BY KIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH
I'm always delighted to write about products innovated and created by our colleagues. Read on to learn about a dentist who writes children's books, and two entrepreneurial hygienists, one who created an ergonomically designed toothbrush and another who utilized UV sterilization in a unique way.
Meet Humairah Shah, DDS
Dr. Shah is the author of three children's books, which focus on prevention and positive dental experiences. In addition to writing, Dr. Shah practices dentistry at Magicland Dental in Redondo Beach, Calif. Her series of three books educate children on the importance of good oral health, healthy eating habits, and a positive first checkup. Written with the two to eight year-old in mind, as well as children with special needs, these books feature interactive narration while brightly colored images and illustrations keep the kids interested.
"Sam and the Sugar Bug," first in the series, is a funny story about evil sugar bugs, kids' teeth, the consequences of poor oral hygiene, and what can be done to overcome the evil sugar bugs. This ebook is available on both Google Play and Apple stores.
"Leila's First Visit to the Dentist," the second book in the series, deals with the fear that often accompanies the first visit to the dentist. The story shows kids what to expect during a checkup, making it a fun trip, and something to look forward to, in fact.
"Leila and the Tooth Fairy," the third book in the series, takes the kids to the magic Tooth Fairy Land and lets them learn what happens behind the scenes, as teeth are lost and replaced. And of course there is emphasis on good brushing and eating habits. Dr. Shah's second and third books are available as e-books on Google Play.
Meet Mike Davidson, RDH
Mike is the president and chief designer at MD Brush, LLC, in Pearland, Texas. Together, Mike and his partner, Dr. Michael Smith, have patented the first manual toothbrush to be used specifically with the modified Bass technique. According to Mike, the goal is "to provide the general public with a superior toothbrush that proactively addresses the most common user errors and thereby prevents the onset of gum diseases and, of course cleans your mouth." In addition, Mike states that it is their objective to become a top selling toothbrush in the United States and, in the process, increase consumers' awareness of what good oral hygiene is and the associated systemic implications.
MD Brush, which launched this past November, is purposefully built and ergonomically designed to target the gingival sulcus. The handle encourages the correct 45-degree alignment to allow the patented "W cut" tapered bristles greater access to the sulcus. The goal is to make sure the user knows what correct brushing "feels" like and provide the tools to consistently brush correctly.
"Gum Disease is making us sick, and the systemic links grow stronger every day. In reality we not only need a better toothbrush, we also need a better method to teach what we as dental hygienists already know, which is that a pretty smile does not equal a healthy mouth. We are confident the MD Brush will be able to do this," Mike explains.
You can check out the latest photos of the MD Brush on their Facebook page (facebook.com/TheMDBrush).
You may also be interested in the interview Mike did in 2014 on National Public Radio (npr.org/blogs/health/2014/08/27/341670779/build-a-toothbrush-change-the-world-or-not).
You can purchase MD Brush by visiting mdbrush.com. The prices range from approximately $8.50 to $10 per brush, depending upon the quantity purchased.
Meet Teri Birney, RDH
Teri is the CEO/president and founder of 3B Global. She developed Oral SteriClean UV Sanitizers and Binky Fresh UV Sanitizers, a line of Class I medical devices proven effective in killing specific bacteria. Teri also founded and developed Lil' Baby G that meets the level of control necessary to assure the safety and effectiveness of devices, making it safe for children when in use.
Oral SteriClean and Binky Fresh UV sanitizers are proven to kill infectious bacteria, the same bacteria known to cause heart disease, stroke, infectious endocarditis, meningitis, respiratory infections, pneumonia, blood infections, ear infections, eye infections, ulcers, GI tract infections, periodontal disease, and caries.
Oral SteriClean comes in four models:
• Portable family UV toothbrush sanitizer (fits four brushes/brush heads)
• Countertop family UV toothbrush sanitizer (fits four brushes/brush heads)
• Portable individual UV toothbrush sanitizer
• Duo UV toothbrush sanitizer (fits two brushes/brush heads)
The Binky Fresh UV Pacifier and Baby Bottle Sanitizer will sanitize pacifiers, baby bottle nipples, teething toys, sippy cup lids, and more in four to six minutes. It has an easy push button with automatic shut off, and it's small enough to fit in a diaper bag to sanitize on the go. Both the Binky Fresh and the Oral SteriClean use UV light calibrated at specific wavelengths to destroy the bacteria's DNA. Oral SteriClean was nominated for one of the best health products of 2013.
Visit go3bglobal.com for more information about Oral SteriClean and Binky Fresh and while you're there be sure to check out Lil' Baby G products too.
If you have developed a product, email the details to me at [email protected]. I'd also love to hear your suggestions for product reviews. RDH
KIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH, is the co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, an information-based website providing free current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. Kim is also a coach with Inspired Hygiene, delivering customized hands-on training. She speaks internationally, writes articles and webinars, and enjoys clinical dental hygiene. Kim lives in Arizona and welcomes you to contact her at [email protected].
