They were once made from pig bristles.  
The inspiration for the modern form of these devices came when their inventor was hiding in a slaughterhouse during the Gordon Riots.  Inspired by General Samuel Armstrong, Booker T. Washington promoted the "Gospel of [These Things]", emphasizing life-skills beyond just reading and writing.  These devices gradually replaced salt-soaked rags after William Addis hit upon the idea of creating one partially made from an ox's thighbone in 1780.  They're not stockings, but the first commercial use for nylon was in a "miracle" one of these devices named for (*) Dr. West.  Washington Sheffield was the first to use a tube to package a substance applied to these devices.  They were once made from pig bristles.  The frequency at which electronic types of these devices vibrate makes them either sonic or ultrasonic.  For 10 points, the Philips Sonicare an electric example of what type of hygienic device?
The inspiration for the modern form of these devices came when their inventor was hiding in a slaughterhouse during the Gordon Riots.  
toothbrushes [or electric toothbrushes]