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Innovative new toothbrush breaks ground for better dental hygiene

Two researchers at the University of Hong Kong have jointly designed a new toothbrush—the only toothbrush in the world—that can brush every surface of the tooth simultaneously, reaching difficult-to-access niches while being gentle on gingivae.

The two inventors have expressed the hope that their NJ toothbrush will improve users’ oral health. They have said that it will not be easy to convince toothbrush companies that a change of design is needed, but that this toothbrush will bring revolutionary changes to the concept of toothbrushing.

Dr Tze-chuen Ng, an honorary associate professor at the university’s Faculty of Dentistry, and Prof. Lijian Jin, Clinical Professor in Periodontology also at the faculty, designed the NJ toothbrush to target all dental surfaces, particularly interdental, retromolar and submarginal spaces. They used computer mapping to develop six different types of target-specific bristles to reach all dentogingival surfaces, each group of bristles being set at a specific angle and length according to each anatomical feature.

The free-rotating brush head couples over the upper and lower dental arches while the bristles follow above the arch; this balances the force and minimises any abrasion. The head fits over the dentition with collapsible, bilateral V-shaped wings that automatically adjust to the various widths of the teeth. Because the head is of a ball and socket design, the toothbrush can be held freely in the hand, continuously brushing from one side of the mouth to the other without stopping, thus making use easier for people with limited hand dexterity. The NJ toothbrush produces ultrasonic vibrations on the tooth surfaces from each of the bristles to dislodge plaque and remove biofilm.

Ng, also a notable designer of precision tools for space exploration, described their collaborative design as “a breakthrough in dental health care”. In light of the prevalence of periodontal disease, Ng and Jin hope this invention could prevent periodontitis as it greatly reduces improper brushing.

US and international patent applications for the NJ toothbrush have been filed, and the developers are currently in talks with toothbrush companies to market their new product.

Details

  • Hong Kong
  • University of Hong Kong