GB2461690A

GB2461690A - An apparatus for applying a fluid to the teeth

Info

Publication number: GB2461690A
Application number: GB0812375A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edward Jack Graves
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-07-07
Filing date: 2008-07-07
Publication date: 2010-01-13
Also published as: WO2010004264A1; GB0812375D0

Abstract

An apparatus for applying a fluid to the teeth of a subject comprises a housing 6 for extending over at least one tooth of the subject; a conduit assembly 8 opening into the interior of the housing; and means 12 for applying fluid to and withdrawing fluid from the housing 6 along the same flow path in the conduit assembly 8. The means 12 for applying the fluid to the housing 6 may be in the form of a manually operated syringe. A method of providing a fluid to one or more teeth using the apparatus is also claimed. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for the treatment of periodontitis, especially of the wisdom teeth.

Description

APPARATUS FOR SUPPLYING A FLUID TO THE TEETH OF A SUBJECT

AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying a fluid to one or more teeth of a subject and to a method using the same. The apparatus is particularly suitable for applying a liquid, such as a mouthwash, to the one or more teeth of the subject.

In maintaining dental hygiene, in particular cleaning teeth, it can be useful to apply a fluid, such asa mouthwash or other antiseptic liquid, to the teeth of a subject. Where problems arise with one or more individual teeth of a subject, infection of the tooth or adjacent gums may occur, again which requires treatment with a suitable liquid. It is generally known to providing liquids, such as a mouthwash, to a subject simply by having the subject take a mouthful of the liquid to rinse around in the mouth and/or gargle. While the target area in the mouth of the subject is one or more teeth and/or adjacent gums, the liquids provided in this way must be sufficiently benign in order to avoid damaging other tissue within the mouth and throat of the subject.

Nevertheless, the mouthwash solutions used can cause mild, sometimes more extreme, discomfort to the user, in particular to sensitive parts of the mouth such as the lips, cheeks and tongue. It is also generally advised that such liquids are not swallowed by the subject, although this may not be easily avoided in some cases. *. * * ****

A problem therefore arises when it is desired to apply a fluid treatment specifically to one or more teeth of a subject, while limiting or eliminating the fluid contacting other areas of the mouth and throat of the subject. A number of devices have been proposed to supply and apply a liquid to the teeth of a * 30 subject. *.

US 7,029,690 discloses a system and method for dental treatment.

The system comprises a generally U-shaped tray in which is retained a composition for treating the teeth of the subject. The composition may contain one or more fluids to be absorbed by the teeth or gums of the subject. In use, the tray holding the composition is inserted into the mouth of the subject such that the composition is in contact with the teeth of the subject to be treated. A tube may be provided to aid the subject in breathing while the device is in place in the subject's mouth.

US 6,602,071 discloses a hand-held, self-contained cleaning system for use in cleaning and/or treating the teeth of a subject. The system comprises a cleaning section having both discharge and suction ports. A pump assembly is provided that when operated provides fluid under pressure to the discharge port and simultaneously provides suction at the suction port for fluid removal. The discharge and suction ports are arranged as openings in the ends of opposing conduits. In use, the opposing conduits are placed on either side of a tooth and fluid is caused to flow out of the discharge port, around and over the tooth, and is removed through the suction port. The system is particularly complex in construction and operation.

US2003/0075731 discloses a mouthpad for cleaning teeth and oral delivery of an agent, such as a drug. The mouthpad has a generally U-shaped plate sized to cover substantially only the biting surfaces of the upper * and lower dental arches. A tube may be provided to allow the subject to bring liquid into their mouth during use. A similar device is disclosed in WO *.S 2004/019808.

CA 2,511,386 discloses a spray flosser, in which a fluid, such as air, water or an antibacterial agent, is sprayed through a conduit onto the teeth or * 30 gums of the subject. Emphasis is placed on spraying the fluid between adjacent teeth.

US 2002/0082544 discloses a self-sealed irrigation system for supplying a treatment fluid to a treatment site. The system may be used for supplying a treatment fluid to the teeth of a subject. The system comprises a delivery channel for bringing the fluid into contact with the site to be treated.

Fluid is supplied from a reservoir through a first conduit to the delivery channel, Fluid is removed from the delivery channel through a second conduit.

There is a need for a device that is simple to construct and simple to operate that can apply a fluid, such as a mouthwash, antiseptic solution or the like, to one or more teeth of a subject, as required.

A particular problem arises in the treatment and prevention of diseases of the gums, in particular periodontitis, a range of diseases caused by the infection of the tissue of the gums and surround the teeth by one or more bacteria, It would be advantageous if a device could be found that allowed subjects to more simply and efficiently treat their teeth to prevent periodontitis.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for applying a fluid to the teeth of a subject, the apparatus comprising: a housing for extending over at least one tooth of the subject; ** a conduit assembly opening into the interior of the housing; and * 25 means for supplying fluid to and withdrawing fluid from the housing, the means be arranged to both supply fluid to and withdraw fluid from the housing along the same flowpath in the conduit assembly.

