Dentistry

Researchers are developing microrobots that can brush, floss and rinse teeth

Researchers in the US have recently developed a micro-robotic nanoparticle hands-free system that can not only brush teeth, but also floss and rinse teeth in one go, helping to effectively remove biofilm from teeth.

Researchers are developing microrobots that can brush, floss and rinse teeth

Proper oral hygiene requires manual dexterity and can be difficult for older people and people with disabilities. However, US researchers have recently developed a micro-robotic hands-free system that can brush, floss and rinse teeth.

A multidisciplinary team of researchers from the School of Dental Medicine and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania have developed topographically adaptive iron oxide nanoparticle robotic systems that have two unique properties. First, they are magnetic, which allows you to control their movement and their configuration to form various shapes, including one that resembles bristles and another that resembles dental floss. Second, they are catalytic and thus can activate hydrogen peroxide to create an antimicrobial rinse that can instantly kill harmful oral bacteria and break down biofilm.

“Imagine people with physical and medical limitations or older people who can no longer brush and floss. This is a major unmet need for oral care,” says study co-author Prof. Hen Michel Koo from the Department of Orthodontics.

Violation of brushing technique

Discussing the motivation behind the study, Prof Koo says that in addition to making brushing easier for the elderly or people with disabilities, the researchers sought to improve brushing technology. “The design of the toothbrush, essentially bristles on a stick, has remained relatively unchanged over the centuries. It requires manual control and dexterity and is not completely effective. It's a technology that hasn't changed in decades.”

The robotic system is adjustable, which means that the stiffness and length of the bristles can be easily adjusted to make the bristles hard enough to remove biofilm, yet soft enough to avoid gum injury. In addition, the system can adapt to the unique tooth topography of a particular oral cavity. The robotic brush can extend, clean with various movements, and move back and forth in space.

By generating hydroxyl radicals in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the nanoparticles, which also have magnetic properties, can effectively remove plaque.

Researchers develop microrobots that can brush, floss and rinse teeth1

“All of these features combined provide a remarkable ability to clean teeth around the gingival margin, between teeth and other hard-to-reach areas, resulting in complete plaque removal,” explained Professor Koo.

In light of its breakthrough innovations, the researchers are convinced that the system will “change existing practices and greatly facilitate oral care.”

Researchers are currently working on further optimization of robots and innovation in dental clinics. One option available could be to deliver microrobots to patients' mouths using mouthpieces.

Application outside dentistry

Professor Koo noted that the flexibility of the system allows it to be used in a variety of settings, including the treatment of endodontic infections and root canal disinfection. In addition, the system offers applications not only in dentistry. “Microrobots could be adapted to remove biofilm that contaminates medical devices such as orthopedic implants and catheters, or those that clog waterlines and contaminate other surfaces,” Ku said.