Chinese scientists develop toothbrush using mild electric shocks to cut plaque

Key facts

• Chinese scientists developed a toothbrush that delivers mild electric shocks aimed at reducing plaque, per the report.
• The report says bacteria return to the tooth surface within hours of ordinary brushing.
• The report gives no figures for plaque reduction, shock strength or testing results.
• No commercial launch or regulatory approval for the device is reported.

Scientists in China have developed a toothbrush that uses mild electric shocks to reduce plaque, according to a report published November 4. The report says brushing alone cannot keep bacteria off teeth for long, with the bacteria rebuilding on the tooth surface within hours of brushing.

The report describes the device as a research-stage concept and gives no figures for plaque reduction, the strength of the shock or the results of any testing.