A 3D printed toothbrush can clean teeth thoroughly in less than six seconds.
Manufacturer Blizzident uses the same scans dentists use to fit braces and an extremely precise 3D printer to create a brush for each individual customer.
Each brush contains about 400 soft bristles and requires the wearer to grind their teeth in order to clean.
Blizzident says the toothbrush eliminates brushing errors that people typically make, but experts say more research is needed.
The technology comes at a price – a customer’s first brush, which will last for a year, costs 299 euros ($405).
Blizzident toothbrush can clean teeth thoroughly in less than six seconds
Subsequent brushes are cheaper, and old ones can be reconditioned for less than 100 euros, the company says.
“Because you are brushing all your teeth at the same time, you are brushing extremely quickly,” the company says.
“You brush all the difficult-to-reach and interdental regions without even having to think about it.”
The typical toothbrush has long been considered fit for purpose by most people – but there have been several attempts to reinvent its design.
One recent example, from a former student of New York’s School of Visual Arts, took inspiration from the traditional miswak stick, a “tooth-cleaning twig” used mainly in the Middle East and parts of Asia.
The miswak stick – which grows on a Salvadora persica tree – is used by biting off a small part of the stick for each use, exposing a fresh set of bristles.
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A European study has found that while almost all Swedes brush their teeth, only one in 10 does it in a way that effectively prevents tooth decay.
Here is the advice from the British Dental Health Foundation:
- Place the head of your toothbrush against your teeth, then tilt the bristle tips to a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Move the brush in small circular movements, several times, on all the surfaces of every tooth.
- Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth, upper and lower, keeping the bristles angled against the gum line.
- Use the same method on the inside surfaces of all your teeth.
A European study has found that while almost all Swedes brush their teeth, only one in 10 does it in a way that effectively prevents tooth decay
- Brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
- To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several small circular strokes with the toe (the front part) of the brush.
- Brushing your tongue will freshen your breath and clean your mouth by removing bacteria.
A European study has found that while almost all Swedes brush their teeth, only one in 10 does it in a way that effectively prevents tooth decay.
Prof. Pia Gabre from the University of Gothenburg, led two studies into the tooth brushing habits of more than 2,000 Swedes aged 15-16, 31-35, 60-65 and 76-80.
They were asked various dental care questions like how long they brushed for and how much toothpaste they used.
The researchers were aghast to discover 90% of the population did not clean their teeth in the most effective way.
Many failed to brush twice a day, while others rinsed out their mouths afterwards so diluting the protective effect of the fluoride toothpaste.
A European study has found that while almost all Swedes brush their teeth, only one in 10 does it in a way that effectively prevents tooth decay
“Swedes generally do brush their teeth, but mostly because of social norms and to feel fresh rather than to prevent tooth decay,” said Prof. Pia Gabre.
“Most of the interviewed subjects learned to brush their teeth as children, by their parents. Even if they have been informed about more effective techniques later in life, they continue to brush their teeth like they always have.”
The British Dental Association recommends using a toothbrush with a small head as it’s easier to get into all the nooks and crannies. Most people should opt for a medium or soft brush.
Meanwhile the best technique is a circular action rather than scrubbing up and down, taking time to reach areas at the very back of the mouth where bacteria can accumulate.
Teeth should be cleaned for a minimum of two minutes twice a day.
Toothpaste should contain fluoride at a concentration of at least 1,350 ppm. Most leading brands will contain these levels.
Flossing between teeth is important to remove a build up of detritus.
Despite their shortcomings, 80% of Swedes were generally happy with how they took care of their teeth.
The researchers concluded that knowledge about tooth brushing must be improved and that the provided advice must be made simpler, clearer and more easy to use.
