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Novel oral care solutions for interdental cleaning
  • Background
  • What we're looking for
  • What we can offer you
  • Who we are
  • Q&A
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Background

Flossing plays a critical role in oral hygiene by removing food particles and plaque from between teeth, areas that toothbrush bristles cannot effectively reach. This mechanical action, when performed correctly, helps reduce bacterial buildup, supporting gum health and lowering the risk of conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. 

 

Despite these benefits, regular flossing remains a challenge for many individuals and is often perceived as inconvenient, time-consuming, or uncomfortable. This gap in adherence limits the effectiveness of oral care routines and leaves critical interdental spaces insufficiently cleaned. 

 

Given the strong adoption of brushing routines, there is an opportunity to develop alternative approaches that integrate into daily oral care while delivering comparable benefits to flossing. There is particular interest in solutions that minimize or eliminate reliance on traditional mechanical forces, instead leveraging advances in chemistry, fluid dynamics, or novel delivery systems to safely and effectively dislodge and remove debris between teeth. Such innovations could improve user compliance and lead to better oral health outcomes at scale.

What we're looking for

We are looking for safe and effective alternatives to flossing that remove food, debris, and plaque from between teeth and along the gumline in a practical use time and without visible impact on anterior tooth appearance (ideally all surfaces). Ideal solutions would integrate into daily oral care routines such as brushing, improve user compliance, and deliver comparable or enhanced oral health benefits without relying on traditional mechanical flossing.

Solutions of interest include:
  • Targeted enzymatic or active compounds for interdental cleaning
  • Full oral care formulations
  • Toothpaste or gel
  • Rinse
  • Device using fluid or microbubble action
  • Hybrid systems combining chemical and delivery technologies
Our must-have requirements are:
  • Removes/dislodges debris and/or plaque from in between teeth or from below the gum, ideally via chemical mechanisms
  • Minimize the deposition, growth or maturation of plaque, ideally without reliance on mechanical forces
  • Supporting data demonstrating a strong safety profile, with preference for biocompatible, well-characterized ingredients (e.g., GRAS, food-grade, CONEG and Prop 65 compliant)
  • FDA approval under the appropriate class, or a credible path to FDA approval for US markets
Our nice-to-have's are:
  • Granted or filed patent applications
  • Demonstrated performance in recognized oral care efficacy tests
  • Provides additional benefits or signals tied to cleaning such as sensory or visual cues (e.g., fresh breath, clean feel)
  • Delivers long-lasting and noticeable clean feel benefits
What's out of scope:
  • Solutions requiring administration exclusively by dental professionals or prescription-only use
  • Solutions that require extensive laboratory, safety, regulatory or clinical development
Acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL):
Levels 4-9
What we can offer you
Eligible partnership models:
Sponsored researchSupply/purchaseLicensingPilot or trial engagement
Benefits:
Sponsored Research
Up to $100,000 for a proof-of-concept, with additional potential funding for further development. Exact funding amount based on resources needed in Statement of Work.
Expertise
Partners will be assigned a company mentor to champion the project, identify gaps in expertise, and meet bi-monthly to ensure project success. Partners will have access to industry experts in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, toxicology, and devices, depending on the stage of the project.
Tools and Technologies
Clinical and consumer testing capabilities. Production feasibility assessments.
Who we are

At P&G, innovation is what we do best. We love finding solutions to problems. With the heart of a start-up and the resources of a global corporation, we are always looking for ways to reinvent every aspect of our business. As we innovate, we find inspiration in people - their needs, values, desires, and passions. The people of P&G R&D know that collaboration is key to unlocking visionary thinking. Our experts seamlessly work together with our external partners in the pursuit of the new, the next, the impossible. Read more here: https://www.pgconnectdevelop.com/

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Deadline: July 10
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