Top 10: Innovative toothbrush ideas to combat tooth decay and gum disease
From a cavity detector to a toothbrush that flies, these inventions aim to make brushing fun and effective.
Young Post readers invent brilliant toothbrush ideas to fight tooth decay and gum disease. Photo: Shutterstock This week’s question: What are your biggest fears about visiting the dentist and how would you overcome them? (The question is sponsored by Oral Health Education)
To take part, drop us a line via this form or email us at [email protected] by 11.59pm on December 11. Tell us your name, age and school.
Gianna Marie Natoli, 13, Norwich City School District (USA): I suggest adding something that makes a little water come out each time you put the toothbrush in your mouth. That way, you don’t have to run it under the sink every time you spit.
Joyann Fong Hei-chun, 16, Leung Shek Chee College: An ideal toothbrush would come with a wide range of attachments to promote hygiene and focus on eco-friendliness. It would have an interchangeable head made from biodegradable materials, offering specific options for sensitive teeth or deeper cleaning. Also, an innovative pressure sensor should be installed to let the users know if they are brushing too hard or soft.
Hazel Lin Chi-tung, 13, St Mary’s Canossian College: When we wake up and go to bed, we are pretty sleepy. As a result, we do not clean our teeth thoroughly. Therefore, convenience would be my first concern if I could invent a perfect toothbrush. I want to combine toothpaste and toothbrushes together. Squeeze the bottom of the toothbrush, and an appropriate amount of toothpaste will come out. Connecting these two can increase the efficiency of brushing teeth. I would also like to add a button that can play music. The tunes can attract your attention and incentivise you to brush your teeth for enough time to have a clean and fresh mouth. It also can wake you up in the morning.
Candy Lam Yan-ting, 13, Christian Alliance S.C. Chan Memorial College: I would add soft bristles with the texture of a cloud and marshmallow. A soft-bristle toothbrush is better than a hard one because it will not hurt our teeth. We may hurt them if we brush them too vigorously using a hard-bristle toothbrush. It will wear out our teeth and cause bleeding. Moreover, people will like these toothbrushes because of their cute texture. When it touches our teeth, it will feel comfortable and soft. It is a new and interesting way to educate people to protect and brush their teeth. More people will brush them more often, especially children. Brushing our teeth every day can be more fun.
What is a fun memory you have of seeing the dentist?
Adrian Chow Kam-hang, 12, Hong Kong Tang King Po College: I would attach a small mirror to the toothbrush. It will feel like being at the dentist, allowing you to check for any pesky black spots or food debris hiding in the cracks of your teeth. It is like a treasure hunt for oral hygiene, turning your daily routine into a fun dental adventure. You can make the quest for a sparkling smile both engaging and effective.
Zarita Wong Hau-lam, 13, Christ College: I would add technology to the toothbrush so it can fly by itself. It would help physically challenged people or those with injuries. It can also benefit people in a rush, and we can learn how to multitask.
Yeung Hiu-ching, 16, Pui Kiu College: I recommend incorporating a feature that specifically blocks smell and taste for children. Most children are very resistant to brushing their teeth solely because of the minty aroma and the texture of the toothpaste, making them feel disgusted. Therefore, “smell and taste blockage” can alleviate this problem. This would provide a pleasant experience for children, allowing them to brush their teeth without feeling anxious with unpleasant flavours, ultimately leading to a more enjoyable brushing routine.
Hylia Chan, 11, St Paul’s Co-educational College Primary School: I would add a cavity detector. Sometimes, it’s hard to tell whether you just flossed too hard, have something stuck in your teeth or truly have a cavity. That is why I would install a cavity checker. Ignoring a cavity can cause the affected tooth to fall out and may even spread the cavity to other teeth. Hence, it is important to know if you have a cavity at the earliest time possible so you can seek medical attention in time.
Jovina Chung Man-Yan, 11, Holy Angels Canossian School: I would want my toothbrush to have a UV sanitiser attachment. After each use of our toothbrush, bacteria will be left on the toothbrush. Therefore, if there was a UV sanitiser attachment for my toothbrush, I could use it after each use of my toothbrush head so that the bacteria and germs would be killed.
Adelyn Cheng Yat-nam, 14, Kowloon True Light School: I would add a to-do list. There would be a small space to slip small pieces of memo paper to remind yourself of your tasks when you wake up, and your head isn’t clear yet.