-
Motorway tolls, doctor fees, water leaks: 5 French practical updates
Our round-up of recent practical articles you may have missed
-
New look at vaccine to combat Lyme disease in France
Continuing research has published promising results in ‘antibody vaccine’ method
-
French couple innovate horse hoof health with plastic shoes
It may mean the end of the ‘clip clop’ sound but the polyurethane horseshoe is said to be a healthier alternative to metal
Toothbrush reinvented by French entrepreneurs to clean in five seconds
The new brush, which looks like a mouthguard, has proved a hit with consumers despite its cost
An electric toothbrush designed by two French men in 2017 has proved such a success that they are investing in a €12million factory near Lyon to produce them.
The Y-Brush looks like a sports mouthguard but has bristles inside.
Users put toothpaste on the bristles and then fit the Y-brush over their teeth before turning it on.
It takes only five seconds to clean all the teeth it touches, before the brush is turned over to tackle teeth on the other jaw.
Inspired by speed
Benjamin Cohen, who jointly came up with the idea, said: “I always detested toothbrushes, and how long it takes to clean your teeth properly with them.
“I thought there must be some way to advance the technology, which has not changed much for 500 years.”
Brisk sales
The Y-Brush went on sale in 2020, selling 20,000 in the first year despite costing €80.
The company, FasTeesH, expects to pass the 100,000 mark in 2022.
The toothbrush’s heads last six months and replacements start from €35.
The firm claims the brush is 21% more efficient than a manual one in reducing dental plaque, and 75% better than oscillating electric toothbrushes in reducing gum inflammation.
Related articles
Why going to the dentist in France is a lottery
What can I do if I receive substandard dental treatment in France?
French village’s comic advert to find dentist highlights wider issue