How the Kolibree 'smart toothbrush' improves dental hygiene

According to the company, the world’s first “smart toothbrush” was developed by Kolibree, and has the potential to change tooth brushing habits of children and adults by motivating individuals to brush better through games (for kids) and coaching (for adults) that guide them toward improved dental hygiene. This article will highlight the features of this new product.

Kolibree technology includes 3-D motion sensors that can identify the area of the mouth in which the user is brushing. These sensors include a gyroscope, accelerometer, and a magnetometer that detect the location and angle of the brush, then analyze data to provide instant feedback to the user. This powerful technology also has the ability to store data, and create a personalized visual “check-up” to show where the user brushed —and missed—over a 7-day period.

The check-up features allow you to see, for instance, where you are consistently missing the posterior mandibular and maxillary molars, the lingual side of the lower central incisors, or other important areas for bacterial plaque removal and cavity prevention.

The fun part for kids is that motion sensors inside the toothbrush handle allow the brush to act like a game controller. When paired via Bluetooth to the user’s phone or tablet, children are able to play games designed to guide them through a journey that builds better brushing habits. Children stay fully engaged in mindful brushing for a full two minutes. The better you brush, the better you do in the game. With interchangeable color-coded brush heads, and accommodating up to five users per brush, siblings and parents can enjoy family-friendly competition on their smartphones or tablets. Grown-ups also enjoy the personal health tracking and guidance in the app’s coaching features.

"Kolibree's innovative technology educates the user to brush better, longer, and more thoroughly," said dental hygienist Elizabeth Farrell, RDH, BSDH, from Hurst, Texas, who is now working with Kolibree as a consultant after using the Kolibree toothbrush for about a year.

Kolibree’s sonic toothbrush has soft bristles that gently remove plaque with 15,000-21,000 vibrations per minute, depending on the amount of pressure applied by the user. The toothbrush weighs only 2.5 ounces and was ergonomically designed to easily fit the hands of young children, older adults with grip problems, and everyone in between.

A 2016 survey of about 200 Kolibree users found that:

• 87% of users feel that the Kolibree toothbrush is effective at removing plaque.
• 79% think their dental health has improved.
• 81% of parents say the toothbrush and games are easy for kids to use.
• 80% use the app to identify which teeth they need to brush better.
• 75% would recommend Kolibree to their friends and family.

Named a Popular Science Healthcare Innovation of 2015and a Best Dental Buy of 2016 by AskTheDentist.com, Kolibree is a smart solution for families and children alike.

For more information, visit the website, or twitter.com/kolibree, facebook.com/sharekolibree, instagram.com/sharekolibree and pinterest.com/sharekolibree.

References
1. https://www.kolibree.com/en/.

Marcia Simon is a Connecticut-based freelance writer and principal of MSE, a public relations company specializing in healthcare and technology.