The rise of Big Toothbrush: how did our mouths become such a lucrative market?
People in the UK are more interested in oral health than ever - and you can now buy prebiotic toothpastes and brushes that cost up to £600. Yet we remain in the midst of a serious dental crisis A December 1969 report from the consumer magazine Which? explored a relatively new gadget that, it predicted, many people would be giving as Christmas presents: the electric toothbrush. For those who…
In the United Kingdom, an increasing focus on oral health has led to the market for prebiotic toothpastes and brushes soaring, with some costing up to £600. Despite this, the country still grapples with a significant dental crisis. A 1969 report from the consumer magazine Which? highlighted an emerging trend that would soon become a popular Christmas gift: the electric toothbrush.
The magazine described this device as similar to a conventional brush, with the key difference being the electric motor that moves the brush head. Over half a century later, electric toothbrushes offer more advanced features, such as multiple speeds, movement sensors, real-time tracking, gum-massage, and tongue-cleaning modes. These devices range in price from around £25 for a basic Oral B model to upwards of £599.99 for high-end models like the Philips Sonicare, which provides "smart coverage feedback."
The latest innovation, priced at £419.99, is a super-toothbrush featuring a camera and built-in water jet to clean between teeth, employing AI to identify gaps. Crafted by Dyson, this device essentially remains a stick with a brush attached, although there exists another toothbrush in the market shaped like a mouthguard, with individual brushes that claim to clean teeth in just 20 seconds.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
