In a just-released Clinical Study with Columbia University

Great Gums bioelectric toothbrush is proven to be 58% safer and less abrasive than a manual toothbrush

and well over 100% less abrasive than an electric (rotational or sonic) toothbrush.*

Hear from Luiz A. Pimenta

DDS, MS, MBA, Ph.D. – Division of Prosthodontics – College of Dental Medicine – Columbia University on the first findings of our multi-phase research initiative.

About our partnership

Ongoing Studies with Columbia University

We believe Great Gums represents the most significant advancement in toothbrush technology since Sonicare’s introduction in 1992. Backed by rigorous clinical research, Great Gums bioelectric toothbrush disrupts the biofilm (plaque) that other toothbrushes cannot effectively reach.

Building on four years of clinical trials conducted in top dental research institutions in Korea, Great Gums has partnered with Columbia University College of Dental Medicine to launch a multi-phase research initiative. These studies aim to further validate the safety and effectiveness of bioelectric toothbrush technology.

Study Milestones We are Working to Achieve

  • December 1, 2024: Bioelectricity is proven to be 58% safer and less abrasive than traditional brushing methods, preserving both teeth and dentures.
  • February 1, 2025: Bioelectricity reduces staining by effectively removing hard-to-reach plaque, resulting in visibly whiter teeth.
  • April 1, 2025: Research findings showcase how bioelectric brushing benefits diverse populations, including periodontal patients, orthodontic users, denture wearers, smokers, diabetics, and aging individuals.
  • April 1, 2025: Bioelectric toothbrush technology outperforms leading sonic and rotational electric toothbrushes, offering measurable improvements in plaque removal, gum health, and stain reduction.

Our Commitment to Revolutionizing Oral Health

Advisory Board, and led by Luiz A. Pimenta DDS, MS, MBA, Ph.D.  division of Prosthodontics at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, evaluated the wear and roughness on the surface of acrylic denture teeth in a simulation of two years of tooth cleaning and showed the superiority of the bioelectric toothbrush over manual soft toothbrush in preserving the smoothness of the teeth surfaces.

Building on the success of laboratory research, we are progressing to advance new studies, as a critical step toward clinical trials to further assess the safety and effectiveness of Great Gums bioelectric toothbrushes.

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to revolutionizing oral health through cutting-edge innovation, setting a new standard for oral care technologies.

Evaluation of Wear and Roughness Surface of Acrylic Denture Teeth Using Bioelectric Toothbrush  

Luiz A. Pimenta DDS, MS, MBA, Ph.D. – Division of Prosthodontics – College of Dental Medicine – Columbia University

This is the first set of data from studies on bioelectric technology in development at the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University. The abrasion effect of bioelectric toothbrush was evaluated on the surface of acrylic denture teeth for wear and roughness measurements. Three groups were tested: Group 1 – conventional manual toothbrush with soft bristles; Group 2 – Bioelectric toothbrush, with no bioelectric activity (turned-off); and Group 3 - Bioelectric toothbrush, with bioelectric activity (turned-on)

Material and Method

The prosthetic acrylic teeth—right maxillary central incisors—fabricated with conventional techniques, specifically heat-cured multilayered interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) manufactured by the company Dentsply Sirona—Portrait IPN—were used for this study.  The samples were weighed on an analytical scale before and after the toothbrushing cycles to evaluate the wear. The surface roughness (Ra μin) was analyzed with a surface roughness profilometer; surface roughness (Ra) was measured at baseline and after 20,000 toothbrushing cycles. 

Toothbrushing Simulation

This study used a stroke-type abrasive wear testing machine (Toothbrush simulator ZM-3.8 - 8 specimen chambers). Tests were performed simulating 20,000 strokes of brushing at a weight of 200 g, representing two years of denture cleaning, with the specimens immersed in 1:1 dentifrice/water slurry.

Results and Conclusion

The results demonstrated the superiority of the Bioelectric toothbrush in preserving the smoothness of acrylic teeth surfaces. While all three groups exhibited a similar wear pattern with no statistically significant difference in the weight of the teeth before and after 20,000 toothbrushing strokes, profilometry analysis revealed a clear distinction. When activated, the Bioelectric toothbrush produced statistically significantly less surface roughness on the acrylic teeth compared to the manual toothbrush and the Bioelectric toothbrush in its inactive state (turned-off), underscoring its effectiveness in minimizing wear and maintaining surface integrity. 

See Clinical Data from South Korea

[*] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28222156/
Bizhang M, Schmidt I, Chun YP, Arnold WH, Zimmer S. Toothbrush abrasivity in a long-term simulation on human dentin depends on brushing mode and bristle arrangement. PLoS One. 2017 Feb 21;12(2).