Research

Oral health problems have significant economic and societal effects to the United States! According to the Center for Disease Control, in 2008, an estimated $102 billion dollars was spent on reactive dental services in the U.S. 2.57 Billion dollars was spent on Toothpaste and toothbrushes alone in the U.S. Moreover, tooth decay affects more than one-fourth of U.S. and the children aged 2–5 and half of those aged 12–15 and about half of all children and two-thirds of children aged 12–19 from low income families have had decay. Children and adolescents of some racial and ethnic groups and those of lower income experience more untreated decay as well. Twenty percent of all adolescents 12–19 years currently have untreated tooth decay. Advanced gum disease affects 4%–12% of adults and one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older have lost all of their teeth. We must completely eliminate oral disease in the United States of America, changing our culture and behavior to one of mobility and convenience when it comes to oral hygiene. Oral disease has been around since the beginning of time just like the means to prevent it. In fact, history tells of millions of deaths throughout history which were associated with poor oral hygiene and the creation of oral disease. New research is now also pointing to possible connections between oral health and other systemic conditions such as heart disease and premature, low birth weight babies. Moreover, this inability to brush your teeth while not at home does and will continue to contribute to oral disease. Oral disease can come in the form of cavities, gum disease, periodontal disease, and gingivitis, compromising overall health including cardiovascular health.

The most striking aspect of this dangerous and very preventable disease is how it affects children. For example, tooth decay is currently the most common chronic childhood disease and is five times more common than asthma and seven times more common than hay fever. Oral pain is responsible for 51 million hours of lost study time by young children in school. It contributes to the inability to study and concentrate in school. Moreover, with oral disease in children it often leads to nutrition problems, sleep deprivation, and difficulty eating. In addition, nearly one in four Americans between the ages of 64 and 74 has severe periodontal disease. This application seeks to shift the current clinical practices in a major way. Our product and dispenser will change the behavior of the U.S. and how it currently cares for its teeth and prevents oral disease. Currently, there is a gap in the mobility, convenience and availability of oral care. Our goal is not only create a product which makes it convenient and easy to brush your teeth while not at home, but to inform and educate America about the importance of brushing directly after meals and beverage consumption through creative marketing.