Finding Wonder in a Toothbrush

In this episode, we explore the toothbrush, an everyday object with surprising cultural, artistic, and spiritual significance. From its depiction in visual arts, like Khadija Saye’s toothbrush tree and Claes Oldenburg’s oversized sculptures, to its presence in literature—T.S. Eliot’s poetry, Alan Gratz’s Prisoner B-3087, and Sarah Kay’s metaphorical love poem—the toothbrush represents more than just hygiene.

We discuss its role in music, from DNCE’s pop hit to experimental soundscapes, and dive into spiritual traditions, including the miswak in Islam, neem twigs in Hindu practices, and purification rituals in Shinto and Buddhism. 

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