In an era where artificial intelligence powers everything from diagnostics to daily reminders, it's now transforming one of the most routine health habits: brushing your teeth.
A new narrative review explores how AI-based smart toothbrushes and related robotic technologies are boosting oral hygiene, patient education, and compliance.
The authors highlight devices like the Oral-B iO series, which uses sensors, apps, and 3D tracking to monitor pressure (ideal range: 0.8–2.5 N), brushing duration, coverage, and technique in real time.
Examples:
https://feno.co/products/founders-edition-bundle-one-time
https://oralb.com/en-us/products/electric-toothbrushes/io-series-10-rechargeable-electric-toothbrush-cosmic-black/
Users get instant feedback via lights, vibrations, or app visualizations - studies show dramatic improvements, such as 82% of users achieving "healthy" gum status after 8 weeks (vs. 24% with manual brushes) and major reductions in plaque and gingivitis.
Kids benefit too: gamified options like Colgate Magik, Hum Kids, or apps with virtual rewards and music (Tooth Tunes) make brushing fun and effective.
For patients with disabilities, neurological conditions, or poor dexterity, these tools reduce caregiver burden and improve outcomes.
Looking further ahead, experimental microrobots show exciting potential - tiny swarms propelled by chemicals or magnetic fields that shapeshift to scrub biofilm, reach interdental spaces, or even assist in root canals.
Self-disinfecting brushes with UV/LED lights kill up to 99.9% of germs, while automatic full-mouth devices cut brushing time to seconds.
Of course, challenges remain: high cost, need for app setup/charging, and questions about long-term sustainability and environmental impact.
The review stresses that AI tools aren't always first-line - start with proper manual technique training - but they're game-changers for non-compliant patients, children, and special-needs groups.
Bottom line: AI isn't replacing dentists or basic brushing; it's supercharging them. As these technologies become more accessible, better plaque control could mean fewer cavities, less gum disease, and downstream benefits for overall health.
References:
Maini V, Roy R, Gandhi G, Chopra A, Bhat SG. Artificial-Intelligence-Based Smart Toothbrushes for Oral Health and Patient Education: A Review. Hygiene. 2025;5(1):5. doi:10.3390/hygiene5010005)
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-947X/5/1/5
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