Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have developed a personalized mouthguard that is comparable to a manual toothbrush and mouthwash. The mouthguard is made using 3D printing, and, according to scientists, has already shown results in high-quality plaque removal. The rapid aging of Hong Kong's population is a catalyst for finding ways to improve the oral health of the elderly and disabled, and newly developed mouth guards may prove a valuable tool in maintaining oral health in these groups.
Older and disabled people may lack the necessary dexterity in their hands and wrists to use toothbrushes, oral irrigators, and floss. By next year, Hong Kong will have more than 21% of people aged over 65, according to researchers, adding to the need for improved oral health solutions as oral care resources may be more difficult to access. A recent analysis of information from the World Health Organization shows that older people are at greatest risk of developing periodontitis. The incidence of a number of other dental diseases also increases with age and underlying conditions, making people with additional health conditions more vulnerable to dental disease. Creating an easier way to brush teeth is vital to oral health for these populations.
Based on previous research using microbubble technology as an effective method for cleaning teeth, researchers have developed an entirely new oral protection device that older and disabled people can safely handle on their own. The custom-made mouthguard has specially designed bubble outlets designed to fit the gum margins of each tooth. Microfogging is created at the outlets by mixing air and water supplied through two separate channels from a machine that pumps them into the mouthguard.
To test the effectiveness of plaque removal, researchers tested the aligners on 55 patients aged 60 years and older. For each patient, a digital impression was taken using a standard intraoral scanner, and the shape and location of the mouthguard outlet were configured in CAD software. It was then printed using stereolithography and elastomeric resin.
Overall results showed that microbubble technology was able to remove plaque while reducing the risks of pain, trauma, dental hyperesthesia, gum recession and tooth wear that can occur with brushing. The mouth guard system has been proven to be comparable in effectiveness to mouth rinses and manual brushing. The researchers also found no relationship between the number of teeth and the effectiveness of plaque removal and suggested that this may be due to the even distribution of water and air outlets, which ensures a thorough cleaning. Because it does not require much manual dexterity, the system can be suitable for both older people and people with disabilities who are unable to brush their teeth.