After seeing the oral well being of a lot of his older sufferers deteriorate drastically, dentist Johan Flyborg began on the lookout for an answer. After 5 years of analysis in utilized well being know-how on the Blekinge Institute of Know-how in Sweden, he can present that an modern, clever, powered toothbrush could make a giant distinction within the oral well being and high quality of lifetime of older individuals.
With greater than 30 years of expertise as a dentist, Johan Flyborg has usually seen that there generally is a drastic deterioration within the oral well being of some sufferers as they grow old.
The deterioration within the mouth stunned each me and the sufferers, and I questioned what it might be as a result of. Analysis exhibits that early and delicate cognitive decline usually results in a drastic deterioration in oral well being and high quality of life. Nonetheless, I didn’t discover what might be the answer to the issue. That is why I made a decision to take a more in-depth take a look at this explicit subject.”
Johan Flyborg, dentist
Oral well being and high quality of life go hand in hand
The conclusion that oral well being performs an important position in wholesome ageing and the will to discover a answer for aged sufferers was the start line for Johan’s analysis in utilized well being know-how on the Blekinge Institute of Know-how. The frequent thread all through the work was utilizing an modern, clever, powered toothbrush.
“An modern, clever toothbrush can talk with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and it shops, transmits, and receives knowledge from sensors built-in into the toothbrush,” explains Johan.
Which means we are able to see in real-time the place the comb is within the mouth, which tooth have been cleaned for the way lengthy, and the way onerous the toothbrush has been pressed. When the toothbrush is switched off, the suggestions is quick.
“It may be an eye-opener for many individuals to get this suggestions, however for stroke sufferers, for instance, who cannot really feel the place the comb is of their mouth and which tooth surfaces it hits, a operate like this may be important for sustaining oral well being,” says Johan.
Greater than only a toothbrush
Johan sees the potential of integrating extra capabilities into the toothbrush. He believes that the comb can even carry sensors for well being measurement.
“With sensors that may measure physique temperature and detect early indicators of an infection, this modern toothbrush might turn into a useful instrument in aged care. However it is usually vital to contain relations and carers to make sure success,” says Johan.
A easy answer with nice potential
The modern toothbrush is a technological innovation and a brand new mind-set about aged care and oral well being. Johan Flyborg hopes it would quickly turn into a pure a part of care, serving to older individuals with cognitive impairments to reside a wholesome and dignified life.
“Such a easy answer can have a big impact,” he concludes.