Dr. John O. Butler was a dentist, a periodontist, and the founder of the John O. Butler Company, which produced dental products under the Butler and GUM brand names. He made the first toothbrush with two rows of bristles, the first toothbrush with a colored handle, and oral care products that revolutionized the dental profession.
The Beginnings of a Dental Dynasty
In 1923, Dr. John O. Butler was suffering from physical ailments that prevented him from practicing dentistry. With time on his hands, he began work on a new type of toothbrush based on the new science of preventive dentistry.
After much experimentation, John designed a slender two-row, 12-tuft toothbrush that was able to reach the back molars, which the larger, bulkier toothbrushes of that time were unable to do. It featured natural bristles and a bone handle. Later versions of the bristles were sanitized and made with a process that rounded and tapered them. This prevented damage to the teeth and gums that was often caused by bristles that were not sanitized and were cut straight.
John’s toothbrush became extremely popular, and his Chicago-based business, the John O. Butler Company, began to thrive.
The First Colored Toothbrush Handle and Other Oral Care Innovations
John followed up his new toothbrush design with a simple, but genius idea: colored toothbrush handles. For the first time, each member of the family could quickly and easily identify their own toothbrush by color.
Beyond toothbrushes, John is known for several other noteworthy oral care products:
- Dental Floss Holders: John was granted patent number 1978371 for a groundbreaking device designed to make flossing more accessible and effective for users. This invention addressed the common challenge of manipulating dental floss, providing a user-friendly tool that encouraged regular interdental cleaning.
- Round Rubber-Tip Stimulators: John used a round tip on the brush rather than the standard triangle tip found on most toothbrushes of the day because it provided better and more delicate contact.
- Plaque Disclosing Tablets: Early disclosing liquids that made dental plaque visible after rinsing with a harmless dye were often messy and wasteful. John made a disclosing tab that could be chewed, which was much more user-friendly and economical.
Sale of the John O. Butler Company
In 1949, John sold the company to an investment group led by E.B. “Budd” Tarrson, who convinced his brother to buy the business and make him its manager.
Under Tarrson’s leadership, the John O. Butler company dramatically expanded. New products were added, a field sales force was put in place, and international operations grew to more than 50 countries.
The company was sold once again to Sunstar Inc., a Japanese manufacturer of personal care products, in 1988. Although the brand names Butler and GUM are still in use, the business assumed the name of its parent company in 2006.
Today, the company founded by John O. Butler sells more than 200 dental products all over the globe.
Dental Butler a Boo!
The GUM brand is an acronym for Gentle Uletic Massage.
Primary Sources:
- About Us – GUM® Dental Health Products Official US Consumer Site. (n.d.).
- Committed to Health. (2006, February). Hygienetown.Com.
- Butler Toothbrush CEO Funds $1 Million Trust. (1994, September 18). USC News; news.usc.edu.
