A group of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are trying to find a solution to flossing.
The team has come up with a swarm of shape shifting microrobots that can be used to treat and remove tooth decay.
The work of brushing, flossing, and rinsing is done by the mini-dentists, who do it all without the hassle and challenges of manual oral care.
It's a potential game change for people who don't have the dexterity to clean their own teeth.
"You have to brush your teeth, floss your teeth, then rinse your mouth; it's a manual, multistep process," said UPenn professor and co-author of a new study. The robotic system can do all three in a single way.
The iron oxide nanoparticles that make up the micro-swarm are magnetic and can assemble into shapeable structures.
The minibots were transfigured into bristle and floss-esque shapes with the help of a magnetic field.
Edward Seager, a senior UPenn researcher, said that particles can be shaped and controlled with magnetic fields. Like flossing, we form bristles that can extend, sweep, and even transfer across a space.
These tiny particles could pack another interesting punch.
Iron oxide is a catalyst that can be used to oxidize free radicals and killbacteria. It's a multi-tasking icon.
During trials on mock and real human teeth, the researchers claimed that the flexible robotic system was able to remove nearly every trace of dental plaque.
It is hoped that this system will free anti-flossers from their misery and make brushing teeth easier for those with limited dexterity.
"We have technology that is as effective as brushing and flossing your teeth, but doesn't require manual dexterity." Current oral health care methods will be disrupted by it.
Scientists created a synthetic tooth enamel that is stronger than real teeth.
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