Innovative and fresh new dental products to get your teeth into

Alison Lowe examines some of the new gadgets on the market to improve dental health

GOOD news for anyone who's hard of hearing – a company in the US has developed a hearing aid, which picks up sound waves from a microphone worn in the rear the ear and transmits them to a nifty small device which attaches to the molar teeth.

The device is intended for people who suffer from single-side deafness, although it may also be of help to those with conductive or mixed hearing loss.

Loss of stereo hearing affects nearly 200 in each one million people – in some situations it can prove to be perilous, such as when tiresome to cross the road.

The SoundBite is thought to be the first hearing aid that has ever been developed to transmit sound via teeth, and once it is in the mouth it is nearly imperceptible.

Of course, as with all new devices, teething problems are anticipated (excuse the pun) not smallest amount the fact that it is only suitable for patients who have their own teeth. It's a sad fact that as we age not only do we often lose our hearing, but also our teeth.

SoundBite is probably years away from retail production, but nonetheless, this could be the initiation of a range of exciting new products, such as wireless personal headphones and hands-free headsets for mobile phones that can all be operated by our teeth.

For more information visit www.sonitusmedical.com

Listerine Zero

If you like Listerine mouthwash but sometimes find it a small intense, then you'll be delighted to know that here is a new addendum to the product range – Listerine Zero.

Zero denotes the fact it's alcohol free, which makes it perfect for people who prefer a teetotal option for lifestyle, health or religious reasons.

But what it lacks in alcohol it more than makes up for in taste with its classic mix of essential oils which are clinically proven to kill more plaque bacteria than any other daily use mouthwash.

Of course, using a mouthwash is no use instead for brushing and flossing but it can be a fantastic adjunct to a excellent oral hygiene routine.

Not only that, but recent evidence suggests that using an alcohol-free mouthwash can reduce the chance of women giving birth prematurely. A US study has found that even when other risk factors are considered, the chance of early labour can be reduced by as much as two thirds just by using an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Here is a growing body of evidence that links gum disease to low birth weight babies and a excellent oral health routine, including appropriate use of a mouthwash, is simple to maintain – and the health benefits can be incredible.

And research has suggested women of childbearing age who suffer from gum or periodontal disease take, on average, two months longer to conceive than those who have a healthy mouth.

Oral-B Pro-Expert

If you watch any of the commercial channels on TV, you'll no doubt have seen the advert for Oral-B's new toothpaste – it features some lonely small toothbrushes in a cold, bleak bathroom while Eric Carmen croons in the background.

Now they've got a companion – Pro-Expert – and so far, the evidence for this toothpaste is impressive.

Oral-B claims its extensive testing has shown Pro-Expert can remove up to 96% of stains in just two weeks, making it perfect for improving the appearance of mildly stained teeth.

It is also said to reduce gum problems, terrible breath, tartar and sensitivity by as much as 50%.

The key lies in its two main active components – Stannous fluoride, which stops bacteria breeding and plugs the microscopic holes that lead to sensitivity (most toothpastes contain sodium fluoride); and polyphosphate, which whitens teeth.

Engineered sports mouth wear

Anyone who plays a sport where here's a risk of collision should wear a gum shield.

The obvious sports are football, rugby, lacrosse, hockey and boxing. Not as obvious but just as vital are baseball, cricket and skateboarding.

All these sports have the potential for facial and oral injuries, and for this reason a gum shield is recommended.

Here are many different types available but Under Armour Performance Mouthwear (UAPM) is an innovative new line of custom mouthpieces, mouth guards and gum shields that not only care for your teeth but also help to improve athletic performance.

The range is strategically designed to prevent teeth and jaw clenching, thus relieving pressure on the temporomandibular joint – a known trigger for increased cortisol. They are also said to enlarge airway openings, ensuing in less lactic acid build up and improved stamina and strength.

If you've ever seen Along Came Polly you'll no doubt remember the racquetball scene where Leland Van Lew's tooth was forcibly knocked out. While this was amusing on film, it's not so much fun in reality but sadly it's still a problem that occurs on a regular basis.

If you are likely to find yourself in the midst of a rugby scrum or the worse for wear following any contact sport, I would certainly recommend you question your dentist in this area a custom gum shield as the shop bought ones don't tend to mould to your mouth as well.

And if you're a serious athlete you might like to try a UAPM – upper gum shields are available for contact sports, lower gum shields for non-contact sports, and they are suitable for anyone aged over eight.

More information is available from www.underarmour.com

Toothbrush Timer

This is a fabulous app from iTunes. It's an all-in-one guide and timer designed to ensure effectual tooth brushing.

All you need to do is initiation the stopwatch and follow the diagram that lights up different areas of the teeth and gums during the two-minute brushing session.

Other features include reminders to visit the dentist and a daily tip on oral hygiene.

And the best bit of all? It's free. For more information visit www.itunes.com

Alison Lowe is a Cardiff dental hygienist

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