The document summarizes a project to design an automated flossing device. A 3D scanner was used to create a personalized mouth guard with holes aligned with teeth gaps. An Arduino-controlled pump system injects water through the holes to flush out particles, replacing manual flossing. Prototypes showed the device fits in the mouth and provides sufficient water pressure. Future work may refine the system and embed it directly in the mouthguard. The project aims to improve oral health by providing an efficient and automated flossing alternative.

1. F • A • I • R • E
Flossing Automatically with Innovative Removal Efficiency
Ivan Felix, Joshua Kreek, Jeanette Qi, Gregory Fujitani, Marco Antonio Rodriguez| Collin Taki Brandon Chen | Faculty Mentor: Dr. Changqing Li
Mission Statement
To design a personalized flossing device that can be incorporated into a patient’s daily regimen. In doing so, we hope to replace the tedious and labor intensive task of flossing with a quick, efficient and safe alternative.
3D Modeling
To ensure a personalized device, a 3D scanner was
obtained to provide us with the geometric
measurements and the appropriate scale to design a
suitable mouth guard. The scanned model is placed on
a coordinate system using MatLab. The coordinate
system works to localize the teeth gaps and allocate
them on the mouth guard, placing holes. An opening in
the front of the piece will allow water to enter to a small
chamber that will fill and create enough pressure to
eject liquid through the smaller holes, essentially
flossing.
A
B
Figure 4: A) Scanned image of teeth model.
B) Teeth model placed on a coordinate system
Cost Analysis
Constraints and Requirements
Constraints
•Must fit within the dimensions of the mouth 60x55x65mm
•Maintain functionality within the scale of the working area
•Exert enough force to remove food particles from gaps
•Have FDA approved materials
Requirements
•Personalized for each patient
•Automated
•The device must be sturdy and comfortable
•Mechanisms must have minimal safety risk
•Method of dental medicine delivery
Market Potential
The flossing device consists of implementing a pump
mechanism to initiate cleansing through a 3D printed
mouth piece. The pumping mechanism is controlled
by a relay, and coded by an Arduino. A solenoid is
placed to prevent backflow and works as a secondary
gate way that precisely controls flow. The 3D mouth
piece contains a chamber to build up the necessary
pressure to eject water through the hole openings
located at the patient’s gaps.
Design Concept
Figure 3: Schematic of pumping system
Summary
Prototype fulfills specifications set by project’s constraints and
requirements. Personalized mouthpiece and automated pump
system sufficiently equate to flossing.
Future Development
Arduino allows for the addition of potentiometers, voltage
regulators, and pressure sensitive solenoid valves to make a
more complex and customizable experience. Eventually the
hope is to minimize the system and embed it onto the
mouthpiece
.
Conclusion
Results
The resulting mouth piece shown
here is our final product for the
flossing device. Essentially the
pumping mechanism will be
connected to the entrance
nozzle.
Figure 5: Prototype Design
Introduction
Design Problem
•Periodontitis is a prevalent
plague of plaque on the
population
•Flossing is currently the only
method of prevention
•49.5% of Americans do not
floss regularly
Design Objective
• Create a personalized and automated flossing device
that is versatile for different fluids
• The device must efficiently prevent and remove
plaque on the same level as current floss
Reynolds Number =
ρDv
μ
Reynolds number was
calculated to be 774.7
which indicates the flow
within the tubing is
laminar. The resulting PSI
measured from the exit
nozzles resulted in a
measured value of ~20 PSI.
Figure 6: Prototype connected
to mouth piece
Figure 2: Perceptual Map
Figure 1: Periodontitis effect on
gums
Sponsor
Pearl Family Dentistry is a family
dental office located in Merced,
founded and managed by Dr.
Jasvinder Badwalz.
Using the measured flow rate and the cross sectional area,
an average flow velocity is calculated to be about 2176.72
𝑚𝑚/s
$164.19
$95.49
$860.00
Overall Cost
Electrical Components
Item Price
Arduino Starter Kit* $60.00
Power Supply 9V battery* $3.00
TekPower HY18039 DC Power Supply* $60.00
RobotGeek Relay* $6.95
Apem EN61058-1 Switch $16.24
Hammond 1591ESBK ABS Project Box Black (2) $18.00
Total $164.19
Water Pump Components
Food Safe Clear Silicone Tubing 3.5 mm (10 meters) $19.95
Voltage Sensitive Solenoid Valve $20.00
Parts2OTM TC2104 Pressure Gauge $13.35
RobotGeek Self-Priming Pump $17.95
16 of 1mmx1.15mm Metric Buna-N 70 O-ring $4.00
Christy’s Red Hot Blue Glue (PVP Pipe Cement) $20.24
Total $95.49
3D Modeling Components
Matter and Form© 3D scanner $600.00
Makerbot Flexible Filament [plastic polymer] (1kg/ 2spool) $260.00
Total $860.00