Beyond The Tooth: Dentists And The AI Toothbrush Revolution

Abstract

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare and dentistry is no exception. The emergence of AI-powered toothbrushes represents a significant advancement in oral hygiene, offering real-time feedback, personalized brushing routines and enhanced data tracking. However, the adoption of these tools in clinical practice is still limited, particularly due to a lack of awareness and advocacy among dental professionals.

Literature Review: Prior studies demonstrate the effectiveness of AI toothbrushes in improving brushing behavior, reducing gingival inflammation, and supporting preventive dental care. Devices like the Oral-B iO utilize AI-driven sensors and apps to deliver personalized oral care. However, literature also highlights a gap in clinical recommendation and endorsement by dental practitioners, indicating the need for improved professional awareness.

Methodology: This study employed a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey conducted among 150 dental clinicians in Coimbatore. The questionnaire evaluated clinicians' awareness, usage, and patient education practices regarding AI-integrated toothbrushes. Data were collected via Google Forms and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests to identify correlations between awareness and demographic factors.

Results: The results revealed moderate awareness of AI toothbrushes among respondents. Younger clinicians and those engaged in continuing education displayed higher familiarity and openness toward these tools. However, only a small fraction actively recommended AI toothbrushes to patients, and most lacked detailed knowledge of their features and benefits.

Discussion: Findings underscore the potential of AI toothbrushes as a preventive tool in dentistry but highlight a disconnect between innovation and clinical implementation. The study suggests that clinician endorsement is critical for patient adoption and that lack of formal training and cost concerns remain key barriers.

Conclusion: While AI toothbrushes represent a transformative advancement in oral care, their successful integration into practice hinges on clinician education, training, and proactive recommendation. Incorporating AI tools into dental curricula and promoting clinical-tech partnerships can bridge the knowledge gap and enhance patient outcomes.