EP2597990A2

EP2597990A2 - Device for the preventative and acute treatment of teeth and gums

Info

Publication number: EP2597990A2
Application number: EP11736047.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dieter GÖTTE
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-15
Publication date: 2013-06-05
Also published as: KR20130091754A; CN103079429B; US20130122460A1; JP5894986B2; WO2012013522A3; KR101833425B1; CN103079429A; US9271815B2; WO2012013522A2; JP2013532536A; DE202010010800U1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the preventative and acute treatment of teeth and gums, having a handle (1) and a treatment element (2) that is mounted on the handle (1) and can be inserted into the mouth of a patient, comprising an axis of rotation (8) extending approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle. In order to supply a treatment agent to the teeth and gums that is also suitable, for example, for dissolving and removing lipophilic bacteria, and to provide a corresponding device allowing even gentler treatment and massage of the gums without any risk of damage to the epithelia, in addition to feeding corresponding care and treatment agents, according to the invention the treatment element (2) comprises a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical treatment surface made at least partially of an open-pore foam, wherein the treatment element (3) is mounted so as to be freely rotatable about the axis of rotation (8), such that the rotationally symmetrical surface thereof can be rolled along the teeth and/or gums in the mouth of the patient.

Description

Device for the preventive and acute treatment of teeth and gums

The present invention relates to a device for the preventive and acute treatment of teeth and gums, with a handle and attached to the handle, to be introduced into the mouth treatment element having an approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle axis of rotation. Devices for the preventive acute treatment of teeth or gums have long been known in the art in the form of toothbrushes. In particular, electric toothbrushes with rotating bristle heads are also known in which the axis of the bristle head extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a corresponding handle.

However, such toothbrushes, of whatever design, are only partially suitable for the prophylaxis and treatment of periodontal disease or periodontitis, even if numerous attempts have already been made to adapt the outer bristles of toothbrushes to a gentler treatment of the gums and a massage thereof desirable.

Periodontitis (synonym: gingivitis) is a bacterial inflammation that manifests itself in a largely irreversible destruction of the periodontium (paradontium, peridontium) with the consequence of tooth relaxation and eventual tooth loss. The inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) is the initial disease, the periodontitis the sequelae. The chronic disease state is called periodontal disease (synonym: alveolar atrophy). The economic importance of periodontal disease / periodontal disease is clear that from the 40th Age more teeth lost by periodontal disease than caries. The frequency of the precursor disease gingivitis is given as 100% of the population. The corresponding data for the periodontitis frequency of the permanent dentition amount to 35% for the 20-year-olds and 70% for the over-50s. Severe manifestations of periodontal disease are found in 4-8% of adults and between 14-22% of senior citizens. It can be assumed that currently around 23 million people in Germany have a periodontal care need with different therapeutic urgency. In periodontitis, an acute inflammatory form of periodontal disease, two types are distinguished: the "apical" (originating from the root of the tooth) and the "marginal" (emanating from the gingival margin) form. Both forms, however, can merge.

The periodontal disease is caused by a bacterial plaque (dental plaque), one sticking to the tooth tough

Biofilm triggered, which regularly arises according to the following pattern:

Coating the clean tooth with salivary glycosides

Adherence of microorganisms from saliva to this layer

Establishment of a primary flora

Development of a selective flora and maturation of plaque

Dominance of Gram-negative bacteria and onset of a chronic inflammatory process.

The plaque hardens under the influence of the saliva on the gingival margin and leads there to a mechanical irritation. The plaque wins u.a. only a pathophysiological significance, because a no longer schschfernfernder biofilm is in direct permanent contact with the gum line. Biofilm mineralization leads to new layers of vital plaque on the surface and, due to the porous structure of the tartar, to the retention of toxic substances. The plaque bacteria produce exotoxins that diffuse adjacent gums causing inflammation with redness and swelling. Other cytotoxic substances are butyrate, propionate and ammonium. The result is a gingivitis, which is still reversible after a professional tooth cleaning.

