Toothbrush that emits electricity may more effectively prevent gum disease

New Scientist · Christa Lesté-Lasserre · 2026-11-04 19:00 UTC

A toothbrush with bristles that produce electricity as they bend has shown promise for reducing plaque and gum inflammation

A new and improved toothbrush could help avoid trips to the dentist

A toothbrush that generates electricity may more effectively fight harmful bacteria, while removing plaque, than existing products. The toothbrush uses special bristles that produce electricity as they bend, triggering the formation of molecules that damage bacterial membranes. When put to the test, it led to more than twice the reduction of plaque, gum inflammation and bleeding as conventional toothbrushes.

“The concept is great,” says Nicholas Jakubovics at Newcastle University, UK, who wasn’t involved in the research. “Basically, the mechanical forces recharge the surface, so it’s really innovative. Anything that even slightly improves the way dental care works could have a benefit, because oral disease is just so widespread.”

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