Recent research has looked at the possibility of a toothbrush being used as an alternative to X-rays in dental sensing. This idea involves the use of new technology – with this being in the form of what the researchers called the ToMoBrush. The ToMoBrush appears to make it possible for patients to carry out their own dental check-up.
Whenever we go for a dental check-up, one of the most common parts involves the dentist using X-ray imagery to get a closer look at our oral health.
X-rays have been the gold standard for dental condition detection for several decades. However, X-ray imagery is not available to everyone around the world.
With this in mind, recent research has taken place which has looked at the possibility of using a sonic toothbrush as a sensing system [1]. This is an interesting research topic – and one that could have a wide-ranging impact.
X-rays
X-rays – also called radiographs – form a crucial part of dentistry. They provide a detailed image of the mouths of patients, which dentists can then analyze.
In the absence of X-rays, dentists use their sight, but this doesn’t provide the same insight that an X-ray does. Issues can also be missed with human sight.
X-rays can help to identify tooth decay, bone loss, gum disease or an infection. Moreover, a diagnosis can be easily made through using X-rays.
But as mentioned above, X-ray imagery can be expensive, and as such, isn’t available around the world. Therefore, this presents an example of inequality in worldwide healthcare.
So, finding a suitable and effective alternative to X-rays is very desirable for researchers.
The Research
The research was carried out by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Dental Medicine and the Carnegie Mellon College of Engineering. Their findings have been published in the Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies journal [1].
The researchers have explored the potential of using an off-the-shelf electric toothbrush, with minimal hardware modification, as a method of dental sensing [1].
With this in mind, the researchers were able to create the ToMoBrush, which is a shortening of “Tooth Monitoring Brush” and “Tomorrow’s Toothbrush” [1].
The ToMoBrush goes far beyond being a standard electric toothbrush, with the researchers believing it has significant potential.
The team noted that electric toothbrushes automatically emit acoustic signals that are generated by rapid automatic bristle vibrations [1].
Furthermore, the team were looking to leverage this quality in a way that could assist dental sensing – an idea which has seldom been looked into before.
The acoustic signals contain important information about the status of each tooth. The ToMoBrush is able to extract tooth resonance signatures – which refer to magnetic signals – which can sense the dental condition of each tooth [1].
This incredible technology therefore allows regular self-examinations of oral health. Effectively, someone could carry out their own personal check-up.
The team also noted that there were a range of variables with toothbrushes, including brand, battery charge and bristle formation [1].
To mitigate for this, the team modelled the vibration system to account for toothbrush, tooth resonance and brushing strength [1].
The team also carried out interviews with dental experts to validate the findings relating to ToMoBrush [1]. The experts were very impressed with the findings, and confirmed their support.
Summary
This technology certainly has the potential to help the field of dentistry. Moreover, it could also significantly help those with issues in accessing dentistry.
Kuang Yang, one of the authors of the study, said that the team “explored a low-cost solution for dental health monitoring that patients can use regularly in the comfort of their own homes” [2].
The idea is that if they then found out that they needed treatment, they could get in contact with their dentist. This can effectively fast-track the process.
This idea could also have a positive impact on those that have a fear of going to the dentist, or cannot afford standard dental care.
Overall, there are many positives of the ToMoBrush. Further research into the idea will be undertaken. Hopefully, further positive results will follow!
Thinking points…
1) The technology outlined above is very impressive! However, remember that there is no current substitute for a dental check-up! At check-ups, dentists are able to take a look at your oral health, provide advice, and suggest treatment if needed. Therefore, dental check-ups are crucial. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) Whenever the topic of X-rays come up, there is often concern. However, it is important to not worry! There are many safety precautions in place within dental clinics to ensure that patients and staff are safe. If you do have any concerns or questions, we recommend speaking to your dentist at your next appointment!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Yuan, K., Ibrahim, M., Song, Y., Deng, G., Nerone, R. A., Vijayan, S., Gadre, A., & Kumar, S. (2024). ToMoBrush: Exploring Dental Health Sensing Using a Sonic Toothbrush. Proceedings of the ACM on Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies. 8 (3): p1-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3678505.
[2] Burns, K. (2024). Exploring dental health sensing using a sonic toothbrush. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2024-10-exploring-dental-health-sonic-toothbrush.html. Last accessed: 11th October 2024.
