Development Story
STORY
How the Rolling Brush was created
When Toyama Hideo was 20 years old.
Even at this young age, he suffered from periodontal disease, which caused his teeth to bleed and become loose every time he brushed them.
It's not that I haven't taken care of my teeth.
I'm sure I was taking care of it like everyone else.
My dentist told me that massaging my gums would be good, so I massaged them thoroughly with a toothbrush.
"I brush my teeth and massage my gums properly, but my condition isn't improving at all. It's because the toothbrushes available in the world don't suit me. I'm done with it. I'm going to make my own."
Hideo Toyama's challenge has begun.
Hundreds of prototypes
He considered what shape would be best, what kind of bristles would be best, and how much force would need to be applied, and he used himself as the test subject. Hideo Toyama didn't just have bad teeth; he was also bad at giving up.
It took over 20 years for the prototype of the "Korokoro Brush" to be completed.
Toyama Hideo laughs and says that up until then, there had been several hundred prototypes.
This toothbrush, which became the prototype for the "Korokoro Brush," was the beginning of Hideo Toyama's break from the periodontal disease that had plagued him for many years.
Within a week, he felt a difference in the results from previous trials, and realized that his periodontal disease was improving further with continued use.
"I'm sure there are many people out there who are struggling like me. Is there any way we can commercialize this [rolling tool]?" That's how the Rolling Brush was born.
A never-ending challenge
He continues to use the toothbrush he made himself, and now at age 68, he has 20 teeth remaining and can chew and eat hard foods properly. The happiness of being able to eat what he likes is what gives him energy.
Hideo Toyama's challenge is not over yet.
