Health

Oral hygiene has always been an important part of maintaining overall health. For thousands of years, humans have found ways to keep their teeth and mouths clean. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “early forms of the toothbrush have existed for nearly 5,000 years.” But what exactly did the first toothbrush look like?

Toothbrush Timeline

With help from The Library of Congress, Dr. Robert Wortzel and our team have compiled a timeline with some interesting details about the evolution of the toothbrush:

• 3000 BC – Perhaps the earliest form of the toothbrush, the “chew stick” was used by Ancient civilizations. People would rub this thin twig with a frayed end against their teeth to remove food and plaque.
• 1498 – The bristle toothbrush was invented in China and had many similarities to the toothbrushes used today. These devices were made by attaching the stiff, coarse hairs from the back of a hog’s neck to handles that were typically made from bone or bamboo.
• 1938 – Signaling the end of the boar bristle, Dupont de Nemours introduced nylon bristles, and Americans welcomed Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush, the first nylon toothbrush.
• 1960 – The Squibb Company introduced Broxodent, one of the first electric toothbrushes, to the American market.

Toothbrushes Today

Today, there are many brands of toothbrushes that often advertise different benefits. The variety of options may seem overwhelming, but the most important thing is for you to find a toothbrush that you like and find easy to use.

The ADA recommends that you choose a toothbrush that fits comfortably and allows you to effectively reach all areas of your mouth. Whether you decide to use a manual or a powered toothbrush, make sure that you thoroughly clean all surfaces of your teeth twice a day.

Society has come a long way since the days of the chew stick, but one thing that remains the same is the importance of consistent and effective personal oral hygiene.

This week we are sharing our recipe for some delicious chickpea crabcakes! What are your favorite healthy eating recipes? Be sure to share them with us on Facebook!

Ingredients:
1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked for about 8 hours and drained
1 ½ cups yellow onion, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
½ cup fresh cilantro and/or parsley (roughly chopped)
½ tsp baking powder
2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/8 tsp cayenne
½ tsp dry mustard
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup vegetable oil
Whole grain buns

Method:

• In a food processor, pulverize the soaked & drained chickpeas using “pulse” function until beans form a paste that sticks together when you squeeze it in your hand.  Be careful not to over process:  it it’s too smooth, the batter will fall apart when cooking.
• Add the rest of the ingredients (except the oil) and combine using the “pulse” function approximately 12 times; batter will be somewhat grainy and speckled with herbs.
• Shape into patties using a 1/3 cup measure and refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes)
• Preheat oven to 350.  In a shallow 12 inch skillet, heat ¼ cup of the oil over medium-high heat.  Gently place the patties into the hot oil in small batched and fry first side until golden brown, about 3 minutes.  Gently trun and fry 2^nd side the same way.
• place on paper towels for a few moments to absorb any excess oil, then place on baking dish for 10-15 minutes.
• Serve on a bun with cocktail sauce or your favorite condiment

Makes 8 entrée-size patties

Nutrition per patty:  343 calories, 39 gr carbohydrates, 9 g protein, 17 g fat (2 g saturated), 0 mg cholesterol, 5 fiber, 542 sodium.

Source:  from The Meat Lover’s Meatless Cookbook by Kim O’Donnel

At Wortzel Integrative Dental our goal is to provide you with the highest standard of personalized dental care while preserving a strong belief in traditional comprehensive dentistry. We offer a “whole person” approach to oral health which helps our patients live longer, healthier, and more vibrant lives.

Take a look at our recent video where Dr. Wortzel discusses his goal in achieving oral and overall health for each of our patients. If you have questions, please contact our office or find us on Facebook!