Hey, its Jon from Electric Teeth here.
I am quite excited to share with you a few important updates
in relation to toothbrush technology.
The first and perhaps most interesting,
is that a group of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania
have shown in a proof-of-concept study that it is possible to clean the teeth with microbots.
Made up of iron oxide nanoparticles, magnetic fields can be used to move the particles
into shapes that mimic bristles or elongated string,
like a piece of floss that slides between the teeth.
And whilst this happens so does a catalytic reaction
that drives the nanoparticles to produce antimicrobials that kill harmful oral bacteria.
The study has shown that a hands-free system could effectively automate
the treatment and removal of tooth deacy causing bacteria and dental plaque.
There is a lot more research to be done but it could revolutionise dental care approaches,
particularly for those who lack the dexterity to be able to clean their teeth and gums properly.
Initial test results are very promising. Linked in the top
right corner is a short video where I explain the concept a little more.
Moving onto updates in the field of mouthpiece toothbrushes.
I am afraid to say none of the crowdfunded products we backed
have arrived yet. I am still waiting for Talo and CleanTeeth.
Talo have, after a period of radio silence given an update, albeit without a shipping date.
Progress is being made, I am just not sure exactly when I will have it in hand for testing.
CleanTeeth did miss the revised August shipping date,
with backers like myself expected to now receive these in early October.
And the Encompass brush that was delayed until 2023 remains on track to ship next year.
The 10 second water flosser that is Instfloss,
is as it stands on track to ship in November as per my last update.
I teased at the end of the last update about a new product. I am pleased to say that I have
now had plenty of hands on time with what I believe to be the most
environmentally considerate electric toothbrush available today, SURI.
Short for Sustainable Rituals, this slim aluminium handled brush looks and feels great.
So many parts of this toothbrush and travel
case have been well designed with user experience in mind.
The magnetic wall mount, usb-c in case
charging and the recyclable brush heads are just a few standout features.
The cleaning results are good and you get most of the dentist recommended features.
The most notable downsides are the lack of a pressure sensor and a 1 year warranty.
It isn’t the cheapest, but you gain more for the premium.
Electric brushes don’t fare well in their impact on the environment.
SURI isn’t an exception, but it is better.
It is slimmer and lighter and components like the battery
are designed to be replaceable, which is a big step forward.
Just because an electric brush isn’t best for the environment,
it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use one.
You need to balance effective cleaning and disease prevention against the environmental impact.
Particularly if you suffer from gum disease or tooth decay,
you should prioritise effective cleaning.
And lastly, the iO Series 4 and 5 have been undergoing the usual testing and review.
These are 2 more affordable smart toothbrushes, which expand the iO Series from Oral-B.
They provide the same great cleaning experience as the Series, 6, 7, 8, and 9,
but lack features like the in handle display.
It gives you and I more choices at different price points.
But, spoiler alert I think the Series 6 and 9 are the 2 models to consider from the range if
you want a premium brush. If not you can save a fair chunk of change and opt for the better value
options we recommend in our best electric toothbrush video.
I should be back at the end of the year at which point I hope to have
been hands on with CleanTeeth and maybe Instafloss?! Fingers crossed.