Micro Reports Consumer Insights

Luxury and gimmicky toothbrush innovations illustrate the appeal of hygiene

Implications - A range of dental innovations have changed the act of brushing teeth, including child-geared products such as musical toothbrushes and happy face suction cups to make oral hygiene fun, to products that make the act more convenient such as pre-pasted and flossing toothbrushes.

Oral hygiene has improved dramatically in North America over the last four decades, due to an increase in awareness, education and dental innovation. There is a clear demand for products that make necessary tasks more convenient or enjoyable.

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Self-Dispensing Toothpaste

The OHSO-Designed Toothbrush

This OHSO-designed product is dubbed "the ultimate travel toothbrush." The idea is intuitive and makes me wonder why we don't use this for our home-based toothbrushes. The chrome and rubber brush looks… MORE

TiFinity

$50 Titanium Toothbrush

I was wondering how a toothbrush would look like if Philippe Starck would design it when looking at his O-ring watch. Well, I haven't found a toothbrush yet designed by him, but I did come across the TiFinity… MORE

Hydrogen Ion Toothbrush

Japanese Toothbrush Uses Solar Panels and Semiconductors

Brushing your teeth has now become a very sophisticated and technological operation, with a new product launched in Japan by Shiken called Soladey-3. A great optical technology was employed in this high-tech… MORE

Toothbrush Torch

Shining The Light On Your Teeth

The daily chore of cleaning your teeth just got easier, more fun, and definitely more interesting with the Special Toothbrush with Light and Mirror. Produced by the Chilean company Ribalderrama Ltd it… MORE

Flossing Toothbrush

The Lazy Way To Clean Your Teeth

File under: "Duh, why didn't I think of that?". The ingenious design combines two levels of bristles that floss between teeth and under the gum line while you brush your teeth. With no extra effort you… MORE

Enhanced Ubiquity

Adding a hint of flavor, cause or theme is enough to turn something ubiquitous

Implications - Anything infused with uniqueness, opulence or creativity is favored over the bland, and that includes items of necessity and survival. As much as water is a necessity, numerous companies have also found ways to turn hydration into a memorable experience. For example, Balance Water is infused with wildflower essences to promote balance and well being. By adding design or detail, objects can easily achieve luxury status, thereby retailing for more than they would in a more basic state. Consumers increasingly defining themselves through their possessions; there is a demand to stand out, appear affluent and have objects of exclusivity.