Curaprox

Today, oral care is no longer limited to simply cleaning the teeth as part of a daily routine. It has evolved into a more holistic approach to health that combines innovation, an understanding of oral physiology, and thoughtful design to create better everyday experiences.

Curaprox is one of the brands that has embraced these principles in the development of oral care products, placing equal importance on effectiveness, gentleness, and the overall user experience. Its approach is designed to help people care for their oral health correctly, comfortably, and consistently as part of their daily lives.

 

The Origins of a Dental Pioneer

The story of Curaprox began with Hans Breitschmid, the founder of the brand. He began training as a dental technician at the age of 16, and his experience in the profession gave him an in-depth understanding of both the work and needs of dental professionals. In 1954, he founded Hans Breitschmid, Dental-Vertrieb, a dental products distribution business in Lucerne, Switzerland.

The company placed great importance on listening to dentists, dental technicians, and other professionals working in oral healthcare. Their practical needs and experiences became the foundation for developing new products and solutions. At the same time, the company supported dental professionals through specialized training, products, and oral care solutions, with prevention as one of the central principles of its work.

In the early 1970s, the company began focusing more seriously on developing products for consumers and launched Curaprox as a consumer-facing brand.

 

The Meaning Behind "Cura" and "Prox"

The name “Curaprox” is derived from Latin, with “Cura” meaning “care” and “Prox” referring to closeness or proximity. The name reflects the company’s philosophy of staying close to consumers and caring for their oral health, with an emphasis on prevention rather than waiting for problems to arise before seeking treatment.

From that point onward, Curaprox expanded beyond toothbrushes, gradually developing a broader concept of Comprehensive Oral Health. The brand connected its products with oral care knowledge, proper techniques, and preventive practices, encouraging people to care for their oral health appropriately and consistently as part of everyday life.

 

A New Generation, A New Vision

In 1984, marking the company’s 30th anniversary, Hans passed the management of the business to his son, Ueli Breitschmid. This transition marked another important chapter in the company’s history and the beginning of new ideas and perspectives.

Ueli did not see the company’s role as simply producing and selling oral care products. He believed that oral health should be considered an integral part of overall health. As a result, he placed greater emphasis on education and prevention, rather than waiting for oral health problems to develop before seeking treatment.

One of the principles that distinguishes Curaprox from conventional toothbrush brands is the belief that effective tooth cleaning does not depend on using a hard-bristled brush or applying excessive pressure. Instead, it begins with choosing the right tools and learning how to use them correctly, allowing the mouth to be cleaned effectively without causing unnecessary damage to the teeth or gums.

 

The iTOP Philosophy

A significant turning point for Curaprox came through its collaboration with Dr. Jiří Sedelmayer, a dentist and the developer of the iTOP (Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis) concept.

iTOP emphasizes the relationship between oral care tools and technique. It is based on the idea that choosing the right oral care products should go hand in hand with learning how to use them correctly.

iTOP is a training program that teaches dental professionals practical knowledge and techniques that they can pass on to their patients. Its goal is to help individuals care for their own oral health more effectively, with a strong emphasis on prevention and the development of good habits over time.

Today, iTOP is taught and practiced in many countries around the world. According to information published by Curaden in 2025, the program has reached approximately 100,000 dental professionals worldwide. The company also states that it has provided training to more than 60,000 dental professionals in preventive oral care concepts and approaches.

 

CS 5460: The Toothbrush That Redefined Softness

One of the products that has made Curaprox widely recognized is the CS 5460, a toothbrush featuring an impressive 5,460 filaments, significantly more than those found in conventional toothbrushes.

The concept behind this toothbrush can be traced back to the late 1970s, when designer Noldi Braun set out to create a toothbrush that was simple, easy to use, and practical. His design became the foundation for the distinctive shape of Curaprox toothbrushes, which has continued to evolve over the decades.

The defining feature of the CS 5460 is its use of CUREN® filaments, a synthetic filament developed by Curaprox to provide softness while allowing a high density of filaments to be packed onto the brush head.

The CS 5460 contains 5,460 filaments arranged into 39 bundles, creating a dense cleaning surface while maintaining a gentle feel against the mouth.

The CS 5460 stands out not only for its approach to oral cleaning, but also for its distinctive design philosophy. At a time when toothbrushes were often viewed primarily as functional hygiene products, Curaprox incorporated color and design as integral elements of the product itself, giving its toothbrushes a recognizable and distinctive personality.

The wide range of colors does more than create visual differentiation on the shelf. It also transforms the toothbrush into a more enjoyable and engaging part of everyday life, reflecting Curaprox’s philosophy of making oral care more approachable and encouraging people to feel good about maintaining their oral health every day.

 

Interdental Care: Prevention Beyond Brushing

Another product category that reflects Curaprox’s preventive approach is its range of interdental brushes.

According to the company, Curaprox began producing interdental brushes in 1979, before developing the CPS Prime range in 1997 in collaboration with Dr. Jiří Sedelmayer.

Cleaning between the teeth is important because these areas can be difficult for a conventional toothbrush to reach effectively. Caring for the spaces between teeth is therefore an essential part of maintaining comprehensive oral hygiene.

Curaprox has developed interdental brushes in a variety of sizes and designs, allowing users to choose the appropriate brush according to the size of their interdental spaces and the individual characteristics of their mouths.

 

From a Family Dental Business to a Global Oral Health Company

From its beginnings as a family-run dental business more than 70 years ago, Curaden has gradually evolved from a company focused on supporting dental professionals into an international oral health company.

Today, Curaprox stands as one of its key brands, offering a broad range of oral care products, including toothbrushes, children's toothbrushes, toothpastes, mouthwashes, interdental brushes, and other solutions designed to support different aspects of oral health.

Its journey reflects a philosophy that goes beyond simply creating products. At the heart of Curaprox is the belief that better oral health begins with prevention, the right tools, proper technique, and habits that can be maintained throughout everyday life.