Based on the fact that a chronic and progressive inflammation of the internal epithelium or - in later stages of infection - the periodontal pockets are the main causes of periodontitis, the care of this anatomical structure is of paramount importance for the health of the periodontium. Even in healthy people often arise due to incorrect techniques of brushing teeth such as excessive brush pressure, hard bristles or too hard water jet of the irrigator MicroVioletzungen of the junctional epithelium, which in turn form the starting point for bacterial colonization and plaque formation.

Other means of tooth cleaning, such as the individual use of dental floss or interdental brushes to clean the interdental spaces, provide benefits when used conscientiously and regularly, but in no case replace professional dental cleaning by the dentist or dental staff. Only a second person can get a good visual impression of the extent in the anatomically cramped oral cavity with the help of special instruments Plaque in anatomically difficult to access areas and has special tools such as ultrasonic cleaners or other dental instruments.

With regard to the correct technique of tooth brushing with the use of toothpaste or dental salt, two techniques are preferred: 1. Plastering motion from "red" to "white", i. the bristles of the toothbrush head are always guided only by the gums ("red") to the tooth crown ("white.") or 2. "circular" movements of the brush head, with the help of which the brushed tooth and the gumline should be gently massaged It is undisputed that the cleaning of the teeth, and in particular the removal of the plaque with the brush, is performed too seldom and often with insufficient duration and poor technique Toothpaste does not solve the problem of inflammation of the junctional epithelium and therefore urgently requires the addition of an approach that causally addresses the particular problem of chronic periodontitis.

The known toothbrushes and other devices for the preventive treatment of teeth and gums are therefore not or only partially suitable to prevent the periodontal disease or to stop the progression of the same. Rather, it is necessary for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease to treat teeth and gums with a treatment agent which is also suitable, for example, for dissolving and removing lipophilic bacteria, and to provide a corresponding device which, in addition to the supply of appropriate care and treatment agents Also, an even more gentle treatment and massage of the gums without any risk of damage to the junctional epithelium allows. This object is achieved in that the treatment element has a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical treatment surface, which consists at least partially of an open-cell foam, wherein the treatment element is mounted so freely rotatable on the axis of rotation, that it with its rotationally symmetrical surface in the mouth of a patient on the teeth and / or gums can be unrolled.

Unlike conventional devices for the treatment of periodontitis or periodontitis, the present invention, no bristles, protrusions or the like, which could damage the gums. Although plastic or foam elements are already known in the art, the z. B. can lead away directly by putting on the fingertips on the gums and teeth, but it can also come through the friction thus generated to damage the gums and can be achieved in this way, the gaps between the teeth. The present invention, on the other hand, provides a treatment element which consists of an open-cell foam which is easily deformable and can adapt very well to other surfaces, and, secondly, the treatment element can be easily applied to the gum due to its three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical treatment surface. or roll off the teeth, with significantly less friction between the treatment element and the gum is generated, as is possible with other known devices. In contrast to, for example, rotating bristle heads, which are driven by a corresponding motor and aligned with its axis perpendicular to the tooth or gum surface, the treatment element in the present case is freely rotatable and can thus by parallel movement and alignment of the axis parallel to the surface of the gums or simply roll out teeth on this. During treatment, therefore, the orientation of the axis of rotation is perpendicular to the orientation that must be set during treatment with a rotating toothbrush. The invention consists of a toothbrush-like device in the basic structure (see Figures 1 and 2), which instead of the brush head on a support a soft, rotatable and replaceable sponge, which sits on a plastic capsule and can absorb cleaning oil or other cleansing and nourishing substances, wearing. Like a toothbrush, the device is inserted into the oral cavity and the sponge is guided gently and gently along the enamel / gingiva border inside and out. To be achieved is a massage of the hem and the connecting epithelium and a wetting of this anatomical structure with, for example, tooth oil or other care substances. There is no "friction" between the sponge and the gums when the movement is performed, as the soft, anatomically-conforming sponge on the axis can rotate freely and smoothly, and the patient himself determines the pressure applied by the sponge to the gums The device provides gentle and gentle massage of the gum and the ciliary epithelium by simply guiding the rotationally symmetric treatment element along the inside and outside of the tooth / gum line, gently massaging the gums and ciliary epithelium and cleaned.

