Task 2 Part C - Humming to the tune of dental care

written by Annette

The concept of dental care and dentistry has evolved over the last 30 years, the market for oral care products is ever increasing; there is money to be made jumping on the consumer trend of obtaining the perfect brilliant white smile. For the dentist professional it is important they keep up to date with knowledge of new and novel dental devices and the recommendations they can offer for their patients. With an increased awareness towards oral care and dental hygiene due to the growing trend of celebrity dental makeovers it can be safe to assume the market for oral care products is booming.

US Sales in dental home care products are on the increase, with oral care projected to be valued at USD8.5billion[1] in 2007. With the increase in awareness towards oral hygiene and dental care and the analysis of current Australian dental health trends, more consumers of the western world are realising the importance of maintaining the health and appearance of the only set of teeth they will ever have in their lifetime! Oral care involves the daily procedure of flossing brushing and mouth washing, with scheduled checkups with the dentist, to maintain a health fresh mouth reducing the appearance of stains, plaque and aid in the prevention of gum disease.

This trend towards rigorous oral hygiene and dental care led to the development of the Oral-B Hummingbird in 2003. Recognising the problems associated with encouraging appropriate oral care procedures this novel interdental device provided a platform to encourage the concept of flossing to the consumer. A new device may encourage initial use, however what actions can be put in place to ensure consumers continue use of the product after the novelty has worn off? Are we only relying on the conscientious decisions by consumers to maintain the appropriate oral care procedures on a day to day basis?

As pictured above, the Oral-b Hummingbird resembles the arch in a hummingbird’s neck as it is about to search for pollen or food to eat. This arch creates an ideal angle, recommended to be at 45 degrees to mouth, offering an easy ergonomic reach in between teeth and gums. The molding of the unit in 2 colours; blue and white on the body of the product helps to integrate the aesthetics of existing Oral-B dental care products, also preventing slipperiness and providing support. The product is a compact gadget fitting neatly in your hand and is powered by a AAA battery, making the fiddley procedure a breeze. If only this could justify the mass production of a gadget which has only been proven to be as effective as regular floss!

The Oral-B Hummingbird works to fight tooth decay, plague and gingivitis, providing gentle vibrations to massage your gums and reaching areas where you can’t get to with a toothbrush. With the press of a button the single use refill attachments; your choice of a flosser head or soft mint dental pick, gently vibrates reaching between your teeth and below your gum line to remove plaque and freshen your breath. One may question the environmental sustainability of the disposable heads and possibly turn to regular flossing involving the polishing off of food, bacteria and plaque with a waxed length of string cleaning of the spaces between teeth and its surface.

Oral-B is synonymous with leading dental care products on the market including electric toothbrushes, manual toothbrushes, floss, toothpaste and mouthwash, used daily by consumers. Claiming to be the ‘brand that dentists use’ has ensured a murmur of consumer interest and a perceived investment for dentists and Oral B profiteers.

What the Hummingbird does offer, aside from the novelty of a new toy, is if you do not have good finger dexterity, you may find it helpful to use this commercial floss holder. One may consider that a product which has been clinically proven to work just as effectively as an ordinary piece of floss may not be that worthy of an investment.

Hummingbirds, in nature are known to include the smallest birds in the world, with flight paths that puts shame to state of the art fighter jets, a hummingbird can manoeuvre up, down, sideways, backwards and can beat its wings up to 200 times per minute. If you need to need to get that crafty in your mouth, this humble flosser my not be enough to save you from gum disease, plaque build up and gingivitis!

Furthermore, with the growing number of electrical devices for the bathroom; toothbrushes and battery operated vibrating shavers; can our bathrooms really afford the space for a device which uses more disposable waste than its counterpart?

You be the judge, pick one up for yourself available from most major retail outlets– Oral-B Hummingbird, is it really something to sing about?

For more information on the Oral-B Hummingbird check out:http://www.oralbprofessional.com/us/products/power/powhbird.asp

For more Oral-B Hummingbird product reviews:What a cracking little bird! http://www.ciao.co.uk/Oral_B_Hummingbird__Review_5586206

A review by bertie72 on Oral-B Hummingbird on June 20th, 2006

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References:

[1] The U.S. Market for Oral Care Products, 4th Edition http://www.marketresearch.com/map/prod/778472.html

Oral-B Hummingbirdhttp://www.oralb.com/products/product.asp?tid=products&sub=onthego&cid=onthego&pid=hbird

Australian Adult Dental Trends 1995 - 2002http://www.arcpoh.adelaide.edu.au/publications/adult_trendsb.html