GB2327339A - Tongue-retained device for cleaning teeth etc. - Google Patents

Abstract

The device, which facilitates removal of plaque etc. from teeth, gums or oral prostheses, comprises a retentive base 1 for releasable attachment to the tongue and a cleansing component 2 presenting fibres, filaments or protuberances and supported by the base, the action of the device being effected via the tongue musculature. The base may be formed from natural or synthetic rubber, plastics, metal, starch or digestible, cereal-based material and may be retained on the tongue by suction or by means of adhesive. It may include a reservoir compartment for medicaments etc., may have a safety line attached and may have perforations allowing passage of air. The cleansing component may be releasably fixed to the base so as to enable its replacement with a different cleansing surface.

Description

A DEVICE FOR FACILITATING THE REMOVAL OF BACTERIAL PLAQUE AND OTHER DEPOSITS, FROM TEETH, PERIODONTAL TISSUES, AND ORAL PROSTHESES.

This invention relates to a device which facilitates the removal of Bacterial plaque, food deposits and tissue debris; from Teeth, Periodontal tissues and Dental Prostheses.

Mankind has probably used simple implements to remove debris and Bacterial deposits from the teeth and Periodontal tissues, since the ability to manipulate tools first evolved. The earliest cleansing practices, probably involved either, chewing fibrous vegetation, or manual cleansing of the Teeth with sticks of wood or fibrous roots. As knowledge of the aetiology of oral disease has progressed, so too has the development of more effective cleansing implements, culminating in the subtle variations of the modern day Toothbrush.

Despite the development of chemical agents for the dissolution of Bacterial plaque, continued daily use of such agents have significant drawbacks, such as staining of teeth, altered taste sensation and the development of resistant strains of Bacteria in the Oral cavity and Gastro-intestinal tract.

Mechanical disruption of Bacterial deposits by brushing, is still considered by dental experts, to be the safest and prime method for cleansing the Teeth and Periodontal tissues.

The modern Toothbrush, comprising a handle with a grip, and a head which supports filamentous bristles, is now the most widely accepted oral cleansing implement. Efficient manual use of this brush, for mechanically dislodging Bacterial plaque, is of prime importance in the prevention and treatment of Periodontal disease and the prevention of Dental caries.

Of particular note, is the fact that the use of Toothpaste during brushing, is not essential for the effective removal of Bacterial deposits. However, its use has additional benefits such as the provision of antibactierial agents, and Fluoride ions to strengthen Tooth enamel.

Research has shown that daily toothbrushing, can be effective particularly in the prevention of Periodontal disease, and to a lesser extent Dental Caries.

However, efficiency in this respect depends upon many complex factors, and of significance are; the frequency of brushing, and the care and dexterity exercised while brushing. Efficient use of such a manual cleansing technique, requires considerable conscious effort on behalf of the operator, and considerable dexterity. Thus the daily process of cleaning the mouth, is often considered a time consuming and laborious task. Therein lie the main drawbacks in the use of the conventional Toothbrush: 1) The level of compliance with regard to frequency of daily use.

2) The level of manual dexterity exercised by the operator.

The invention described here, offers an alternative approach to the mechanical removal of Bacterial plaque and other deposits, and may prove useful as an adjunct to conventional toothbrushing. The advantages of this simple invention are: 1) The use of this device does not require a high degree of manual dexterity.

2) Concerted conscious effort is not required.

3) The cleansing process can be performed at any time.

The human Tongue has developed during the course of evolution, small protuberances and hair like structures - the Lingual Circumvallate and Filiform Papillae. These anatomical structures have a sensory function but also play a significant role in the natural self - cleansing mechanisms of the oral cavity.

This invention, although it may appear initially strange in its concept, simply serves to enhance this natural cleansing ability.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device for facilitating the removal of bacterial, and other deposits from the Teeth and Periodontal tissues; comprising principally a first and second part. The first part is comprised of a layer of material, which by virtue of its shape, forms a retentive base. This envelopes and attaches to the tip of the human Tongue, and forms an extension of it. This retentive base presents a fitting - Lingual surface, and an outer - Oral surface.

The second part of the device comprises a cleansing component, which is fixed to, or is located on the outer Oral surface of the retentive base. This cleansing components offers a textured surface, and is presented to the surfaces of the Teeth and Periodontal tissues by movement of the musculature of Tongue.

One form of the invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 Shows in perspective one form of the device.

Figure 2 Shows in cross section one form of the device.

Figure 3 Shows in cross section one form of the device, to illustrate a possible design for releasably attaching the cleansing component, and also illustrates a sticky 'gum' layer within the retentive base.

Figure 4 Shows in cross section one form of the retentive base, illustrating a possible design of releasable attachment of the cleansing component.

Figure 5 Shows in cross section one form of the cleansing component, and the form of its releasable attachment.

Figure 6 Shows in cross section a reservoir compartment within one form of the device.

The device is attached to the tip of the tongue by the generation of negative pressure between the retentive base 1, and the flexible mucosal tissues of the Tongue.

