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.
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.
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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