A Toothbrush That Can See and Floss
Sir James Dyson has unveiled his first toothbrush at an event in Paris, a device named the Dyson CameraJet that combines an electric toothbrush with a water flosser. As you brush, a built-in camera lens sits alongside the brush head, and a jet nozzle between them fires a precision burst of mouthwash into the gaps between your teeth when the system's “Gap Optical Targeting” technology determines it is in line.
Reports describe the camera as capturing 28 images every second to identify, track, and predict gaps between teeth, firing a conical-shaped spray to sweep away plaque. Another account describes a 100,000-pixel camera lens and a jet that delivers a precision burst of mouthwash into the gap to floss.
Research and Development
The CameraJet is the result of six years of design and development, with reports citing research and prototypes from 661 Dyson engineers. Engineers worked with researchers at the National University of Singapore to develop an artificial plaque to test the bristles on the custom-designed brush head and the conical jet of mouthwash. EFTM also reports that Dyson developed its own proxy plaque to allow engineers to iterate quickly when testing to optimise the brush and jet for plaque removal.
According to Dyson founder James Dyson, “Flossing is an awkward and time-consuming chore. Few of us do it even though we know we should. Dyson engineers and scientists have spent well over a decade understanding oral care regimes and how nasties build up in the mouth. Our research has shown that people consistently miss the areas where plaque forms: the gaps between teeth. We wanted to solve three fundamental problems: how to see those gaps, how to remove plaque, and how to improve cleaning performance while brushing. By combining a camera, machine learning, precision fluid dynamics, advanced brushing technologies, connectivity and WiFi, Dyson CameraJet™ introduces an entirely new way to keep your mouth healthy.”
The device also aims to address poor brushing habits. Reports note that nine out of ten people do not floss their teeth as regularly as they should, and the average time people spend brushing their teeth is 45 seconds, well below the two minutes recommended.
Design and Features
The CameraJet uses a diaphragm pump and pressure chamber to deliver a controlled, uninterrupted jet in any orientation. Dyson’s Anti-Gravity Tank eliminates air pockets and prevents the device from firing blanks, which is especially important when cleaning the back of the teeth, where the device is often horizontal.
The charging stand contains the mouthwash, and when you finish your clean and place the Dyson CameraJet down to charge, it also refills a small tank on the device. The device is WiFi connected to a smartphone app, allowing users to see while they clean. No images are stored or recorded on the device or in the cloud.
The Dyson CameraJet is priced at $799 in the US and £419.99 in the UK, according to the respective reports.