Toothbrush that emits electricity may more effectively prevent gum disease

A new toothbrush that generates electricity through special bristles may be more effective in fighting harmful bacteria and removing plaque than existing products. The toothbrush uses piezoelectric plastic bristles that produce electricity as they bend, triggering chemical reactions that damage bacterial membranes. Laboratory tests confirmed the bristles generated electricity under pressure, particularly thicker ones. In experiments, the thicker piezoelectric bristles killed about 53% of Streptococcus mutans and 78% of Porphyromonas gingivalis, compared with 9% and 8% for nylon bristles. The toothbrush also removed more than 99% of plaque in simulated brushing experiments. A three-month study involving 109 adults with dental plaque and gum inflammation found that those using the piezoelectric toothbrush had a 40% reduction in plaque build-up, gum inflammation, and bleeding, compared with 15% for those using conventional brushes. Genetic sequencing of the dental plaque revealed a decline in harmful bacteria and an increase in potentially beneficial bacteria.