Colgate this week announced the launch of its first app-enabled electronic toothbrush, called the Colgate Smart Electronic Toothbrush E1 with Artificial Intelligence. Available exclusively beginning today on Apple.com and in some Apple retail locations, Colgate's new product provides a few pieces of real-time feedback to help users improve their brushing routine.
The electronic toothbrush also uses Apple's ResearchKit in order to crowdsource toothbrushing data and "get even smarter about oral care for better and faster future innovation." ResearchKit is a software framework created by Apple that lets medical researchers gather data from compatible apps and programs, working in conjunction sometimes with CareKit to provide users with a better understanding of their specific medical conditions.
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"Our goal is simple. We want people to have their healthiest smiles by brushing their best," said Dr. Patricia Verduin, Chief Technology Officer, Colgate-Palmolive Company. "The first step to improving brushing is to understand consumers' brushing habits, and Apple ResearchKit has proved to be a powerful tool for this."
Otherwise, Colgate's electronic toothbrush performs functions similar to previous devices from Philips, providing users with real-time feedback through an iPhone app as a way to improve brushing habits. The toothbrush includes various sensors, 3D motion sensors, and AI algorithms to detect brushing effectiveness "in 16 zones of the mouth."
The device's AI technology was created in partnership with Kolibree, and the connected app coaches users through brushing sessions that point out sections of the mouth where they might need to focus on more during their daily routines. The more the toothbrush is used, the more the AI learns and will adapt to each user, adjusting to their own habits and providing improved brushing tips.
Colgate is launching the Smart Electronic Toothbrush today in the United States on Apple.com and in select Apple stores, and will run for a price of $99.95.
Top Rated Comments
Remember that dental health is closely linked to general health. Having a healthy mouth is also directly linked to longevity. Those with poor dental hygiene generally die earlier and experience more health problems.
You honestly believe it's stupid to invest in something that could help you live a longer, healthier life?
[doublepost=1515517902][/doublepost]I'm sure people cried about electric tooth brushes when they were invented too, just the way BlargKing is now. "Why do they need to be electric?!" Well, piles of proof show that electric do a better job than manual brushing and those that use electric tooth brushes also brush longer than those with manual, which results in even better brushing too.
I'm sure in time we'll find that having brushes that advise us on what we're missing or could be doing better are helpful for better brushing. We'll look back on comments like those from BlargKing and see just how naive we once were to not realize the transformative power of new technology applied to traditional products.
Surely you recognize that there are plenty out there who can't claim that. If $99 helps them to avoid a cavity or have better oral health, leading to a better life and smaller dental bills, why would you judge them? It may even mean reduced claims on dental insurance which could lead to lower premiums for all of us.