April 14, 2004

By: Mike Wong
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

History Of The Toothbrush – Toothbrushes Through Time

Brushella the Tooth Fairy will visit children’s and science museums as part of the Branches, Bristles and Batteries: Toothbrushes Through Time exhibit! The multi-station interactive exhibit was developed by the staff of The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry designed to promote the museum’s signature message about the importance of oral health in overall health.

Across the United Sates, nine children’s and science museums were selected to host NMD’s Branches, Bristles and Batteries for three month intervals. Through Branches, Bristles and Batteries we are helping children and their families to achieve an overall healthy lifestyle through entertaining and hi-tech activities that address oral care techniques, history and nutrition.

By setting a vigorous travel schedule to prominent museums, we will reach over 2 million people with our message about the importance of oral health in overall health, states Ms. Rosemary Fetter, Executive Director, National Museum of Dentistry. Scott Swank, D.D.S., Curator, NMD states, Visitors will learn proper brushing and flossing techniques, how to snack healthy and explore the history of the toothbrush.

From engaging interactive stations to high-tech computer programs, this exhibition will dazzle visitors of all ages. The colorful and 3-dimensional Branches, Bristles and Batteries: Toothbrushes Through Time timeline juxtaposes historical world events with the evolution of the toothbrush from ancient Babylonia to the 21st Century - tooth sticks made of wild boars hair and bone to battery-operated toothbrushes are some of the brushes displayed.

Plaque Attackers is an oversized mouth with teeth and a matching toothbrush allowing users to brush away plaque. Food for Thought involves fitting food-shaped puzzle pieces into the proper space inspiring visitors to make healthy snack choices. In the computer driven Essential Toothbrush, Brushella the Tooth Fairy provides the tech savvy visitor with options to create a virtual toothbrush, learn more about evolutionary time periods emphasized on the 3-dimensional timeline and other toothy facts.

Visitors can take a time-out on the innovatively designed handcrafted toothbrush bench, view vintage dental product posters and find a favorite theme toothbrush on the Toothbrush Tree. Branches, Bristles and Batteries was showcased at the National Museum of Dentistry in 2002. The national tour began in September 2002 at The Louisiana Children’s Museum in New Orleans. Drawing national and local attention, the opening of the exhibit coincided with the 143rd American Dental Association Annual Session.

Highlighted events included tours for local school children and activities hosted by the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry and a press conference with noted speakers: Dr. James Bramson, President, American Dental Association; NMD and host museum officials; Dr. Marsha Butler and Dr. Anthony Volpe, representatives from Colgate-Palmolive, official sponsors of BBB.

Author Notes:

Mike Wong contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!