'Shark Tank' Guest Expands Brooklyn Toothbrush Business To Atlanta

CULVER CITY, CA — A New York orthodontist who is expanding her business to Atlanta recently got the chance of a lifetime when she made a deal with Barbara Corcoran on ABC's "Shark Tank."

Dr. Bobbi Peterson and her Big Mouth toothbrush appeared on a March 3 episode, where she asked the panel of sharks for $150,000 for 10 percent of her company.

Peterson, the owner of the Brooklyn-based Aces Braces, told Patch being featurd on the star-studded show was exhilerating.

In an energetic opening, she noted the impact of gum disease - even going as far to show a photo of a toothless Kevin O'Leary to demonstrate how gum disease can cause loss of teeth.

"Your mouth is the gateway between your heart and your mind, and most people don't even realize how easily infection can travel between these three important points," Peterson told the sharks.

In introducing her wide-head toothbrush to the panel, she called it a "spa in your mouth." The head of the toothbrush allows people to cover more surface area while brushing and creates a massage effect while people are brushing their teeth, she said.

Lori Greiner noted Peterson's toothbrush has gum care, sensitive, clean, polish and whitening settings.

Corcoran initially declined to make an offer to Peterson, but when Peterson gave a counter offer to the sharks for $150,000 for a 20 percent stake in her business and a royalty of $2 per unit sold, Corcoran immediately stood up and accepted the deal in the final seconds of the episode.

"It's not every day that you get the chance to pitch your passion project to some of the biggest names in the business world. But, I'm so glad that I did because it allowed me to take the Big Mouth oral care line to the next level," she told Patch.

"And to work with the legendary Barbara Corcoran was truly a dream come true. She is an incredible mentor, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from her and collaborate with her."

Peterson will hold a watch party at 7 p.m. Saturday at The Continent, 4300 Buford Highway in Atlanta.

The Birth of the Big Mouth Toothbrush

Peterson has been an orthodontist for more than 20 years, having a bachelor's degree in biology from Drexel University and a doctorate of dental surgery from Howard University, she said.

Four years after completing a three-year residency at Maimonides, she opened Aces Braces in New York. Helping people achieve optimal oral health makes her passionate about dental hygeine, she said.

"It's incredibly rewarding to see the positive changes that occur when patients take control of their oral health and make it a priority," Peterson said. "Ultimately, my passion for dental hygiene is fueled by the knowledge that I am helping people live healthier, happier lives."

In January, Peterson founded the Big Mouth toothbrush. On "Shark Tank," she said she owns the design patent for the toothbrush.

"The Big Mouth toothbrush was born from my passion for promoting oral health as a vital aspect of overall wellbeing," she said. "As a second-generation oral healthcare provider, I noticed that people didn't always brush their teeth as recommended, and the consequences could be devastating. So, I decided to take action."

The wide-head toothbrush makes it easier for people to practice dental hygeine, she said. Kids an adults can use her product, she said.

Peterson recently launched the Big Mouth toothbrush in Atlanta. She noted she has friends in the area and said she loves Atlanta's history and the variety of people living in Atlanta.

"The expansion has already begun," she said. "I've already started linking with brands and forming my inner circle. I surround myself with like-minded extremely supportive women only. Atlanta has very much of that. It's full of extremely successful self-made entrepreneurs."

Future plans for the Big Mouth toothbrush include expanding its line of oral care products, hosting oral health fairs and donating to important causes.

"The sky's the limit for the Big Mouth oral care line, and we're ready to take on whatever comes our way," Peterson said.

More information about the Big Mouth toothbrush can be found here.