What do you think of the New Oral B Iphone App?

My Oral B representative stopped by my office and showed me a new phone app that will not only help time your brushing with any rechargeable Oral B toothbrush, but will keep a log of your daily toothbrushing as well. I recorded part of her demo on my Iphone and am sharing this video.

I tried this app out at home and its pretty nice. It can be set to use the phone's microphone to start and stop the timer, a feature that's pretty helpful, since I would rather not be  trying to start and stop the timer while brushing ( I have already dropped two phones in my toilet).

After you are finished brushing the app lets you know how much time was spent brushing and if you are like me, it politely informs you to brush longer. The App uses two minutes as it gold standard and if a user brushes less, he or she is informed to brush longer.

I think that while the app does a good job of encouraging good brushing habits, but I believe that most people using a powered brush can do a decent job in anywhere from 1 to 1.5 minutes. Actually, two minutes might longer than necessary. My advice to patients is to try and brush more consciously, ie: focus on brushing when you are brushing your teeth, and try not to let your mind wander. Giving your full attention is important to get your teeth their cleanest.

 About the author: Lawrence Spindel DDS is a dentist in New York City, who has has maintained  a general and cosmetic dental practice for over thirty years.