Hacker News Reader

Totally agree there's too little innovation in this field.

I hadn't heard of the Buzz Brush and it's fascinating to me, although it does look half-baked and too indie at the moment for me to trust it with my dental health.

Also it's too expensive to try as a throwaway test.

Any other cool innovative products that replace standard brushing?

View on HN

Not that replace standard brushing, but I worked with a company in Denmark called Novozymes. They produce enzymes for a variety of applications including dental care. They have a set of enzymes that they license to Unilever for a toothpaste called Zendium, which has some market share in Northern Europe. The enzymes break down microfilm that develops on teeth, making brushing more effective. There was RCT done on it I believe, I read the paper years ago, can't seem to find it now though.

Any concern those enzymes would get swallowed and break down membranes in the digestive tract?

Seeing as they pass through the acid in your stomach (and will denature there, which is the point of your stomach) you must be primarily worried about any of the bits before that. These enzymes are made to go in your mouth. If they dissolved the tissues in there they wouldn't be appropriate for that, so this is not a concern.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com