The apparatus of the present invention comprises a housing. The : 30 housing functions to retain the fluid being supplied to it and hold the fluid in contact with one or more teeth or the gums of the subject. In use, the housing is placed over the tooth or teeth to be treated, so as to contact the gums on either side of the teeth, with the tooth or teeth to be treated being disposed within the housing. The housing is thus shaped accordingly and generally comprises an opening allowing the teeth and gums to be accommodated.

The housing may be any suitable shape or size. In one embodiment, the housing is sized to extend over and cover some, but not all, of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch of the subject. For example, the housing may be such as to extend over one or several teeth, in particular from one to four teeth. Alternatively, the housing may be shaped to cover a larger number of teeth or a larger portion of the dental arch, for example half of or one side of the dental arch. In an alternative embodiment, the housing is of a sufficient size to accommodate all the teeth in either the upper or lower dental arch of the subject.

The size and number of teeth and the shape of the dental arches will vary from subject to subject. Accordingly, the housing may be formed to fit a particular subject, for example to be used as part of a specific treatment regime. Alternatively, the housing may be formed with a generic shape and size for use by a range of subjects. The housing is preferably at least provided in a range of sizes, for example to allow the apparatus to be used by adults and children.

As noted hereinbefore, the housing functions to retain the fluid being * 25 supplied to the subject and allow the fluid to contact the region to be treated.

-. In one embodiment, the housing comprises means for sealing against the teeth or gums of the subject, in order to reduce or prevent the loss of fluid from the housing into the mouth of the subject. Any suitable sealing means may be employed, for example a strip of sealing material, such as a visco-elastic material. Suitable sealing materials are well known and commercially available.

In one embodiment, the housing forms a partial fluid seal with the gums surrounding the teeth of the subject, such that air may pass into and out of the housing. In use, the movement of fluid into and out of the housing from the conduit assembly causes air from within the mouth of the subject to be drawn into and forced out of the housing past the gums. This movement of air serves to agitate the fluid being supplied to the housing through the conduit assembly, in turn improving the contact between the fluid and the target area.

This action is particular useful when the device is being used to provide mouthwash or other like liquids to the target teeth.

The housing is preferably made from a flexible material, allowing it to conform to the shape and contours of the teeth and gums of the subject. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is made from a resilient material. In this way, the housing may be formed such that the regions around the opening in the channel are biased in use against the gums of the subject.

This can aid in forming a seal with the gums to reduce or prevent fluid from leaving the housing.

In one preferred arrangement, the housing comprises a channel, in use the tooth or teeth being treated extending into and being accommodated by the channel. Fluid is then introduced into the channel to contact the teeth, The edge portions of the channel are preferabty formed so as to contact the gums of the subject, when in use, for the reasons described hereinbefore. If the housing is formed from a resilient material, the edge portions of the channel may be held against the gums of the subject, when in used, as described above. I. a

a:::': A U-shaped cross-section is a preferred form for the channel. If the channel is to accommodate a significant front portion or the whole of a dental arch, the channel is preferably U-shaped in plan view.

The housing may be formed from any suitable material, including metal or plastic. If the material of the housing is rigid, such as metal or a rigid plastic, the housing is preferably provided with flexible seals, as aforementioned. Alternatively, the housing may be formed from a flexible, preferably resilient, material, such as a plastic. Seals may be provided on the edge portions of the housing to improve the fluid retention of the housing.

The apparatus of the present invention further comprises a conduit assembly, through which fluid to be applied to the target teeth is supplied to the housing. In the apparatus of the present invention, fluid is both supplied to the housing and withdrawn from the housing through the same conduit assembly, that is the fluid flows along a single flowpath, first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

The conduit assembly may consist of a single conduit, such as a pipe or tube having an opening at one position in the housing. This is a particularly preferred arrangement where the housing is arranged to accommodate just one or a few teeth. A single conduit may also be employed with a larger housing, such as one to accommodate an entire dental arch. However, in such a case, fluid is caused to travel a significant distance in the housing both a.. to and from the conduit, in use. This may limit the volume of clean fluid that can be supplied to the portions of the housing most distant from the opening *...

of the conduit. Accordingly, when a larger housing is being used, it may be ... 25 preferred to employ a conduit assembly having a plurality of conduits, each opening into a respective portion of the housing. In this way, the conduits may be positioned to open along the length of the housing, allowing fresh or clean fluid to be supplied directly into the housing along its entire length. In one preferred arrangement, the plurality of conduits all extend from a single supply conduit through which all fluid to the housing is supplied.

