Better brushing

Entrepreneur Roberto Giordan’s company VS Oraltech is developing a device that revolutionises the entire teeth-cleaning process. Convinced of its potential, One NorthEast has backed Giordan’s project with a £75,000 research and development grant.

The concept involves developing a “gumshield” type device with specially angled bristles to ensure all teeth are cleaned when brushed. VS Oraltech is currently in the research stage and is aiming to perform initial clinical trials run by Newcastle University in early 2008.

'Essential toothbrush design has not changed for decades. They work, but only when used constantly and correctly by everyone. However, the hard evidence is that unfortunately more than 80% of the population do not use them properly. We developed this product to simplify and automate the whole teeth cleaning process and it does it all within one minute,' Giordan said.

The new product would be suitable for approximately 95% of the general population and would be of significant benefit to those people with physical disabilities.

Roberto appointed chartered engineer Gary Thompson (founder of C2M (UK) Ltd) as project manager to develop the product. He, in turn, brought together a technical team to develop the idea. Stakeholders include Stoddard, the UK’s leading bristle specialist , Circuitree, the electronic specialists and Paragon Rapid Technologies, the prototyping house.

The company has also engaged with Professor Peter Heasman and Dr Giles McCracken from the University of Newcastle Dental School who expressed an interest in the concept and will collaborate with them through the research and testing phases to ensure the efficiency and reliability of the final product.