The retentive base has the form of a hollow receptacle, presenting an oval portal to the Tongue, as in Figure 1. The inner, concave 'Lingual' surface la, and an outer, convex 'Oral' surface ib, are illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. The example described here and shown in Figures 1 - 6, has a retentive base fabricated from a thin, flexible, resilient material; such as Silicone rubber or plastic. However, the device may be of a more rigid construction, composed of firm rubber, plastic, metal or any other none - flexible material, and in this situation; the method of attachment of the cleansing component 2, may not rely solely upon the generation of negative pressure. Such an additional mode of retention is described below.

The use of cereal starch based substances in the fabrication of the device, would confer soluble properties, beneficial for a 'single - use' and disposable design.

The concave Lingual surface is designed and contoured to receive the tip of the human Tongue. This close adaption is desirable to assist in the generation of suction or negative pressure between the Tongue and device. Generation of negative pressure between the Tongue and the retentive base, is by way of the relative movements between the device, the Tongue, Teeth and other musculature of the oral cavity, and the natural sealing quality of the oral saliva.

In the example described here and illustrated in Figures 1 - 6, the retentive base of the device is formed from a flexible, resilient material, and can be compressed between the finger and thumb and placed against the Tongue, so that upon release of this compression, and by virtue of the resilience of the material, suction is generated.

The Lingual surface of the retentive base, may be specially adapted to promote a seal against the Tongue. For example it may present to the mucosal surface of the Tongue, a circumferential arrangement of raised corrugations or ribs 1c, as in Figures 1 and 2; the surface contours of which intimately contact the mucosa of the Tongue to enhance the seal, and prevent loss of suction during movement of the device.

The convex Oral surface lb, supports the cleansing component 2, of the device The cleansing component can take many different forms. Possible variations in design, relate to the mode of its construction, the form of the cleansing mechanism, and mode of its attachment to the retentive base. The cleansing component in the example described here, and illustrated in Figures 1 - 6, has the form of a conventional brush 2a. Some other possible variations are described.

The cleansing component, may be integral to and form an extension of the retentive base, as illustrated in Figure 6, or it may be constructed as a separate entity, but attached to the retentive base in some manner, as illustrated in Figures 1 - 5. Thus the cleansing component may be permanently fixed to the Oral surface of the retentive base, or it may be releasably detachable from it. It may be formed from a resilient material, and this would confer some flexibility of movement between these two components.

A means of releasable detachment of the cleansing component, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, would offer the advantage of adaptation of the cleansing surface of the device to different situations eg. providing a brush surface with either short or long filaments, or a surface with prolongations of material to massage the soft tissues, or protuberances to dislodge food debris from spaces between the Teeth. One possible method of providing a releasable attachment for the cleansing component, is illustrated by item 4 in Figure 3, and item 1d in Figures 4 and 5.

By way of variation the retentive base, may be so shaped that it adapts and attaches to any part of the Tongue, or could cover a larger proportion of the Tongue surface than proposed by the design described here; offering a wider cleansing area to the Teeth and Periodontal tissues.

In yet a further variation of the concept, the Lingual surface of the retentive base, may be coated in a layer of gum le in Figure 3, or other sticky compound.

Such a compound, when in contact with Saliva, becomes sticky and acts as an adhesive to the tissues of the Tongue, but also dissolves into the Saliva over the period of use of the device. Alternatively, the retentive base 1, may be entirely composed of such a compound. Under such circumstances, the retention of the device does not rely solely upon the 'negative pressure effect', but benefits from the additional adhesive property of the gum material.

The presence of a sticky gum component to the retentive base or cleansing component, could provide an additional function. For example the sticky gum component could act as a reservoir for substances present within it, which when dissolved into the saliva, have the effect of producing a pleasant taste sensation, promote the cleansing process, or release medicaments or antibacterial substances.

By way of variation, the release of such substances during the cleansing process may also be effected by the provision of an actual reservoir compartment within the retentive base, or cleansing component of the device; illustrated by item 3 in Figure 6. Soluble substances stored in the reservoir compartment, would then leach into the Oral cavity, along a dispersion channel 3a Figure 6, leading in this case to the brush of the cleansing component.

The cleansing component 2, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, may be of various design - supporting the filamentous processes of a traditional brush, item 2a, Figures 1 and 2; or may provide various textured projections, corrugations or prolongations of resilient material, designed to penetrate between Teeth or massage the Periodontal tissues. By way of its textured surface, this cleansing component when pressed against Teeth or Periodontal tissues, will offer a penetrating and cleansing action, dislodging Bacterial plaque, food debris and natural tissue debris (Materia Alba); and stimulating these tissues. The natural agility of the tongue to penetrate into all aspects of the mouth, facilitates this probing and cleansing action.

