It all started with a dentist, back in 1950, who created the first Oral-B toothbrush and its soft, end-rounded nylon bristles. Dr. Robert Hutson, a California periodontist, designed and patented the first Oral-B toothbrush. He also created the Oral-B brand name. “The first product was known as the Oral-B 60,” said Dr. Hutson, “because it had 60 tufts.”
Dr. Hutson started small, with a family business. He would wrap the orders in the basement, then load them in the back seat of the car and take them down to the post office to be mailed.
The role of the dentist was critical from the very beginning. Dr. Hutson said, “I knew I had a good thing but the acceptance by the dentist was something I never expectedhaving a product that was accepted by the dentist and the dentist in turn told the people about it”. © 2007 Oral B