Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry are testing a solar-powered titanium toothbrush that would eliminate the need for toothpaste.
The Soladey-J3X solar-powered toothbrush. Image courtesy of Shiken.Led by Kunio Komiyama, D.M.D., Ph.D., a dentistry professor emeritus at the dental school, and Gerry Uswak, D.M.D., M.P.H., the dean of the school, the research team is examining whether the Soladey-J3X toothbrush will successfully eliminate oral bacteria that cause periodontal disease. The research is funded by toothbrush manufacturer Shiken of Osaka, Japan.
In a previous study, Drs. Komiyama and Uswak proved titanium dioxide (TiO2) has antibacterial effects on certain periodontal pathogens, according to the dental school. Their research poster won the first-place prize at the annual FDI World Dental Federation congress in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, in July.
For their current research, the researchers are trying to determine the effectiveness of using a solar-powered semiconductor on TiO2 to amplify the compound's antibacterial effect on teeth and gums. The Soladey-J3X toothbrush is in clinical trials, and it will be at least a year after the trials are completed before it will potentially be on the market.
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