When I first came across the story of the Big Mouth Toothbrush, I was immediately intrigued. Here was a product that combined innovation with practicality, solving a problem that so many people face every day: effective oral hygiene. What makes this story even more fascinating is how its creator, Dr. Bobbi Peterson, took her groundbreaking product to Shark Tank and emerged with not just an investment, but a strategic partnership that would catapult her business to new heights.
Let’s dive into the detailed journey of the Big Mouth Toothbrush — from its inception to its present-day success.
The Birth of the Big Mouth Toothbrush
The Big Mouth Toothbrush was the brainchild of Dr. Bobbi Peterson, a seasoned orthodontist with her own practice, Aces Braces, based in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Peterson’s years of experience in the dental field gave her firsthand insight into a widespread issue: the difficulty of maintaining proper oral hygiene, particularly for individuals with braces or other dental appliances.
Her solution? An oversized electric toothbrush designed to cover more surface area in the mouth and ensure a thorough cleaning. Unlike traditional brushes, the Big Mouth Toothbrush comes with five cleaning modes — Clean, Polish, White, Massage, and Sensitive — powered by sonic technology delivering 50,000 vibrations per minute. Dr. Peterson envisioned this as a game-changer for gum disease prevention and overall oral health.
Taking the Leap to Shark Tank
Dr. Peterson’s passion for her product led her to the famed Shark Tank stage in Season 14, Episode 15. Her ask? $150,000 in exchange for 10% equity in the company.
During her pitch, she demonstrated the toothbrush’s capabilities, showcasing its oversized brush head and its ability to deliver a superior cleaning experience. Her presentation was both compelling and educational, capturing the attention of the sharks. What stood out most was her dedication to solving a real-world problem and her ability to clearly articulate the product’s benefits.
One memorable moment from the episode was when Dr. Peterson highlighted the pink version of the toothbrush, which supports breast cancer awareness. Forty percent of the proceeds from the sales of this variant go to breast cancer-related causes, a touch that added a layer of social responsibility to her pitch.
The Deal That Sealed the Future
After much deliberation, Barbara Corcoran stepped forward with an offer: $150,000 for 20% equity, coupled with a $2 royalty per unit sold in perpetuity. While the royalty clause may have seemed steep, Dr. Peterson recognized the value Barbara could bring to the table in terms of mentorship and exposure. She accepted the deal, marking the beginning of a fruitful partnership.
Here’s a snapshot of the deal and other key details:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Big Mouth Toothbrush |
| Founders | Dr. Bobbi Peterson |
| Season & Episode | Season 14, Episode 15 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $150,000 for 10% equity |
| Final Deal | $150,000 for 20% equity + $2 royalty per unit sold in perpetuity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Barbara Corcoran |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Demonstration of the oversized brush head and its benefits for preventing gum disease |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated at $1.5 million as of 2024 |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Approximately $1.2 million annually as of 2024 |
| Social Media Presence | Active on Instagram and Facebook, engaging with customers and sharing updates |
| Key Achievements | Sold out of products within 24 hours of the episode airing; continued growth and product development |
Life After Shark Tank
The Shark Tank effect was immediate. Within 24 hours of the episode airing, the Big Mouth Toothbrush sold out completely. Customers flooded the company’s website and Amazon store, eager to get their hands on this innovative product. To meet the skyrocketing demand, Dr. Peterson quickly added pre-order options and ramped up production.
But selling out was just the beginning. Dr. Peterson’s dual roles as the CEO of Big Mouth Toothbrush and an active orthodontist allowed her to maintain a close connection to her customer base. She continued refining the product and expanding the line, introducing the Big Mouth Toothbrush 2.0 Sonic with advanced features for an even better user experience.
Another highlight was the pink toothbrush variant’s success in supporting breast cancer awareness. This not only boosted sales but also reinforced the company’s commitment to making a positive social impact.
Current Status and Success Metrics
Fast forward to 2025, and the Big Mouth Toothbrush is thriving. Here’s where things stand today:
- Revenue: The company generates approximately $1.2 million annually.
- Net Worth: Estimated at $1.5 million.
- Market Reach: The product is available through its official website, Amazon, and select retailers.
- Social Media Presence: The company maintains active Instagram and Facebook accounts, engaging with customers and providing updates on new developments.
- Product Line: The introduction of the 2.0 Sonic model has further solidified the brand’s reputation for innovation.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
The story of the Big Mouth Toothbrush offers valuable insights for anyone looking to launch their own product:
- Solve a Real Problem: Dr. Peterson’s firsthand experience as an orthodontist allowed her to identify a genuine gap in the market and create a product that addressed it effectively.
- Tell a Compelling Story: Her Shark Tank pitch wasn’t just about the toothbrush; it was about the people it could help and the positive change it could create.
- Leverage Strategic Partnerships: By partnering with Barbara Corcoran, Dr. Peterson gained not just financial backing but also invaluable mentorship and exposure.
- Stay True to Your Mission: Whether it’s improving oral hygiene or supporting breast cancer awareness, staying aligned with a mission can resonate deeply with customers.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for the Big Mouth Toothbrush. With a solid foundation, an expanding product line, and a loyal customer base, the company is well-positioned for continued growth. Dr. Peterson’s ability to balance innovation with social responsibility has set her business apart, and I’m excited to see what’s next for her and her team.
So, what’s the takeaway here? Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a fan of Shark Tank, the story of the Big Mouth Toothbrush is a reminder of the power of passion, perseverance, and partnership. If you’re looking for inspiration to tackle your own big idea, look no further — this is a story that shows just how far you can go with the right combination of innovation and determination.