HELP! I need to know all I can about the history of the toothpick!!!!?!
Question:
HELP! I need to know all I can about the history of the toothpick!!!!?
In need to write a 500 word report tonight and I can only get 260 words! I need to know something about who invented the shape of the toothpick or how it affects our society today! Please help! I'll mention you in my report if you do! At the end of course
Answers:
A toothpick is a piece of plastic or other substance such as wood (in this case it may be known as an interdental woodstick) used to remove detritus from the teeth, usually after a meal. A toothpick usually has one or two sharp ends to insert between teeth.
The indispensablility of the toothpick is apparent in the fact that the plastic version of this device is a firm component of the Swiss Army knife.
The toothpick has existed for thousands of years; it is probably the oldest instrument for dental cleaning. Toothpicks are well-known in all cultures. Before the toothbrush was invented, one cleaned his teeth with hard and soft dental woods. Toothpicks made of bronze have been found as burial objects in prehistoric graves in Northern Italy and in the East Alps. It was also well-known in Mesopotamia.
It is said that the tyrant Agathocles was killed in 289 BC through a slowly working poison, which a favorite slave gave to him in a toothpick.
There are delicate, artistic examples made of silver in antiquity, as well as from mastic wood with the Romans.
In the 17th century there were toothpicks as luxury objects or rather as jewelry items. They were formed from precious metal and set with expensive stones, frequently artistically stylized and enamelled.
Nowadays, since the advent of modern dentistry, the use of toothpicks is rather rejected, and aids such as dental floss and toothbrushes are preferred. However, due to recent breakthroughs in flavoring technology, the toothpick continues to remain popular with many people.
Maine is the leading producer of toothpicks.