Dr. Bobbi Petersen Unveils the Big Mouth Toothbrush, an Oversized Electronic Toothbrush for Better Oral Health
Highlights
- Dr. Bobbi Petersen introduced the Big Mouth Toothbrush, an innovative oversized electronic toothbrush designed to improve oral hygiene by covering more surface area.
- The product aims to combat gum disease and enhance oral health.
- Dr. Petersen sought $150,000 for 10% equity in her company and secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran for $150,000 in exchange for 20% equity plus a $2 per unit royalty.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Big Mouth Toothbrush |
| Founder | Dr. Bobbi Petersen |
| Industry | Oral Health and Personal Care |
| Product | Oversized electronic toothbrush |
| Funding | Self-funded |
| Investment Ask | $150,000 |
| Equity Offered | 10% |
| Valuation | $1,500,000 |
Dr. Bobbi Petersen made waves in Shark Tank Episode 1416 with her revolutionary Big Mouth Toothbrush. A second-generation dentist and the youngest of seven siblings, Dr. Petersen took inspiration from her own loud and lively personality to create this unique product. Remarkably, she is also the first Black person to design an electric toothbrush.
Her journey began when she observed that many of her adult orthodontic patients were developing gum disease despite brushing their teeth. As a practicing orthodontist, Dr. Petersen frequently recommended electric toothbrushes, but she wanted to design one that could ensure better cleaning. She developed an oversized brush head to maximize contact with teeth and gums, reducing the likelihood of missed spots during brushing.
After a year of development, the Big Mouth Toothbrush hit the market and quickly sold out due to high demand.
Product Details
- Price: $99.99
- Colors: Pink and white (40% of proceeds from pink sales support breast cancer awareness, a cause close to Dr. Petersen as a survivor).
- Customer Feedback: Reviews describe the toothbrush as offering “a spa-like experience” for your mouth.
- Goal: Use the Shark Tank investment to secure stable inventory and expand into retail markets.
Shark Tank Recap
Dr. Petersen entered the Tank seeking $150,000 for 10% equity in her company. She explained how gum disease affects 50% of the global population and its connections to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and tooth loss. Demonstrating her oversized toothbrush, she highlighted its ability to reduce brushing time and create a gentle, massaging effect.
The Sharks examined the toothbrush, with Lori Greiner noting its impressive five settings. The product costs $14 to manufacture and retails for $69.99. In just six months (January–July 2022), sales totaled $60,000, despite two months of stock shortages.
Dr. Petersen also shared her inspiring background, from being a teen mom to completing high school, college, dental school, and an orthodontic residency. She launched her practice just a week after finishing her training.
Sharks’ Feedback
- Lori admired the product but felt the oral care market was too competitive.
- Robert praised Dr. Petersen but thought the market posed challenges.
- Mark Cuban admired her entrepreneurial spirit but felt she was spreading herself too thin.
- Barbara asked about the intended use of funds and admired Dr. Petersen’s perseverance but initially declined to invest.
- Kevin O’Leary made an offer: $150,000 for 25% equity plus $5 per unit sold.
Dr. Petersen countered with $150,000 for 20% equity plus a $2 royalty per unit, a deal Barbara ultimately accepted.
Post-Shark Tank Update
The Big Mouth Toothbrush sold out within 24 hours of the episode airing. A month later, Dr. Petersen was managing pre-orders with a 6-8 week delivery window. By June 2023, inventory was back in stock, and the company benefited from the episode’s rerun.
As of August 2024, while there’s no formal confirmation of the deal closing with Barbara Corcoran, the pair are prominently featured on the product’s Amazon storefront. Dr. Petersen described her collaboration with Barbara as “a dream come true,” praising her mentorship.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, the Big Mouth Toothbrush lineup has expanded to include new models: the Big Mouth Platinum and the Big Mouth Sonic 2.0. However, reliable revenue figures remain unavailable.
Key Takeaways
The Big Mouth Toothbrush continues to carve a niche in the oral care market, leveraging its unique design and Dr. Petersen’s passion for improving oral health. Despite the challenges of breaking into a crowded industry, the product’s innovative features and compelling story have captured attention and driven demand.
Conclusion
Dr. Bobbi Petersen’s Big Mouth Toothbrush is a testament to her ingenuity and determination to revolutionize oral health care. Her journey from orthodontist to inventor highlights her commitment to solving real-world problems and making a lasting impact on her industry. Despite the challenges of entering a competitive market, Dr. Petersen’s passion, coupled with Barbara Corcoran’s mentorship, positions the Big Mouth Toothbrush as a product with significant growth potential. With its innovative design, compelling story, and mission-driven approach, the Big Mouth Toothbrush is poised to continue making waves in the oral care space for years to come.
