Photo courtesy of theSheaf and Pete Yee Photography

The Soladey-J3X uses a solar panel installed at its base to transfer electrons via a conductive wire to a TiO2 semiconductor located at the neck of the brush. The electrons stimulate a reaction that facilitates the disruption of plaque and helps reduce gingival inflammation

The light-activated toothbrush, developed by the SHIKEN Co. Ltd in Osaka, Japan, was the subject of a recent clinical trial conducted at the U of S College of Dentistry. Drs. G. Uswak, J. Hoover, and K. Komiyama, all faculty members in the college, served as investigators and are currently preparing their findings for publication demonstrating that the Soladey-J3X is more effective at reducing bleeding associated with gingivitis when compared to a control brush.

With the Soladey-J3X toothbrush now retailing in parts of Asia and Europe and available online, the College of Dentistry has effectively helped take this new technology from the lab to the world.

“The college was able to participate in research that underscores both the importance of oral health and the necessity to continually search for new and effective ways to improve oral health for the general population,” says Dr. Gerry Uswak, Dean of the College of Dentistry. “The fact that we were able to involve our undergraduate students as part of the research team makes this project even more meaningful.”

Drs. Uswak, Komiyama, and/or Hoover are available to respond to media inquiries surrounding their research and the College of Dentistry’s role in future clinical studies that focus on improving the oral health of the entire population.

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For more information, contact:

Kathryn Cousins, Communications
College of Dentistry
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2236
Email: kathryn.cousins@usask.ca