Scientists Have Created Microrobots That Can Automatically Brush and Floss Your Teeth
In a proof-of-concept study, University of Pennsylvania researchers showed that dental plaque and germs that cause tooth decay could be successfully treated and removed by a hands-free device. In the future, a shape-changing robotic microswarm could replace the need for separate toothbrushes, rinses, and dental floss. The technology, developed by a multidisciplinary team at the University of Pennsylvania, may offer a fresh, automated way to do the daily tasks of brushing and flossing, which are tedious but crucial. This technique could be very beneficial for persons who lack the physical dexterity to effectively clean their teeth on their own. Iron oxide nanoparticles with catalytic and magnetic characteristics make up these tiny robots. Using a magnetic field, scientists were able to manipulate their motion and design, producing either elongated threads that can slide between teeth like floss or bristle-like structures that remove dental plaque off the vast surfaces of teeth. In both ...