🪥
Toothbrush
TOOTH-brush
Definitions
1
Household · Hygiene
Common
A small brush with a handle designed for cleaning teeth, typically used with toothpaste. Represents dental hygiene, personal care routines, or cleanliness.
Used in contexts related to morning/evening routines, dental health reminders, or cleanliness discussions.
Don't forget to pack your 🪥 for the trip!
Personal reminder in family chat
Time for my semi-annual dentist appointment! 🪥 ✨
Social media post
Symbolizes good health habits and self-care across cultures, though brushing frequency and techniques vary regionally.
2
Metaphorical · Cleanliness
Uncommon
Metaphorically represents thorough cleaning, attention to detail, or freshening something up beyond dental contexts.
Used figuratively to suggest deep cleaning or revitalization of non-dental items.
This code needs a good 🪥 before we launch!
Work chat among developers
The metaphorical extension reflects cultural emphasis on cleanliness and renewal.
Cultural Context
The toothbrush emoji represents a universal health practice that transcends cultures, though specific dental care traditions vary globally.
One of the newer hygiene-related emojis, added in 2020 (Unicode 13.0) as part of increased representation of everyday health objects.
Regional Variations
United Kingdom
Often appears in public health messaging about dental care, reflecting the UK's National Health Service emphasis on preventative dental health.
India
Often paired with neem or herbal references, reflecting traditional dental care practices alongside modern ones.
Generational Usage
Gen_X: Typically used literally in practical contexts like packing lists or family reminders rather than metaphorically.
Gen_Z: Often used in morning routine videos on TikTok or in self-care content. May appear in 'get ready with me' posts.
Older: Limited usage, primarily in family communications about health or travel preparations.
Millennials: Commonly used in family chats as reminders for children or in health and wellness content about self-care routines.
Common Combinations
🪥🦷
Dental care or dentist visit
Universal symbol for oral hygiene or dental appointments
🪥⏰
Morning routine or reminder to brush teeth
Used in family contexts or self-reminders for daily hygiene
🪥✨
Clean, fresh teeth or thorough cleaning
Represents the satisfying result of good dental hygiene