Finally, the open-cell foam makes it possible to impregnate the treatment element with a treatment liquid which is released to the gums during unrolling. For this purpose, in particular oils and the like in question, which are able to absorb and remove fat-soluble toxins that are produced by various oral bacteria, and what usually does not succeed with toothbrush and toothpaste.

The present device is not intended to replace conventional toothbrushes, but rather as a supplement especially for the treatment of periodontitis and for the prevention of periodontal disease. and used. It is understood, however, that accordingly when using toothbrushes, the gums should be spared as far as possible (for example, by using soft bristles or the like), which can then be treated separately and in addition to the device according to the invention.

Another field of application of the invention is the care of dental or prosthesis-bearing jaw implants. As a rule, these implants heal well after surgical treatment. However, at the contact surfaces to the surrounding tissue there are always entry ports for pathogens that can potentially lead to infections. A good care of the implants is therefore an absolute prerequisite for a lasting success of this ever more important surgical procedure. Cleaning with the conventional toothbrush is often not gentle enough because of too hard or too short bristles and even leads to damage of the sensitive mucosa at the mucous membrane / implant border if the plastering technique is incorrect. The invention may help to better care for the healed implants and to reduce the burden of bacterial toxin tissue immediately surrounding the implant.

Further design features of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, which are explained in more detail below. As already mentioned, the treatment system has a three-dimensional rotationally symmetric surface. These include the surfaces of numerous rotational bodies including spheres, ellipsoids, cones, cylinders, etc., where, for practical reasons, the shape of a cylinder surface or a cylinder jacket surface is preferred for the treatment element. The treatment element may be, for example, a cylindrical foam body, in whose one end face a stronger plastic element is used, which gives the treatment element for the rotatable connection with the handle the necessary Liehe stability. The treatment surface itself, of course, consists of the open-pored, soft foam, which has the shape of a cylinder or hollow cylinder and whose treatment surface is formed by a cylinder jacket surface. The diameter of such a treatment surface may be in a range between 5 and 20 mm, but should preferably be between 8 and 15 mm.

It is understood that the shape may also differ slightly from a cylindrical shape, for example, the treatment element could also have the shape of a truncated cone or a kind of barrel shape, so be slightly convex. The above diameter data refer in this case to the mean value of such an element measured over the axial length.

The diameter should not be too small because the treatment element for the freely rotatable connection with the handle must have an inner, firmer core and the foam Layer of the treatment surface should not be too thin to be able to accommodate enough treatment liquid on the one hand, on the other hand to protect the gums from pressure contact with the inner, firmer core or adequately cushion this. In one embodiment, the treatment element may have a dimensionally stable inner plastic sleeve, which is plugged on a corresponding axis, which extends at one end of the handle and approximately perpendicular to this, with as low friction as possible but fit accurately.

But it can also be a corresponding thru axle with the foam, which forms the treatment surface, be firmly connected and on the side facing the handle have a projecting axle stub, which is accurately inserted in a provided in the handle bushing in this case could either the axle stub be rotatably mounted in the socket, or the axle stub is locked in rotation with the socket, the socket in turn is easily rotatable in a corresponding bearing.

The variants described above make it possible to replace the treatment element at any time and continue to use the corresponding handle. In both cases, however, it is expedient if the plastic sleeve and the associated axis or the axle stub and / or the bushing have latching elements in order to axially fix the treatment element, which on the one hand remains to remain freely rotatable relative to the handle, so that the treatment element can not be accidentally released during treatment.

