Dyson launches the camera toothbrush that replaces dental floss

The new CameraJet is the first electric toothbrush to integrate a camera into the head. The device streams, via Wi-Fi, an image of the inside of the mouth directly to the smartphone, allowing the user to closely observe what only the dentist normally sees.

The camera, however, is not only used for visual inspection. Combined with an artificial intelligence algorithm, it identifies the spaces between one tooth and another and treats them with a targeted jet of mouthwash, effectively performing the function of dental floss during the normal brushing phase. The price is not low (479 euros), but it is still only slightly above that of other high-end smart toothbrushes.

Under the head there is a 100,000 pixel camera combined with a strobe light. The system, which Dyson calls Gap Optical Targeting, analyzes 28 images per second without saving them on the device or sending them to the cloud. As soon as a gap is detected between the teeth, within 100 milliseconds the CameraJet delivers a cone-shaped jet of mouthwash to clean the area. Compared to traditional water flossers, the jet is wider: this allows plaque to be removed with less pressure, being gentler on enamel and gums. The strobe light next to the camera helps stabilize the images used for detection.

The replaceable heads combine softer external bristles, designed to clean safely along the gum line, and stiffer internal bristles, more effective at removing surface stains. The brush head oscillates almost a thousand times per second, with a variable oscillation angle to improve cleaning effectiveness. The price of the replacement brush heads is not yet known, but each is equipped with an RFID tag that allows the toothbrush to monitor wear and report the need for replacement every three months.

A careful technical aspect also concerns the mouthwash tank: to guarantee the operation of the pump in any position, even upside down, Dyson has given up the classic internal tube in favor of an air pocket that gradually inflates to occupy the empty spaces, reduce air bubbles and maintain a constant pressure. The CameraJet is accompanied by a charging base that can automatically fill the 12.5ml tank in just three seconds.

The toothbrush is compatible with traditional toothpaste and mouthwash, but Dyson also plans to launch its own line of non-foaming toothpaste and low-foaming mouthwash, designed not to obstruct the camera’s visibility inside the mouth.