A toothbrush that eliminates the need to move your hand? It finally exists thanks to the team at Swiss oral-care brand Curaprox. Meet Samba, the first toothbrush for disabled individuals that not only helps improve their smile care, but also empowers them.
Traditional Oral-Care Options for People with Disabilities
According to Curaprox, people with physical and mental disabilities currently only have two options for brushing their teeth. They either rely on a family member or caregiver to do it for them, or they brush themselves. This may result in subpar cleaning that could compromise their health. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) examined the oral health status of 4,732 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Findings showed that 88 percent of these individuals suffered from dental problems.
Why the Samba Toothbrush Is a Game Changer
This toothbrush for disabled individuals is the first of its kind. More than eight years in the making, Samba utilizes “a pioneering combination of low and high-frequency oscillations. It propels 12,900 soft bristles along the teeth with a dynamic brushing motion that helps remove plaque and debris thoroughly from the teeth and gums.” These oscillations eliminate the need for manual hand movements. Think of it like how a facial cleansing device eliminates the need to massage your face as you wash it.
“Samba was developed with the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves a healthy mouth,” says Eran Eyal, one of the inventors of Samba. “Having a disability should not stand in the way of good oral hygiene.” Steffen Mueller, managing director of Curaden USA (Curaprox’s parent company), adds that “by eliminating barriers and empowering people with disabilities to brush their teeth effectively and independently, Samba opens the door to a healthier future for millions of individuals worldwide. We are proud to introduce this much-needed solution. It embodies our dedication to premium oral care and signifies our unwavering belief in promoting inclusivity and improving lives.”
It’s gentle on the gums, too, but still tough on plaque. The device features 17 micro-brushes that each contain 790 soft bristles. According to the brand, they’re designed to hug the teeth with the perfect amount of pressure. The flexible brush head also adapts to a mouth of any size or shape.
How to Use the Samba Toothbrush
Apply tiny dots of toothpaste in three spots on the brush for full-mouth coverage. Unlike a regular toothbrush, which requires two minutes of brushing, the Samba only takes one minute. This is because it brushes 36 surfaces of the teeth at the same time. The upper teeth take 30 seconds and the lower teeth take 30 seconds.
The battery-powered device is rechargeable—one charge lasts up to 25 days. And like a regular toothbrush, the brush head should be replaced every three months. It’s waterproof too, so it can be used in the shower. The video below shows the toothbrush in action.
Price/Where to Buy:
$299, curaprox.com
