Child's toothbrush. Green handle with white nylon bristles, with "Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft" written on handle."

H. N. Wadsworth was the first American to patent a toothbrush of bone and animal bristle - in 1857 (US Patent No. 18,653). American Companies soon began to mass-produce toothbrushes after 1885. The biggest change was the introduction of nylon bristles in 1938 and their subsequent rapid and widespread acceptance, since they were more durable and more hygienic than animal bristles, which also tended to fall out easily.

Dr. West's Miracle Toothbrush produced by the Weco Products Company introduced the new DuPont nylon fibers in 1938. Since then, modern toothbrush has consisted of a plastic handle and nylon bristles attached to the head of the brush. Brushing teeth was promoted in the army during World War II. Like many plastics manufacturers, Weco Products advertised that it was doing its part for the war effort. An ad from 1943 stated that:

Today proper care of the teeth - the beauty treatment that has always been a health safeguard too, is more important than ever before. A sparkling smile reveals that you're on the right road to health. And America's health is vitally important to victory. This wartime need to keep fit is making thousands of Americans realize that their old toothbrushes just won't do. They're getting a Dr. West's Miracle- Tuft. For only with Miracle-Tuft do you get the greater tooth-cleansing efficiency of 'EXTON' brand bristling, the health safeguard of surgically sterile glass packaging and the economy of a full year of effective service. Be prepared in health as in all other things to serve your country. Equip every member of your family with a Dr. West's Miracle-Tuft.