[1][2][3][4] Robert W. Hutson (1919–2001),[5][6] owner of a periodontal practice in San Jose,[6][7] began designing a toothbrush in the 1940s.

[8] In 1958, he was granted a utility patent for a "mouthbrush" having fine, soft, flat-ended nylon bristles, and a similar appearance to the 1950 design.

In order to create demand for new brushes, the sales team devoted almost all of their time to communicating with dentists, passing samples, and outreach work.

The next successful step was the decision to participate in the conventions and conferences of dentists held in the state of California.

[16] Braun, also part of the Gillette group at that time, started to use the Oral-B brand for electric toothbrushes.