Remember your mom standing over you in the bathroom explaining the importance of good oral care? I know you do because I do, and I also remember sneaking to bed at night without brushing and not getting caught! Today, of course, as adults we brush our teeth several times a day, at least morning and night (hopefully)! 

For those of us who have raised children and faced the same challenges of getting them to brush their teeth, you may some day refer to it as the “good old days!” Why? Because like everything else in the world, science is ever evolving, and researchers are constantly finding new and innovative ways to make our lives easier! Drum roll please!  

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have used magnetic fields to assemble nanoparticles into tiny, brush-like robotic structures that precisely remove biofilms, a network of germs, and other sticky substances from the surface of the teeth. The microrobots feature bristles that can extend, retract, change shape, and move horizontally, vertically, and in circles. The bristles can adapt to each person’s tooth alignment and get into hard-to-reach places. Imagine, if you will, a tiny robot climbing into your mouth every morning and evening and feverishly scrubbing your teeth! Yikes, not sure how I feel about that but stay tuned, it is on the way! Stay well and stay the course!