The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued patent US12582319B2 for a smart toothbrush developed by International Business Machines Corporation. The patent covers an apparatus, system, and method for detecting and removing dental plaque using light emission, reflection detection, and analysis to determine plaque amount and location. The patent was granted on March 24, 2026, with a filing date of March 19, 2020, and includes 5 claims.

This patent grant signifies a new technological development in the oral hygiene sector. Manufacturers of dental care products and medical devices may be interested in this technology for potential integration into future products. While this is a patent grant and not a regulatory rule, it indicates innovation in health-monitoring consumer devices. Compliance officers in the medical device or consumer electronics sectors should note this development for competitive analysis and potential licensing opportunities.