Good oral care is always a must, but how much do you know about your toothbrush? Leading oral care expert Dr. Gerry Curatola, an internationally renowned aesthetic and integrative dentist, researcher, author and clinician, offers up some fun facts about the toothbrush.

• Americans spend more than $850 million a year on toothbrushes.
• Putting a plastic cap on your toothbrush can cause bacteria growth by trapping in moisture.
• Always keep your toothbrush covered (with a breathable toothbrush shield) and at least 6 feet away from an open toilet, as airborne particles can travel up to 6 feet.
• The first known toothbrush originated in China in 1848 (made out of bamboo with hog bristles).
• The first modern toothbrush with nylon was introduced in 1938 by the DuPont company.
• The world’s most expensive toothbrush is Philip’s FlexCare Plus at a price of $189.99.
• According to the Lemison-MIT Invention Index, the toothbrush was selected as the number one invention that Americans could not live without.

Dr. Gerry Curatola is founder of Rejuvenation Dentistry, a global, integrative and wellness-oriented dental practice network with offices in New York, Los Angeles,  London, Paris and  Rome. He serves as oral health expert to The Doctor Oz Show, ABC, NBC and FOX television networks. He has authored numerous articles on dentistry and wellness, and he serves on the editorial board of The Journal of Dentistry, Oral Disorders &Therapies, The International Journal of Dental Science and GLOW Magazine. His new book, Smile For Life, Rejuvenation Dentistry and the Art of Wellness, was released in the spring.