Smart Toothbrush Aims For Better Brushing Habits 102
Hugh Pickens DOT Com writes "These days, it seems just about every imaginable thing is 'connected.' There's connected thermostats, locks, refrigerators, forks, and so many more. Now we can add toothbrushes to the list. Brandon Griggs reports at CNN that the Kolibree toothbrush syncs wirelessly with an iPhone or an Android device to track brushing habits, announce whether you have brushed thoroughly enough and reward you for good oral hygiene. 'It works just like a regular toothbrush,' says Renee Blodgett. 'The only difference is that all the data is stored on your phone so you can see how you're brushing.' Users download a mobile app and connect via Bluetooth, and the Kolibree documents every brushing via three sensors that record 1) how long you brush, 2) whether you brush all four quadrants of your mouth, and 3) whether you brush up and down (good) instead of just side to side (bad). 'Before Kolibree, the issue is that there has been no easy and quick way to monitor whether you're doing an A+ job or a C- one when you brush, so how can you improve on a habit you don't have any data about?.' There's a bit of gameplay built in, which challenges users to do better next time, and the company has created an API, hoping that third-party developers will come up with additional apps that will inspire users to brush more and more effectively writes Daniel Terdiman. 'With individual health getting more attention than ever, it's certainly possible people will see the benefit of something that keeps a close eye on how well they're treating their teeth, and which challenges them to do better.'"
Smart toothbrush (Score:5, Insightful)
Wouldn't a smart toothbrush be a U-shaped device you put in your mouth, it scans your teeth, and brushes them perfectly? While you do something else.
Re:From gum out (Score:5, Insightful)
Like any medical field, experts seem unable to agree.
Old dentist recommended something similar, current dentist says circular motion to get in there and "sweep out" the junk. Both seemed reasonably competent, both approaches seem to work.
I suspect barring special circumstances, as long as you are brushing in some kind of sensible manner and flossing, all is probably well.
These days I use a good quality electric. I said for years "pff, who needs that..", but I'd never go back. Less effort and does a better job.