Has this new toothbrush changed the oral hygiene game?
Dyson has entered many new categories over the years, from haircare tools to hand driers and fans, and given a new perspective on them. You’d never expect vacuum experts to excel in hair-styling tools, for example. And yet the Supersonic hairdryer is a feature in every designer hotel and gym, while tools such as the AirStrait, the styling AirWrap and cordless Corrale straightener are pricey but ingenious and influential, changing the way we do our hair at home. The wet-to-dry Airstrait, for example, combines the hair-drying and smoothing process into one easy action and, for me, makes the whole hair-drying process much quicker and easier and thus worth the investment.
Other categories have not fared so well. The air-purifying headphones launched in 2023 were bulky, odd and not travel-friendly, and they were soon replaced by a less expensive noise-cancelling version.
So where does the new Dyson CameraJet toothbrush, just launched this week, fit in the lineup? We’ve just started trying one out, and here are our first impressions …
We should be brushing our teeth for a minimum of two minutes – but many people spend only seconds on it. Will this bit of kit encourage and guide us to do it better? As per the name, the CameraJet’s big innovation is the inside-the-mouth camera (it’s on the brush itself) which allows you to see every tooth up close and personal. The idea is that you’ll never again miss a bit of plaque or even a hole – you’ll be as well informed as your own hygienist. A good gift for a dentistry student, perhaps.
The camera, inevitably, works via the Dyson app, which gives guidance on cleaning properly, as well as flagging up potential problems. So say goodbye to the only few minutes in the day when you step away from your mobile phone – now you’re going to need it in the bathroom, too.
The look? It’s undeniably bulky, with a bulbous section beneath the head where mouthwash is stored. This is because the sonic toothbrush flosses simultaneously, squirting mouthwash between your teeth while you brush. I don’t find the design particularly sleek or elegant, and the “travel case” is enormous – I wouldn’t take it with me anywhere. Like with the Airstrait, which has an enormous power bank/plug, this is not a travel-friendly design (unless someone else is carrying your bags for you). The charging dock doesn’t have a bathroom-friendly plug (there’s a USB-C cable) so you’ll have to keep it somewhere else.
There are plenty of instructions to read before you get started – and a list of seven “after each use” directions to clean the brush itself, too. Brushing your teeth is already a tedious ritual so I’d rather have something that simplified the process, rather than adding more steps – but probably you get used to doing this quickly. I’m more of a “press the button and go” kind of user and love something instinctive.
On first few uses, it bleeps and pings a lot and I’m not yet entirely sure why. The blasts of mouthwash are incessant and alarming, and the bathroom mirror is soon splattered with the stuff. It’s messy, though I’m sure this improves with practise; and you can turn the floss action off if it’s all a bit intense.
Putting the focus on flossing is key – it’s probably the most neglected part of most people’s oral hygiene routine, so the idea to combine it in one action is understandable. A bit like Wash n Go shampoo/conditioner, or moisturiser and foundation with inbuilt SPF. The trouble is that these things are generally more effective when done separately. And I wonder about all the mouthwash and toothpaste in your mouth at the same time – hygienists always insist you use mouthwash at separate times from brushing; if you use mouthwash straight after brushing, you’re washing away the benefits.
As with skincare, an expert’s advice is always best, so head to your hygienist (we should be going every six months) and get their advice on the best toothbrush if you’re in the market for a new one. Because the cost of this is considerable – €480 (including two brush heads, mouthwash and toothpaste); and only Dyson’s own brush heads will fit. These are €15 each; since you’re meant to change your brush head every three months, this will add up, too. I bought a new electric toothbrush last year and the model recommended by my dentist was well under €100, with cheaper and more widely available brush heads.
So – first impressions are reserved. If it makes you focus more on your dental hygiene, that’s a great thing. And maybe after a few weeks of locking in with it, my teeth will be gleaming like an influencer’s and I’ll eat my words. Does it hugely improve this vital twice-daily ritual – or over-complicate it? I’ll try it for longer and report back. I would recommend asking your dentist’s advice before committing to an investment of this size.
The Dyson CameraJet is exclusive to Brown Thomas and Arnotts this week; €479.95. The Dyson Dental System includes the Dyson CameraJet™ toothbrush, charging dock, travel case, Dyson Toothpaste and Dyson Mouthrinse.
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