Different Strokes for Different Folks: A History of the Toothbrush – Page 10

The Clean-Be-Tween toothbrush

The Clean-Be-Tween toothbrush, patented in Los Angeles in 1938, was invented to provide an improved holder for toothbrushes having adjustable and replaceable brush heads. It was devoid of recesses prone to filling with “dentifrice and foreign matter” that render the brush unsanitary. In addition, projections of potential harm to the oral cavity and gums were absent.

“Bakelite” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., 5 Feb. 2016. Web. 17 Mar. 2016; Jones, Fred A (1938) Tooth Brush. US Patent 2,133,704. Filed Sept 11, 1936, and issued Oct 18, 1938

These two Clean-Be-Tween brushes (A148.2, A148.3a) have natural bristle heads and salmon-colored Bakelite handles. A metal cylinder inserted in the handle controls tightening and loosening of the metal loop for attaching the brush head in any desired angular position.

*University of the Pacific Permanent Collection, Donor: Donald Yent*, DDS

Invented in 1907, Bakelite, used to make this handle, is a molded phenolic product recognized as the world’s first synthetic plastic.

Replacement toothbrush heads (A148.3b)

*University of the Pacific Permanent Collection*, *Donor: Donald Yent*, DDS

*Tooth Brush* patent granted to FA Jones of Los Angeles, CA in 1938.