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| <L-17>:Life Science, Medical Devices | ![]() |
Development of a VR-Based Tailor-made Toothbrushing Training Tool
― A Self-Check Gamified System for Achieving Better Oral Health ―
| Takeshi Watanabe | Assistant Professor |
| Department of Medical Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences | |
| Kotone Yamashita | Undergraduate Student |
| Transdisciplinary Program for Medicine, Photonics, and Engineering, Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Science and Technology | |
| Yuki Ishihara | Associate Professor |
| Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences | |
| Kenji Yamamoto | Professor |
| Instituteof Post-LED Photonics | |
| Keywords | Gamification, Preventive Medicine, Dentistry, Customization |
| Laboratory URL | https://www.tokushima-u.ac.jp/med/culture/med/shakaikankyo/yobouigaku/ |
| Research Overview |
| ● Maintaining motivation for daily toothbrushing remains a challenge in caries prevention Dental caries can often be prevented through daily toothbrushing; however, maintaining this habit daily can be challenging. Experiencing a sense of ownership over one’s own teeth and feeling motivated to take better care of them is considered key to sustaining tooth brushing habits. ● Development of a VR-based toothbrushing training tool that visualizes the shape of one’s own teeth and plaque accumulation This tool allows users to view their own teeth from various angles in a virtual reality environment and instantly identify areas where plaque is likely to accumulate. Caries-causing bacteria proliferate in these areas, and brushing away plaque reduces bacterial growth. Through a game-like experience, users can intuitively understand the shape of their teeth and patterns of plaque accumulation. |
| Potential Applications and Commercialization Prospects |
| ● A toothbrushing training system that fosters attachment to one’s own teeth When toothbrushing is perceived merely as an obligation, sustaining motivation becomes difficult. By using this tool, users can better understand the shape of their teeth, develop a sense of attachment, and feel intrinsically motivated to brush. In addition to the VR environment, the project aims to develop a toothbrush equipped with sensors, connected to a compact camera and software, enhancing visibility during actual brushing. |
| Patents | ● Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-130917 “Caries Prevention Game System, Toothbrush, Caries Prevention Method, Caries Prevention Game Program, Computer-Readable Recording Medium, and Recording Device” |
Last updated date:October 15, 2026
| Simple Inquiry | Technical consultation | Academic guidance system | Joint research/commissioned research |