The action of the device is by the Lingual musculature. Thus, less conscious effort is required in its operation, nor is visualisation of the device or oral cavity necessary. This leaves the hands free to carry out other tasks, and indeed this cleansing action could proceed while the person performs other tasks. The effort required would perhaps not exceed that required to eat something, or suck a confectionery product.

The device may carry on its surface printing or embossing, identifying the manufacturer or the name of the product. To enhance its appeal, it may be pigmented in attractive colorations, or have an associated fragrance to enhance the level of acceptance.

It would be desirable for this device to be presented in a protective container or case, useful for carriage and storage of the device when not in use. Such a container may also provide an opportunity for disinfection or sterilisation of the device when not in use.

One possible complication of use of the device, relates to the possibility of inadvertent ingestion or inhalation of the device. Use of the device does not require any greater level of muscular control, than that exercised by most healthy adults during mastication. Therefore, one would expect the risk of inadvertent inhalation or ingestion to be minimal.

Even so it would be advantageous for such a device to have securely attached to it, a strong safety tethering line, composed of Nylon filament or other durable material; as illustrated by item 5 in Figure 1. This safety line can then be securely anchored to a point external to the Oral cavity, by a safety pin, or some other means, to prevent the possibility of accidental ingestion or inhalation.

As an additional safety measure, it may be possible to design the retentive base in such a manner, that one or more patent apertures traverse the membrane of the retentive base. This would ensure that a viable Respiratory airway would remain in the event of inhalation of the device into the bronchial tree of the lung.

Incorporation of such a safety aspect into the design of the device, would require balanced consideration, in the light of the reduced retention offered by such a design.

By way of variation, the device may be constructed in whole or in part, from a soluble, digestible substance, such as a cereal based material. Such a design would impart an efficient mechanism for disposal of the device, and indeed the device may be marketed as a 'single - use' disposable device. In the event of accidental ingestion or inhalation, digestion or assimilation of the device may reduce the necessity for surgical intervention.

It would be advantageous for the retentive base and cleansing component to be composed of, or contain in part; a Radio-opaque material, thus rendering it readily identifiable to Radiographic examination, should such investigation prove necessary.

Thus, removal of Bacterial plaque, food and tissue deposits can be effected by a device which is relatively simple and inexpensive, and which overcomes many of the problems of previously known devices.

Claims (19)

1. A device for cleansing Teeth, Periodontal tissues or Oral Prostheses, comprising two main components: a retentive base, designed to attach releasably to the Tongue; and an attached cleansing component.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, in which the retentive base takes the form of a layer of material designed as a receptacle, presenting a hollow inner Lingual surface, and an outer Oral surface; and whose inner Lingual surface is so designed that when brought into contact with the moist flexible tissues of the Tongue, seals against the Tongue and generates suction to it; retaining the device in position.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the retentive base is formed from a resilient, flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, starch or a cereal based substance.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the retentive base is formed from a firm, none - resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, plastic, starch or a cereal based substance, or a metallic material.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, which attaches to the Tongue by way of an adhesive material or sticky gum, manufactured or natural; contained within the inner Lingual surface of the retentive base.

6. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, which attaches to the Tongue by way of an adhesive material or sticky gum, manufactured or natural; and from which the retentive base is fabricated, in whole or in part.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 5 and Claim 6, in which the sticky gum component of the device, contains dissolved substances, which are released into the saliva during use of the device. These substances may be medicaments, antibacterial substances, Tooth cleansing agents, or other substances to improve the taste, texture, or odour of the device, or to enhance its cleansing or stimulating action.

8. A device as claimed in Claim 5, Claim 6 and Claim 7, in which medicaments, cleansing agents, or antibacterial substances may be stored within an actual reservoir compartment, within the device, and the release of such substances is promoted by the provision of channels from the reservoir compartment to the external Oral surface of the device.

9. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the cleansing component is manipulated by the muscular activity of the tongue.

10. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the cleansing component is permanently fixed to the outer Oral surface of the retentive base.

11. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the cleansing component is releasably fixed to the outer Oral surface of the retentive base.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 10 and Claim 11, in which the cleansing component presents filaments or bristles, to provide a cleansing or stimulating action to the Teeth and Periodontal tissues.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 10 and Claim 11, in which the cleansing component presents fibres - natural or synthetic, to provide a cleansing or stimulating action to the Teeth and Periodontal tissues.

14. A device as claimed in Claim 10 and Claim 11, in which the cleansing component presents protuberances or prolongations of various materials, and of various designs, to provide a cleansing or stimulating action to the Teeth and Periodontal tissues.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, fabricated in part or in whole from, or containing Radiologically detectable Radio-opaque material.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, in which the retentive base is designed with perforations extending across the membrane of the material of its fabrication, allowing passage of Air in the event of inadvertent inhalation.

17. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, to which a safety line may be attached, to prevent accidental ingestion or inhalation of the device.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, composed in whole or in part of digestible or assimilable materials, and which may render the device 'disposable'.

19. A device for cleansing Teeth, Periodontal tissues and Oral Prostheses, substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1 - 6 of the accompanying drawings.