The modern toothbrush was invented in 1938 by American inventor Charles C. Brace. However, early forms of the toothbrush have been around since ancient times. The ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and early Chinese used chew sticks, made from twigs with the ends frayed, to clean their teeth. The first bristle toothbrush, similar to the ones we use today, was invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (619–907 AD).