The Shiken company of Japan is field testing a funky solar-powered toothbrush that doesn’t require toothpaste.
Instead, the Soladey-J3X – designed by Dr. Kunio Komiyama and Dr. Gerry Uswak – features a solar panel at its base that transmits electrons to the top of the toothbrush through a lead wire.
As PhysOrg explains, the electrons react with acid in the mouth, creating a chemical reaction that breaks down plaque and kills bacteria.
Researchers have already tested the toothbrush in cultures of nefarious bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
The result?
Well, the solar-powered brush reportedly caused “complete destruction of bacterial cells.”
So how much power does the Soladey-J3X consume?
Not much, according to Komiyama, who says the device sips approximately the same amount of juice as a solar calculator.
Sounds good to us!
Now, if they can just replace those annoying dentists with solar-powered robots!
