The innovation of the internet of things, a state where everything is connected to the internet and integrated with advanced technology, has not passed over the dental industry. While some initially took this innovation as both intrusive and, to some extent, ridiculous, these types of products are becoming more common. It would be understandable for you to question these items’ validity and whether they’re genuinely effective or just a passing fad. Today we’re going to explore smart toothbrushes and determine whether they truly have something to offer or are just another cash grab by dental product retailers.
First Off: What’s A Smart Toothbrush?
Let’s start by defining exactly what these products are and what technology they include. Smart toothbrushes are the newest innovation in a line of products that seek to integrate technology with common everyday tools and appliances. In the case of the smart toothbrush, this integration involves an app that monitors your brushing habits and keeps you informed of whether you’re doing it often and thoroughly enough. Some of the smartest versions are able to detect the amount of pressure you’re using and adjust to compensate. Brushing too vigorously can have lasting repercussions for your teeth, so a toothbrush that can respond by lightening the pressure is fantastic.
A New Type Of Toothbrush
Along with the app integration, habit monitoring, and technique adjusting nature of smart toothbrushes, they’ve also seen the introduction of an innovation in the toothbrush. Toothbrushes, overall, are a pretty basic item, so the majority of innovations have been in comfort, bristle type, and innovations like electric toothbrushes. For the first time in unknown centuries, a whole new design of toothbrush has entered the market. This toothbrush style resembled a mouthguard in that it covers all your teeth at once. Attached to a handle that contains buttons for adjust speed, duration, and pressure, as well as the batteries for this device, a mouth guard toothbrush can clean all of your teeth thoroughly in just a few seconds.
But Do They Improve Your Oral Health?
Now here’s the big question we all want to know. Does smart technology actually help these toothbrushes do their job? While research is still being done, initial findings suggest there’s something to it. These toothbrushes do more than just keep your mouth clean; they also gather information for you and your dentist and have been shown to reveal certain issues before they get out of hand. The ability to easily track your brushing habits and ensure you stay on track also make keeping a good dental routine simple.
While smart toothbrushes are an incredible new innovation in dental technology, they aren’t able to replace twice-yearly visits to your dentist. Using these devices may result in an overall improvement of your oral health, but combining them with twice-yearly visits to your dental care provider is the only way to get the most out of these benefits. Dr. Maureen Karl is ready to see you at St. Claire Dental in Granbury, TX! Give us a call and get your next dental care appointment scheduled today!