Ultrasound technology has been used in numerous ways, but a UW professor has invented a new use — as a toothbrush. Pierre Mourad used ultrasound to transform bubbles into sources of mechanical energy and applied it to an electric toothbrush, named Ultreo.

Ultreo features a sonic motor that converts electricity into mechanical motion. Ultrasound makes the tiny bubbles in a person's mouth vibrate over 20,000 times per second, activating the surrounding fluid to clean off plaque. The company said it reduces gum inflammation and makes teeth visibly whiter in two weeks.

Currently, Ultreo costs $149. It is available online and in select dental offices,and will appear in retail stores at the end of 2007, said company CEO Jack Gallagher in a recent interview with DentalTown Magazine.

Many experts in areas such as biological engineering, dentistry and legal and business management came together to create the Ultreo toothbrush, said Dr. Frank Roberts, an associate professor of periodontics.

Roberts said he believes Ultreo will eventually become successful both in the United States and abroad.

"As most people don't spend an adequate amount of time brushing and flossing," he said, "any product that could help them be more efficient with the time they do spend cleaning would be a big help."

Pamela Knowles, a registered nurse at Hall Health, recognizes the importance of brushing and flossing.

"I think dental health is underrated," Knowles said. "If you don't take care of your dental health, it can lead to other illnesses, some as serious as heart disease."

Mourad hopes Ultreo will improve oral health as more and more people use it.

"As that group of people increases in number, I expect the entire world's happiness quotient will go up," he said. "After we achieve a tipping point in the worldwide number of Ultreo users, [there will be a] blossoming of world peace and good will to all."