Handheld Portable Suctioning Toothbrush

Year Submitted: 2025
Published Date: 26 November 2025

Tags: Prototyping Resources, Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Design Thinking

About this Content

Aims

This study is a proof-of-concept study which aims to design a handheld portable suctioning toothbrush that fulfils all of the functions listed below
1. effective removal of debris in the oral cavity
2. the use of suction to allow timely extraction of the debris and saliva from within the oral cavity to prevent choking
3. handheld and portable device to increase usability within hospitals, in patients home as well as in the community
4. an affordable option for use by caregivers and service providers in the community

Background

Poor oral hygiene contributes to gum diseases, dental caries and increased risk of a more morbid condition of aspiration pneumonia, especially in people with dysphagia and in the elderly population. Aspiration pneumonia is a lung infection caused by transfer of bacteria, originally found in mouth, to the lungs. It is a condition preventable by maintaining good oral hygiene.

Research has shown that oral hygiene is crucial in vulnerable populations such as (i) patients with cognitive impairment, (ii) patients who developed dysphagia post stroke (iii) patients who require assistance with basic needs as well as (iv) patients who are critically ill requiring intubation. These populations are the ones who are greatly reliant on healthcare providers and caregivers to provide basic care needs like maintenance of oral hygiene. They are also more susceptible to worsening medical condition given lower immunity.

Good oral hygiene practices include the use of a toothbrush to physically remove sticky plaque and debris from teeth and oral surfaces. However, due to various challenges such as patients inability to cooperate with oral toileting and the healthcare providers fear of patients choking during cleaning, oral hygiene care has been compromised. It is either not performed or performed with suboptimal tools such as oral sponge swab or mouth gargles. According to literature as well as anecdotal reports, both the oral sponge swab and mouth gargles are deemed not effective in the removal of sticky debris on the surface of the teeth.

Methods

Feedback was gathered from (i) the users who operated the prototype and (ii) healthy subjects who underwent oral cleaning using the prototype.

Results

In summary, the prototype is generally well-received for its comfort and ease of use, but improvements in suction power and design are recommended to enhance its effectiveness and usability for all patients.

Lessons Learnt

1. The need for PI to be equipped with basic understanding of safety standards and regulations when it involves prototyping devices for patients use eg. Under HSA regulations, what constitutes medical devices as the necessary clearances need to be factored into the project duration.

2. Having done a thorough market research to evaluate gaps in existing solutions is crucial in the design phase.

3. The need to be well connected to vendors with electrical and design expertise and establish early partnership to ensure competitive benchmarking and innovative features to facilitate future commercialisation.

Additional Information

This project is funded by the Centre for Allied Health and Pharmacy Excellence (CAPE).

Keywords

Oral Hygiene, Proof of Concept

Innovators' Details

Connect with this contributor!

Teo Wei Shan - wei.shan.teo@nhghealth.com.sg

Project Attachment

934_TTSH_CAPE 2025_Handheld Portable Suctioning Toothbrush.pdf