Smile! Dyson launches toothbrush with a live filming camera
Features 'optical targeting' to identify gaps between teeth and precision-floss while brushing
Sir James Dyson unveiling the Dyson CameraJet toothbrush in Paris. Picture by Doug Peters/PA Media Assignments
Sir James Dyson, the inventor of the bagless vacuum cleaner, today announced an entirely new way to clean teeth.
Costing £419.99, the Dyson CameraJet is the only toothbrush with a camera to accurately target and precision-floss gaps between teeth; powered by Gap Optical Targeting, a proprietary system engineered by Dyson.
The 100K-pixel macro lens camera, using machine learning, detects, tracks and predicts gaps between teeth in real time, triggering a precision jet burst of mouthwash exactly where it is needed.
The toothbrush is the result of research and development by more than 600 Dyson engineers that, says the company, challenges every aspect of conventional oral care. The company has filed 38 patents for the product.
“Flossing is an awkward and time-consuming chore,” said Sir James. “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, remove plaque and 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 100k pixel macro lens camera captures 28 live images per second to identify, track and predict gaps between teeth. Within 100ms of the camera seeing a gap, the device detects and jets the gap, triggering a conical burst of mouthwash to floss while brushing.
The camera works with light strobing at 257Hz, just out of sequence with the brush head movement. The brush head, which needs to be replaced every three months, moves at nearly 1,000 times per second, supported by variable sonic, non-stall brushing technology.
The brush head combines different bristle types to support surface cleaning and gentle gumline cleaning. The toothbrush is Wi-Fi connected at 2.4GHz, enabling users to watch as they brush via the MyDyson app.
Dyson will also be launching a proprietary non-foaming toothpaste, formulated without SLS (a common foaming agent) to help keep foam out of the way so the camera can see clearly and support Gap Optical Targeting, alongside a low-foaming mouthwash formulated for use with the precision jet.
Despite some reservations about the need to use a propriety non-foaming toothpaste, requiring people to switch from traditional toothpaste, Dr. Tilly Houston, a London-based dentist, told The Daily Telegraph: ““The live camera feedback is the standout feature for me. Letting people actually see what they’re missing is a brilliant piece of behavioural design, like having a dentist’s insight in your hand every morning.
“For patients who currently do nothing between their teeth, this could be transformative. I don’t think it will replace interdental brushes for everyone, especially those managing gum disease, but as a way of bringing millions of people into a habit they’ve never had, it’s exciting.”
Emily Peck, a reporter at techradar who was given early access to the toothbrush, said: “When I first set eyes on the Dyson CameraJet, I couldn’t help but wonder if its built-in camera was just a superfluous gimmick or a useful oral health tool.
“But having trialled it for a week, I’m impressed by its premium feel and just how deeply it seems to be cleaning my teeth. On first look I think the app is rather special too, and has the potential to be really quite useful.
“Overall, I think if you’re willing to make the spend, the CameraJet can be a smart and informative oral health tool. And as regularly as I’m currently using it, I know I’ll feel much more confident next time I visit my hygienist.”