Dyson's £419 CameraJet Toothbrush Faces Scrutiny from Dentists
A new toothbrush with a built-in camera aims to revolutionize oral hygiene, but experts question its efficacy and practicality.
Dyson's latest innovation, the £419 CameraJet electric toothbrush, which features a built-in camera and a mouthwash-dispensing flossing function, is drawing mixed reactions from dental professionals and users.
The device, described by Dyson founder James Dyson as a solution to the "awkward and time-consuming chore" of flossing, aims to combine brushing, flossing, and mouth rinsing into a single step. The integrated camera is designed to identify gaps between teeth, enabling the device to then blast a jet of mouthwash into these areas to remove plaque before it hardens.
However, some dental professionals have raised concerns about the device's approach. One dentist noted on Reddit that rinsing after brushing can wash away fluoride, a key component in toothpaste that protects teeth. This sentiment is echoed by Dr. Daniel Sutcliffe, founder of The Bespoke Dentist in London, who stated that the device functions as a toothbrush with a camera, rather than a replacement for traditional flossing or interdental brushes. He argued that liquid flossing, as employed by the CameraJet, may not be as effective as physical methods for removing stubborn plaque, a view consistent with existing studies on water flossers.
Sutcliffe also questioned Dyson's claim that the brush is 13 times more effective at improving gum health, pointing out that this comparison was made against a manual toothbrush. He suggested that the brush should be tested against high-end electric toothbrushes and interdental tools over a longer period to validate its performance.
Despite these criticisms, Sutcliffe acknowledged the potential of the camera feature. He suggested that showing patients a visual of their own gum health on a screen could be a more impactful way to encourage better hygiene practices than verbal advice.
User experience with the CameraJet has also presented challenges. Early adopters report difficulties with the device's usability, including messy application of mouthwash, the need to repeatedly rinse the brush due to bubble buildup obstructing the camera, and a steep learning curve involving app integration and specific holding techniques. Refills for Dyson's proprietary low-foam mouthwash and toothpaste are priced at £8.49 and £9.99 respectively, though other low-foam alternatives can be used.
The device's design has also been criticized for its size and impracticality, particularly for travel. The charging dock requires a USB-C connection, potentially necessitating adapters for bathroom outlets, and the mouthwash reservoir is integrated into the dock, requiring the brush to be docked for refilling.
Dyson positions the CameraJet as a premium oral care device, with its £419.99 price point falling within the range of high-end alternatives from Oral-B and Philips Sonicare, which can retail for up to £800 and £599.99 respectively.
Ultimately, the review suggests that while the CameraJet offers innovative technology, its practical application and effectiveness in replacing traditional oral hygiene methods remain questionable, leading to a recommendation to prioritize regular dental visits and conventional tools like interdental brushes.