Re-Vira Tooth Polisher
Re-Vira Tooth Polisher
- Description
- Personal tooth cleaner with a “RE-VIRA / REG. U.S. PAT. OFF.” inscription on the handle. Neil McCloud Whittaker (1878-1963), a graduate of the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, devised a tooth cleaner that used disposable cotton pads rather than reusable bristles. He introduced the term “Revira” in 1924. He received a trademark in 1925, and a patent in 1926. He established the Revira Company in Ridgefield Park, N.J., and sponsored ads asking: “Do you sterilize your toothbrush?”
- Ref: Neil McCloud Whittaker, “Toothbrush,” U.S. Patent 1,604,731 (Oct. 26, 1926).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- Object Name
- oral hygiene product
- tooth polisher
- Other Terms
- ?; Dentistry
- Measurements
- overall: 5/8 in x 6 1/4 in x 5/8 in; 1.5875 cm x 15.875 cm x 1.5875 cm
- ID Number
- MG.260892.206
- accession number
- 260892
- catalog number
- 260892.206
- Credit Line
- Gift of Dr. James E. Aiguier
- See more items in
- Medicine and Science: Medicine
- Health & Medicine
- Beauty and Hygiene Products: Oral Care
- Beauty and Health
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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