San Francisco-based start-up Grush is developing a unique toothbrush that makes brushing fun by incorporating aspects of video games.
The Grush system consists of a WiFi-enabled toothbrush with companion iOS and Android games. Children can mount a smartphone to the bathroom mirror using a custom-built mounting device, and select one of several Grush games go guide them through their brushing routine. The Grush gaming component uses a built-in motion sensor and a wireless transmitter to track toothbrush movements such as rotation, strokes and intensity. The data is then sent to the toothbrush, effectively transforming it into a video game controller of sorts.
Grush also collects brushing data and stores it in a cloud. Parents can access this information through a dashboard app and forward it to their family dentist.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Gamified Toothbrushes
- Developing toothbrushes that incorporate gaming elements to make brushing fun and engaging.
- Internet of Things (iot) Dental Care
- Using connected devices, such as WiFi-enabled toothbrushes, to track and store brushing data in the cloud.
- Interactive Dental Hygiene Apps
- Creating companion mobile applications that provide interactive guidance and feedback for brushing routines.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Healthcare
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introducing gamified dental care products to incentivize proper oral hygiene practices, especially for children.
- Gaming
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating new gaming experiences by integrating physical actions, such as brushing teeth, into interactive gameplay.
- Data Analytics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilizing the collected brushing data to develop personalized dental care recommendations and improve oral health outcomes.