The open-pore foam layer, which is arranged around the axis or the plastic sleeve, should have a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably a thickness of at least 2 mm. The maximum thickness of the foam layer is limited by the maximum diameter or radius of the treatment element, from which even the radius of the central shaft or sleeve is deducted. In practice, therefore, the maximum thickness of the foam layer should not exceed a value of five to ten mm. As already mentioned, the thickness of this foam layer serves on the one hand to be able to absorb the treatment liquid and, on the other hand, also to cushion the axis or the plastic sleeve in the interior of the treatment element. In addition, the open-cell foam layer optionally takes on a treatment liquid, it being understood that this layer can absorb the more treatment liquid, the thicker it is or the greater their total volume. The axial length of the treatment element is also adapted to the human anatomy and should therefore be between a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 mm, preferably between 8 and 15 mm. In order to be able to optimally align the treatment element in the mouth of a patient, in one embodiment the axis is angled away from the longitudinal direction of the handle by an angle slightly deviating from 90 °, for example by 80 ° to 88 °. It is understood that the foam of the treatment surface should consist of a permanently elastic material and should not be permanently deformed by rolling on teeth and / or gums, but rather should adapt very quickly to the anatomical conditions during rolling on the one hand, but then again should immediately take the original form.

The handle of the device according to the invention substantially corresponds to the handle of a toothbrush, wherein the present invention differs from a toothbrush mainly in that instead of the bristles is provided a perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the handle extending axis or a corresponding bearing bush, which has an axis of rotation define, wherein the cross-section of the handle at least in a gate, which is typically gripped by the thumb and forefinger, in the direction parallel to this axis of rotation has a greater degree than perpendicular thereto. This of course serves the purpose of being able to easily exert the required pressure between the rolling cylinder surface or reduction surface and the teeth or gums. In the remaining area, the handle can correspond to the cross section of conventional toothbrushes.

The provided in a central portion of the handle larger cross-section in the direction parallel to the axis makes it possible to exert a corresponding force perpendicular to the axis on the handle and thus also on the treatment element in a simple manner, without tilting the treatment element. At the same time, such a handle provides an easy way to determine the orientation of the treatment element in the mouth solely on the basis of the handle. This is useful and expedient, for example, if a patient himself is not able to care for his teeth accordingly and this has to be assumed by a third person or nursing staff.

The average pore size of the foam should be between about 0.1 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm. On the one hand, the pore size has an influence on the dimensional stability and elasticity of the treatment element, but on the other hand also influences the absorption capacity and delivery capacity for treatment liquids. Too large pores may sometimes cause the treatment liquid to flow out of the treatment element very quickly, even if it has been completely saturated with it. By correspondingly smaller pores, a treatment liquid can be uniformly applied and distributed. On the other hand, too small pores tend to make the foam stiffer and insufficiently yielding to teeth and gums, so that the above average pore sizes are preferred areas, but may also depend on the particular plastic material chosen and may vary accordingly.

Further advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment and the associated figures. 1 shows the device according to the invention in a side view,

FIG. 2 shows a view of the device according to the invention similar to that in FIG. 1, but without the treatment element 2,

Figure 3 shows a cross section through the handle of the device and

Figure 4 in section the treatment element 2 and

FIG. 5 shows the associated thru-axle 3.

It is understood that in the accompanying figures, the device according to the invention is shown only schematically and a corresponding treatment device can actually differ significantly in terms of concrete form, in particular with regard to ergonomic embodiments of the object schematically illustrated.

FIG. 1 shows, on the one hand, a handle 1 which has similarities with the handle of a toothbrush, but with the exception of the cross section III-III in the middle region of the handle, which is recognizable in FIG. 3 and which, relative to the treatment element 2, is parallel to whose axis has a larger cross-sectional dimension than perpendicular thereto. In the case of a toothbrush in which the treatment element 2 would be replaced by a bristle head, the cross section would tend to be wider across the bristles than parallel to them, ie just the opposite as in the present case. The cross-sectional shape of a toothbrush has the handle but in the rear area, as the cross section IV-IV of Figure 4 shows.

