The interactive connectivity of the new Sonicare for Kids Connected tooth brush is not there just for fun (although it is designed to make brushing fun); it generates tangible and measurable results. The brush is proven to deliver superior clinical results as kids learn to clean their teeth more effectively, with 98 per cent of parents surveyed stating that it is easier to get their kids to brush for longer and better.
The new Sonicare for Kids Connected is equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology and a free interactive coaching app. The brush’s connectivity technology enables it to synch with the coaching app on a tablet or smartphone. Parents download the app which includes personal brushing instructions designed especially for kids which offers real time guidance designed to increase brushing performance, as well as tracking and training to increase compliance. The child navigates the app with the help of their oral health training partner Sparkly who takes them through a series of fun, educational games which are pedagogically designed to help them learn correct brushing techniques and to brush for longer. The Bluetooth wireless technology in the brush’s handle tells the app how long the child is brushing for and encourages a gradual increase to build the habit of brushing independently for two minutes twice a day. Sparkly’s mouth acts as a visual brushing guide, teaching the child to pay equal attention to each quadrant of their mouth.
After brushing the child receives gifts on the app to keep Sparkly their training partner happy and healthy, as well as personal rewards and badges to keep them motivated. Meanwhile a separate dashboard on the app allows parents to monitor their child’s performance and progress as well as set up milestones and incentives to reach them.
Paediatric dentist Kat Thayalan, who presented the new brush at the Dentistry Show on the Philips Oral Healthcare stand, commented, “The new Sonicare for Kids Connected toothbrush offers a unique tool to help children address the oral health challenges they face. The use of Bluetooth wireless technology will help engage the i-generation with their own oral health”.
Dentist Andrew Wallace, proud father of two who trialled the Sonicare for Kids Connected in advance of the launch, commented, “The brushes were the cause of much excitement in my house, and lots of brushing and tickling a ‘Sparkly’”.
Clinical evidence for Sonicare for Kids Connected demonstrates its performance and plaque removal compared with children’s battery operated toothbrushes. It removes up to 75 per cent more plaque in hard to reach places than a variety of manual toothbrushes – even those specially designed for children. It is also proven to encourage children to brush for significantly longer than a manual brush.
The new brush can achieve results this good because it is based on the core Sonicare technology which creates a dynamic cleaning action to drive fluid between teeth and along gums, helping to thoroughly brush away plaque. However, it also brims with additional features to make it even more effective for children.
These include an innovative KidPacer function designed to help young users reach the recommended two minute brushing time by progressively increasing the brushing duration incrementally over a period of 90 days so that they brush for longer every day without realising it. They are rewarded with musical encouragement to help them keep motivated. Thanks to the in-built KidTimer, children using Sonicare for Kids Connected also brush for significantly longer than manual brush users and place equal importance on all four quadrants of their mouth.
The brush also features power modes including a sensitive setting which is gentle on developing teeth and gums to help kids make the transition from a manual to an electric toothbrush. It also features two different sized brush heads to accommodate growing mouths, as well as the option of a sensitive brush head. The brush also has a protective rubber overmold (rather like a bumper) to cushion growing teeth and sensitive gingivae.
When surveyed, 91 per cent of dental professionals who are also parents preferred Sonicare for Kids Connected as their child’s primary toothbrush because of its ease of use, whilst 93 per cent were highly satisfied with its cleaning performance. Eighty four per cent were also satisfied with its gentleness.
Eight different interchangeable coloured decals are also provided to allow the child to customise their brush and take ownership of it. Sonicare for Kids Connected will have an RRP of £67.00 and replacement brush heads will retail for £15.00 for two.
Sonicare for Kids Connected made its professional debut at The Dentistry Show on April 22, 2016.
For more information about the Philips Oral Healthcare products including the new Sonicare for Kids Connected please visit www.philips-tsp.co.uk or call 0800 0567 222.