

As you reach your gums, curve the floss at the base of the tooth to form a C shape - this allows the floss to enter the space between your gums and your tooth

Move to a clean section of floss and repeat until you have cleaned around each tooth

To finish, rinse your mouth with water or an antibacterial mouthwash.

You have successfully completed your crash course in flossing, now the only things left to do is to floss like a boss, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

You brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice, every day - that’s great, but it’s still not enough to prevent oral disease. Good oral hygiene is a two-step process that involves brushing and flossing; and no, flossing twice a month doesn’t cut it!

Put simply, dental floss and floss picks get into places your toothbrush can’t.

They remove plaque and food from in between your teeth and along your gum line. Give flossing a go straight after a meal and you’ll be amazed by how much food is still stuck in between your teeth. If you don’t remove it, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and infections.

For first-timers, we know using floss picks can be tricky. The only way you can learn is really to give it a go, but we’ve also created a quick masterclass for you to hopefully make the process easier:

Use one floss pick to get between two of your teeth and gently press it against your gums.

Slide the pick with an in and out motion to remove any food particles from between your teeth. Use the same floss pick to repeat this step in between all of your teeth.

When you are finished, remove the floss thread from the handle and dispose of it with your household rubbish.

Place the floss handle into your compost bin or at an industrial composting facility.

You have successfully completed your crash course in flossing, now the only thing left to do is to floss like a boss, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

You brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice, every day - that’s great, but it’s still not enough to prevent oral disease. Good oral hygiene is a two-step process that involves brushing and flossing. No, flossing twice a month doesn’t cut it!

Check out Pearlii’s Biofloss Easy Picks

Why should I floss? Put simply, dental floss and floss picks get into places your toothbrush can’t. They remove plaque and food from in between your teeth and along your gum line. Give flossing a go straight after a meal and you’ll be amazed by how much food is still stuck in between your teeth. If you don’t remove it, it can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and infections.  Am I doing it right? For first-timers, we know using floss picks can be tricky. The only way you can learn is really to give it a go, but we’ve also created a quick masterclass for you to hopefully make the process easier:  Use one floss pick to get between two of your teeth and gently press it against your gums. Slide the pick with an in and out motion to remove any food particles from between your teeth. Use the same floss pick to repeat this step in between all of your teeth. When you are finished, remove the floss thread from the handle and dispose of it with your household rubbish. Place the floss handle into your compost bin or at an industrial composting facility.   You have successfully completed your crash course in flossing, now the only thing left to do is to floss like a boss, EVERY SINGLE DAY!

You brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice, every day - that’s great, but it’s still not enough to prevent oral disease. Good oral hygiene is a two-step process that involves brushing and flossing. No, flossing twice a month doesn’t cut it! Check out Pearlii’s Biofloss Easy Picks

A handy guide to help you floss like a pro

A brief history of the humble toothbrush

Early inventions

The Electric Toothbrush

References

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