Dyson steps into oral care with the CameraJet
During the IFA trade show in Berlin, Dyson used its usual fan‑fare – robot vacuums, hair‑care tools and a massive air purifier – to spotlight a brand‑new entry into the oral‑hygiene market: the CameraJet toothbrush and water‑flosser. The device is marketed as the most technologically advanced brush on the market, and Engadget’s hands‑on reporter Mat Smith gave us a quick look at how it works, even if the demo was limited to a set of fake teeth.
How the CameraJet works
The standout feature is a tiny 100‑kilopixel camera mounted in the brush head. According to Dyson, the sensor captures 28 frames per second and feeds the live video to a companion app on a smartphone. The software, dubbed Gap Optical Targeting, analyses the feed in real time, spotting spaces between teeth and triggering a precision water jet only when a gap is detected. This approach means the device uses far less water than traditional water‑flossers, which tend to spray continuously.
The brush can operate in three modes:
- Brushing only – the motor vibrates like a high‑end sonic brush.
- Flossing only – the water jet fires on detected gaps.
- Combined mode – both actions run simultaneously for a “full‑spectrum” clean.
In the demo, the water reservoir held just enough for two full passes over the mock denture, yet the system didn’t need a refill thanks to the selective jetting. Smith noted that the brush felt bulkier than conventional electric brushes, but the water‑flossing component was surprisingly portable.
Real‑world performance – what the demo revealed
While the test was limited to artificial teeth, a few practical observations emerged:
- Targeted jetting eliminates the constant stream that can dribble out of the mouth with ordinary flossers.
- The camera feed is clear enough to see the gap detection in action, even with the vibration and water spray.
- Accidental manual jet activation can be a surprise – Smith was sprayed in the face when he switched to manual mode, highlighting the need for careful handling.
- The brush’s weight and ergonomics feel a bit unwieldy compared with the sleek profiles of Sonicare DiamondClean or Oral‑B iO, which may affect long‑term comfort.
Privacy and data handling
A camera on a toothbrush inevitably raises eyebrows. Dyson assures users that the video stream never leaves the phone; it is processed locally and is not uploaded to any cloud service. The company’s statements were reiterated during the demo, but potential buyers should still consider the implications of a device that constantly records inside the mouth.
Pricing and ongoing costs
Dyson positions the CameraJet as a premium offering, with a retail price around £650 (roughly $500 USD). That places it well above the most expensive models from Philips Sonicare and Oral‑B, which typically sit in the £250‑£300 range. In addition to the upfront cost, Dyson will sell proprietary brush heads, a non‑foaming toothpaste and a specialised mouthwash – all of which add to the total cost of ownership. However, the app allows the use of third‑party toothpaste and mouthwash, so the consumable expense can be moderated.
How it fits into the UK market
For UK consumers who already budget for a smartphone contract, the CameraJet represents a significant one‑off expense plus recurring head replacements. The device is expected to launch later this year, with availability through Dyson’s own website and selected retailers. Potential buyers should watch for bundle deals that might include extra heads or a travel case, especially as Dyson has already released a “travel mode” that disables the brush when packed in luggage.
Verdict – a glimpse of the future, but not a must‑have yet
Mat Smith’s hands‑on impression suggests that the CameraJet is technologically impressive – the camera‑guided flossing is a genuine innovation that could set a new benchmark for water‑flossers. Yet the high price tag, bulky ergonomics, and privacy considerations mean it may appeal more to early adopters and gadget enthusiasts than to the average UK consumer looking for a reliable, cost‑effective electric brush.
If you’re already comfortable with a Sonicare or Oral‑B iO and are happy with a standard water flosser, the CameraJet is unlikely to be a compelling upgrade. However, for those who love to have the latest tech in every corner of daily life – and who don’t mind paying a premium for it – Dyson’s foray into oral care could be worth a closer look once the product hits stores.
The information above is based on Engadget’s hands‑on report from IFA 2026, written by Mat Smith. All specifications and pricing are subject to change when the CameraJet becomes commercially available.
