Larry H.
Jonathan,
I appreciate Dr. Elbaz’ silicone gum cleaner very much. Not clearly understanding how it was constructed, nor exactly sure how to use it, I realized early on that I had abused the very end of the tip, and changed my technique. Nonetheless, it finally broke off a couple of weeks before I received my refill tips.
This was actually a good thing, because it forced me to explore other ways of using it, and gentler approaches in administering to the gum line. Driving home from California to New Mexico gave me plenty of time to practice.
Since you've invited suggestions, here are a couple.
When the tiny silicone nub finally fell off the tip, I could see that the sleeve of the silicone cover on the tip was only attached to its hard plastic core at its base—the rest of the silicone was not bonded to the hard plastic. If the entire length were to be thoroughly bonded to the plastic core (with a biomimetic substance, of course), I imagine the entire tip would be even more effective in its task. And I believe its very tip would be more durable.
Very soon after using the device, ideas for additional, interchangeable tips started coming to me. Silicone is an excellent material for dental cleaning. Here's an application for a tip I believe would suit my particular needs. Toothbrushing advice from the dental profession has been anything but consistent for a very long time. So I honestly don't know what's best for my teeth and gums. But here's my experience. Soft brushes simply don't get my teeth clean. They're nice and cushy, and they feel good. But do they get my teeth clean? Not even close.
Consequently, I order hard bristle toothbrushes (presumably because they're out of fashion with the profession and unavailable locally). Are they really hard on my gums? I may not be in a position to say with authority, but my gums don't bleed when I use them, and my teeth get clean. So that's what I do for lack of a better tool.
I see an opportunity for a potentially better tool inspired by the current bäz device. The current tool is very effective for cleaning the gum line, but I think a completely different silicone tip could outperform a toothbrush, and certainly be gentler on my gums.
To accurately convey the prototype image lurking in my head really requires the competent use of a 3D program—which I don't have. But here's a little description of the tip I see. It would extend straight from the handle rather than at a right angle, and surprisingly—or not—would be shaped somewhat like a tooth. Convex on one face, concave on the other. Rather sharp and narrow on one edge and part of the end, transitioning across the top to a broader, more rounded edge down the other edge. It would need to be thoroughly bonded to its hard core, and, like a well designed and executed silicone spoonula, would need to be well supported by its core almost to its edges—somewhat less so on the 'sharp' edges.
Make any sense?
I think there's great potential. I'd buy one. And I think I'd really like it—better than a hard bristled toothbrush. If the surfaces were all smooth and shiny silicone, I think they'd be an asset for efficient tooth cleaning chores.
bäz silicone and ozone—American dentistry’s perfect partners for a pathogen-free mouth!
