Re-Vira Tooth Polisher

Re-Vira Tooth Polisher

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
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
Nominate this object for photography.   

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.