Lollipop: A Fun and Effective Tongue Cleaner for Kids

Keeping Kids' Oral Health in Check

When it comes to oral hygiene, cleaning the tongue is often overlooked. However, the tongue is where millions of microorganisms reside, causing bad breath, halitosis, and tooth decay. Recognizing this gap in oral care, Adele Rehkemper and Cliff Shin designed Lollipop, a tongue cleaner that makes the process fun and enjoyable for kids.

According to the American Dental Association, cleaning the tongue is essential for maintaining good oral health. While parents encourage their kids to brush their teeth and clean their tongues, many children tend to skip tongue cleaning due to the unpleasant sensation of gagging.

Lollipop addresses this issue by offering a fun and engaging solution. Shaped like a lollipop, this innovative tongue cleaner eliminates the need for gagging while effectively cleaning the tongue. Kids can simply move the product as if they were eating a candy lollipop, and it will clean their tongues without any pain or discomfort.

The design team faced several challenges in creating Lollipop. The primary challenge was finding a solution that kids would willingly use for tongue cleaning. By incorporating a playful shape and enjoyable user experience, Lollipop encourages children to clean their tongues voluntarily.

Another challenge was selecting the right material for the product. Since Lollipop is designed for children, it was crucial to use a material that is safe and free from harmful substances like Bisphenol A (BPA). The team chose Tritan by EASTMAN, a BPA-free material known for its durability and safety.

Lollipop is made using injection molding and over molding techniques. The handle is made of silicon, ensuring a comfortable grip for kids. The product's dimensions are 170mm in length, and it weighs approximately 2 oz.

Recognizing the importance of tongue cleaning, Lollipop has received accolades for its innovative design. In 2013, it was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products category. This prestigious award recognizes designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

With Lollipop, parents can now ensure that their children maintain good oral hygiene without the hassle of gagging. By making tongue cleaning a fun and enjoyable experience, Lollipop promotes healthy habits and contributes to overall oral health.