Dental Care Is Headed for a Brush With High-Tech

And now, for the orally conscious, here’s the ultimate--a toothbrush with a laser that illuminates hidden pockets of plaque as you brush.

The “LaserBrush,” designed by Biolase Technology Inc. of San Clemente, is expected to be on the market early next year.

It’ll come with custom-made toothpaste that’s supposed to pinpoint problem areas by changing color when it encounters plaque or tartar. Also included: a recharger for the laser’s power source, an extra, disposable bristle head, and a replacement set of bristles.

The benefits? “It returns the teeth to natural whiteness. It also cuts down on periodontal gum infection and gingivitis,” promises Biolase’s President Donald A. La Point.

The price? About $150.

Will anybody really pay that much for a toothbrush?

La Point surmises that with employers trimming dental benefits, people are looking for better ways of maintaining their oral hygiene on their own.

“You only get one set of adult teeth,” he adds.

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Barbara Marsh covers health care for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7762 and at [email protected].