Everything we buy now seems to be ‘smart.’ From TVs to watches, it seems that we are well on our way to living in a society where the potential of every item we own will be dramatically increased through smart connectivity. And it looks as if the humble toothbrush is going to be no exception.
It may seem ludicrous to create smart toothbrushes that can connect to the internet, store data and be updated with new information, yet in reality such an approach to dental care makes perfect sense. After all, we all have different genes and in turn different issues that will affect the health of our teeth, and we all have very different eating habits. Furthermore, not all of us are quite as conscientious about brushing as we should be.
How smart technology can help
Smart toothbrushes will allow individuals to completely personalise their oral care routine. Not only this, but they will allow dentists to do exactly the same thing, setting routines for patients, then collecting and analysing data to see whether or not brushing plans are being followed and what changes can then be made. The brushes will also be able to offer real-time, focussed help to those using them to ensure that they get the most from their personalised oral health routine.
This may all sound like smart technology gone mad, and a futuristic view of how we will take care of our teeth in 50 years time, rather than today. However, the fact that such technology will soon be available to us will simply make the process of caring for our teeth easier and ensure that dentists can have the full story of our oral hygiene routine to offer much more focussed and informed advice.
The right dentist
Whilst such products are not on the market yet, within a few months the first few will be appearing and within a matter of a year or two such brushes are likely to be very common. As such, the dentist you choose should not be a technophobe and whilst asking them today if they will offer such dental services in the future may not help you understand who actually will and who won’t, ensuring that you choose a dentist that already offers a range of services and treatments (and has a large, dedicated staff) will ensure that you have the best chance of being registered with a practice that will offer these advanced services as and when they become relevant.
The amount of sugar we consume is now big news, and in turn it is likely to be harder than ever to keep our teeth healthy and free from cavities. The more help we can get and the more personalised our approach to brushing can be, the more likely we are to maintain a radiant smile for many years to come. Furthermore, with smart technology, we may not just get healthier teeth and gums, but we may also simply be able to get them as clean as they need to be as quickly as possible. Time is valuable to us all, and being able to save little bits here and there whilst improving the job we do will no doubt be extremely appealing for every one of us.
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