Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are developing an automated way for people to brush and floss using nanoparticle technology.

The research team constructed a platform to electromagnetically control the microrobots, enabling them to adopt different configurations and release antimicrobials on site to effectively treat and clean teeth. In the process, the nanoparticles produce antimicrobials that kill oral bacteria.

Experiments using this system on mock and real human teeth showed that the robotic assemblies can conform to a variety of shapes to nearly eliminate the sticky biofilms that lead to cavities and gum disease.