Light-powered toothbrush could eliminate need for toothpaste
The Shiken Company of Japan is making a prototype solar-powered toothbrush, which causes a chemical reaction in your mouth, with the hopes of improving the elimination of harmful plaque and bacteria.
Dr. Komiyama designed the first model of this type of toothbrush more than 15 years ago: It contained a titanium dioxide rod in the neck of the brush, just below the nylon bristles. Any light falling on the wet rod would release electrons, which would react to the acid typically found in the mouth, helping break down plaque.
The latest model, the Soladey-J3X, works in much in the same way, except that it’s twice as powerful.
The brush also has a solar panel at the base, which transmits electrons to the top of the toothbrush through a wire.
Dr. Komiyama tested Soladey-J3X on samples of two types of bacteria that play a major role in periodontal disease. He found that there was a “complete destruction of bacterial cells,” according to the Edmonton Journal.
The toothbrush needs as much light as a solar-powered calculator.
[Via]
December 4th, 2007 14:42
Nice. Where can I get one, or two!
December 4th, 2007 15:49
WANT
December 4th, 2007 17:00
this is an awesome idea, lemme know when they hit the market
December 4th, 2007 17:22
Very nice application of the PV powered system. I hope that this special PV-toothbrush will be in the market soon.
December 4th, 2007 17:25
Awesome, combine this with a sonic-care toothbrush and you’ve got a deal!
December 4th, 2007 22:25
I would like to own this kind of toothbrush.
Oh yes, my domain is newly transfered and if it doesn’t work now, just wait for a couple of days. Thanks.
December 4th, 2007 23:56
this is such a stupid idea.
December 7th, 2007 01:09
This is just stupid
electrons to break down plaque?
what nonsense.
December 7th, 2007 06:08
A toothbrush lasts maybe 3-4 months; so, what is the yearly cost of this gizmo? Is titanium oxide green?
December 7th, 2007 07:28
Just brushing with a normal toothbrush, and no toothpaste, will clean your teeth. In practice, toothpaste is really just a breath-freshener. If you brush for the recommended 2 minutes (and let’s face it, who does?) the fur and plaque in your mouth will be dealt to. Or dip your brush in a bit of baking soda.
I agree with alaalas - give me a greener toothbrush, the toothpaste itself is not the problem.
December 13th, 2007 03:56
“This is just stupid
electrons to break down plaque?
what nonsense.”
So said flat earthers, creationists, and advocates of miasmas above germs. Don’t be like this person and deny things outright, its never lead to anything good. Anyways, it seems like a good idea to increase effiency. Although maybe, big toothpaste will hire “tartar control” =P.
January 20th, 2008 17:53
[…] Light-powered Toothbrush Could Eliminate Need For Toothpaste The Shiken Company of Japan is making a prototype solar-powered toothbrush, which causes a chemical reaction in your mouth, with the hopes of improving the elimination of harmful plaque and bacteria. […]