As a dentist, we always know approximately how much and how well a patient is brushing. But what if we could dig deep into the data of where they are brushing, for how long, and at what angles? I had been on the lookout for this technology for a while and started to do my research. I was specifically looking for a product that would truly monitor the behaviors and progress of some of my more difficult patients—the patients who proved themselves to be bad brushers.
In looking for devices, I discovered Brushlink, invented by Dr. Dev Patel. I believe it fits the bill. Working with this app, you can dramatically change your patients’ overall dental health, and the clinical evidence proves it. It doesn’t require replacing a toothbrush or ordering anything additional every month. Brushlink attaches to any toothbrush, manual or electric, transforming it into a smart toothbrush. The device then seamlessly connects via Bluetooth to the free Brushlink app and provides real-time coaching to help patients brush at the correct angulation (45°) on all tooth surfaces in real time.
“As a practicing dentist, I have always been shocked by the lack of feedback between patient and dentist,” says Patel. “We have always had to rely on what we see inside the mouth every six months rather than having any reliable data about how people are brushing. I invented Brushlink to plug this gap by providing coaching to patients but also accurate monitoring of everything they are doing with their toothbrush between dentist visits.”
Clinical trials show that Brushlink can reduce plaque by 40% more over a four-week period compared to standard oral hygiene advice provided from a dental professional. Dental offices now also can view the brushing data of all of their patients who use Brushlink in real-time through Dentrix. The data will automatically populate in each patient’s periodontal chart on Dentrix, allowing dental professionals to see a direct correlation between brushing habits and probing depths.
Dental professionals can even customize brushing plans, which will automatically update on the app, through Dentrix to ensure patients spend more time brushing, focusing more on problem areas. The app also provides patients with their dentist’s address, operating times, and contact details, which prompts them to visit their dental office regularly, increasing patient retention.
At North Kansas City Dental, we’ve seen some definite success using Brushlink. We have 98 patients using it now for at least three months. Adult periodontal maintenance patients have reduced pocket depths by 21%. Brushing efficiency and frequency have improved by 35% with adults and 55% with children. In fact, parents who loved the device were a big motivator and the single biggest influence in getting their kids to use it. Those parents were able to get their kids to brush well and brush consistency. As the saying goes, what gets measured gets completed. I’ve also been able to re-coach patients on how to brush appropriately and how to improve their dental health. My patients are happier brushers, and that is cause for celebration for any dentist.
Dr. Busch has been practicing dentistry and helping people in the Kansas City area for nearly 20 years. He holds a DMD from the Fairleigh Dickinson University College of Dental Medicine and is a Master with the Academy of General Dentistry. Also, he was named one of America’s Top Dentists in 2009 and 2010. He has been the official team dentist of the Kansas City Chiefs since 2012. He is the co-founder of TeamSmile and the co-founder of TiScrubs. Please see his practice at NKCdental.com.
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