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Katy Brand explores the life of the toothbrush. Despite its humble start as a tooth cleaning stick, she reveals how ingenuity and innovation have ensured its place in our lives.

What is the most personal item you own - one you don鈥檛 want anyone else using?

For Katy Brand it鈥檚 her toothbrush. So how did the toothbrush become one of life鈥檚 essentials?

With the help of resident public historian of Horrible Histories fame, Greg Jenner, Katy goes back to ancient times, when the toothbrush was merely a stick. But the brush, as we know it, only came into being much later when a convict spied a broom in his cell and had a bright idea.

But how has ingenuity and innovation shaped the toothbrush and ensured its place in our lives? And given most are plastic, how environmentally friendly is the toothbrush鈥檚 legacy?

Featuring designer and toothbrush collector, Sophie Thomas, and advocate for clean teeth, Peter Dyer, Chair of Hospital Dentists at the British Dental Association.

Producer: Beth Eastwood

Picture: Toothbrush 大象传媒 Copyright

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sun 14 Jun 2020 23:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Mon 8 Jun 2020 19:32GMT
  • Tue 9 Jun 2020 01:32GMT
  • Tue 9 Jun 2020 06:32GMT
  • Tue 9 Jun 2020 12:32GMT
  • Tue 9 Jun 2020 15:32GMT
  • Sun 14 Jun 2020 23:32GMT

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