Wisdom Toothbrush

Wisdom is one of the most storied names in oral hygiene, with a heritage dating back to 1780. The brand was established by William Addis, who is widely credited with inventing the modern toothbrush while serving a prison sentence in London. Addis used a bone from a meal and boar bristles to create the first prototype, which eventually evolved into a mass-produced global staple.

Historically, the company operated as Addis Ltd for over two centuries, remaining under the control of the Addis family until 1996. During this time, the brand introduced significant innovations, such as the first nylon-filament toothbrush in 1940. Following a management buyout in the mid-1990s, the company transitioned into its modern corporate structure. While the brand remains deeply rooted in its British heritage with significant operations in Haverhill, Suffolk, production has expanded to include offshore facilities to meet global demand.