The treatment element 2 is a cylindrical foam body, the exact configuration of which will be described in connection with FIG.

In Figure 2 can be seen the handle 1 without treatment element 2, so that you can see the thru axle 3, which extends from one end of the handle and approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thereof. The axis 3 may be formed integrally with the handle 1, but may also be a separately inserted or cast into the handle 1 pin. The already Sprochenen cross-section of the handle 1 according to the sectional plane designated III-III in Figure 2 shows the figure. 3

Figure 5 shows in the lower part of the front end portion of the handle 1 with an integrally molded plug-in axis 3 and a circumferentially formed on the plug-in axis 3 locking groove. 7

The treatment element 2 has in its center a dimensionally stable plastic sleeve 4, which on all sides, d. H. With the exception of the lower, open end portion of the sleeve 4, surrounded by a several millimeters thick foam layer 5, which has a total of a cylindrical shape. On the inner wall of the plastic sleeve 4 locking elements 6 are provided, which engage when sliding the plastic sleeve 4 on the plug-in axis 3 in the groove 7 and lock it with this, so that the treatment element 2 fixed in total on the plug-in axis 3 and thus also on the handle 1, However, it is freely rotatable about the thru-axle 3. It is understood that the latching elements 6, 7 are shown here only schematically and that numerous other embodiments of latching elements, including those that allow external actuation, are conceivable.

As an alternative to the variant shown in Figure 5, the treatment element instead of an inner sleeve could also have a shaft which protrudes with one end from an end face of the foam element which forms a Achsstutzen which is plugged into a socket and preferably latched therein instead the shaft or axle is recessed in Figure 5 in one end of the handle.

For purposes of the original disclosure, it is to be understood that all such features as will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the present description, drawings and dependent claims, even though they have been specifically described only in connection with certain further features, both individually and can be combined in any combination with other features or feature groups disclosed herein, unless this has been expressly excluded or technical conditions make such combinations impossible or pointless. For the brevity and readability of the description, the comprehensive, explicit representation of all conceivable combinations of features and the emphasis on the independence of the individual features from each other is omitted here.

Claims

P a n t a n s p r e c h e

Device for the preventive and acute treatment of teeth and gums, comprising a handle (1) and a treatment element (2), which is attached to the handle (1) and is inserted into the mouth of a patient, which has an axis of rotation extending approximately perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the handle (8), characterized in that the treatment element (2) has a three-dimensional, rotationally symmetrical treatment surface, which consists at least partially of an open-cell foam, wherein the treatment element (3) about the rotation axis (8) is freely rotatably mounted such that it with its rotationally symmetrical surface in the mouth of the patient on the teeth and / or gums can be unrolled.

Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the treatment surface is substantially a cylinder jacket surface.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the treatment surface is in a range between 5 and 20 mm, preferably between 8 and 15 mm.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the treatment element has a dimensionally stable inner plastic sleeve (4) which can be plugged onto an axle (3),

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the axis (3) with a treatment surface forming foam layer (5) is firmly connected and on the side facing the handle has a protruding shaft stub, which is insertable in a provided in the handle bearing bush.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (4) and / or the axis (3) or the shaft stub and / or the socket locking elements to the treatment element with free rotation relative to the handle (1) axially to fix the handle.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the open-cell foam layer (5) of the treatment surface has a thickness of at least 1 mm, preferably at least 2 mm

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam of the treatment surface consists of a permanently elastic material.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle substantially corresponds to the handle of a toothbrush, but wherein the bristles of a toothbrush are replaced by a Aufsteckachse or a bushing defining an axis of rotation, and the cross section of the handle in the direction parallel to Rotation axis has a greater degree than perpendicular thereto.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foam has a porosity, defined as the ratio of the pore volume to the total volume of the foam, of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the average pore size of the foam is between 0.1 and 1 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm.

Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the handle in its area to be detected by the thumb and forefinger of a hand has an elongated cross-section with a cross-sectional longitudinal axis which is in one plane with the axis of the treatment element