October 16, 2022
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, USA, have created microrobots that can act like a toothbrush and help to rinse, floss and brush a person’s teeth. These shape-shifting microrobots are made of iron oxide nanoparticles. Scientists use a magnetic field to control their movement and can enable them to produce structures similar to the bristles of a toothbrush to remove plaque from the teeth or thread-like structures similar to floss that can clean the area between teeth.
The microrobots also emit antimicrobials that destroy dangerous oral bacteria. This automatic, hands-free system will be beneficial to the elderly or people who find it difficult to clean their teeth.
Did You Know?
More than 300 species of bacteria are present in the plaque on teeth.