A particular problem requiring the treatment of teeth and surrounding tissue with a fluid, such as a mouthwash or other antibacterial agent, is periodontitis, as noted hereinbefore. Bacteria causing periodontitis inhabit the space between the gum collar, that is the portion of the gum surrounding a tooth, and the body of the tooth itself. The effective treatment of periodontitis requires the bacteria present under the gum collar to be treated and killed.

The normal use of mouthwash solutions and the like is effective at contacting the mouthwash with the exposed surfaces of the gums and teeth of the subject. However, the known techniques are poor at contacting the mouthwash solution with the bacteria behind the gum collar. In the apparatus of the present invention, one preferred embodiment has the conduit assembly and/or the housing formed such that, in use, the fluid entering the housing is directed towards the gum collar of the tooth or teeth being accommodated within the housing.

The conduit assembly may be detachably connected to the housing. In this way, two or more different housings may be used with a single conduit assembly. Alternatively, the conduit assembly and housing may be formed as single component.

The conduit assembly may be formed from any suitable material, with metal or plastic materials being preferred. Suitable plastic materials include acrylics.

n... 25 The apparatus further comprises a means for supplying and withdrawing fluid to the conduit assembly and the housing. As noted above, the fluid is supplied to and withdrawn from the housing along the same flowpath in the conduit assembly. Any suitable means for supplying the fluid S..

and withdrawing the fluid may be employed. Suitable pumping apparatus for this task will be known to the person skilled in the art and are available commercially. One preferred embodiment employs a reciprocating pump assembly, preferably a simple assembly comprising a piston moveable within a cylinder or barrel. The means for supplying the fluid and withdrawing the fluid are preferably hand-operated. A particularly preferred embodiment employs a syringe. The barrel of the syringe may be charged with the fluid to be dispensed into the housing and the plunger or piston of the syringe reciprocated within the barrel to move the fluid into and out of the housing.

The means for supplying and withdrawing fluid may be detachable from the conduit assembly. This is particularly advantageous when the said means is a syringe or the like and allows the syringe to be easily filled with fresh fluid to be introduced into the mouth of the subject.

In use, the apparatus is employed to deliver a charge of fluid to the housing, to contact the teeth accommodated therein. The means for supplying and withdrawing the fluid are operated to move the fluid into and out of the housing along the conduit flowpath. By repeating this action, the fluid is caused to contact and flow around the teeth within the housing.

As noted, the apparatus is particularly suitable for applying a liquid to the target teeth, especially a mouthwash or anti-infection agent. Use of the apparatus with other liquid agents will also be readily appreciated by the *:*::* person skilled in the art. S... * . ****

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a method of ... 25 providing a fluid to one or more teeth of a subject, the method comprising: providing a housing extending over the one or more teeth; *:::: supplying the fluid to the interior of the housing along a flowpath within a conduit assembly; and S..

withdrawing the fluid along the same flowpath within the conduit assembly.

The apparatus described hereinbefore is advantageously used to practice the method of the present invention.

As already noted, the method is particularly suitable for administering a mouthwash to the target teeth of the subject. Use of the aforedescribed apparatus reduces or prevents the mouthwash from entering the rest of the mouth or throat of the subject.

The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used to treat any one or more the teeth in either of the dental arches of the subject, the housing being formed to accommodate the one or more target teeth. The method and apparatus are particularly suitable for treating the wisdom teeth of a subject. Accordingly, the apparatus may have the housing formed to adapt to and accommodate the wisdom teeth and, if desired, one or more adjacent teeth of the subject. The method and apparatus are particularly advantageous in treating periodontitis of the subject, in particular periodontitis of the wisdom teeth area.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 along theline Il-Il; S..

Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the apparatus of the S..

present invention; Figure 4 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; Referring to Figure 1, there is shown, in plan view, an apparatus, generally indicated as 2, for applying fluid, in particular a liquid such as mouthwash, to a complete dental arch of a subject. The apparatus 2 comprises a housing 4 having a generally U-shaped channel with edge portions 6. A seal, such as a strip of visco-elastic material may be affixed to the edge portions 6 of the channel, if required. A conduit, in the form of a pipe 8 extends from the central portion of the housing 4. The pipe 8 has an opening 10 in the wall of the channel 4, as shown in Figure 2. The apparatus 2 is provided with a means for supplying fluid to the conduit in the form of a syringe pump 12, having a generally cylindrical barrel 14 within which a piston assembly 16 is located. The piston assembly 16 comprises a plunger 18 and a stem 20. The syringe pump 12 is of largely conventional design and construction.

In use, the housing 4 is placed in the mouth of the subject, so as to extend over the teeth of the upper or lower dental arch. The edge portions 6 of the channel contact the gums of the subject and form at least a partial fluid-tight seal. The barrel 14 of the syringe pump 12 is charged with the treatment fluid, such as mouthwash. The piston assembly 16 is inserted into the barrel n... 25 and depressed, to force the fluid along the pipe 8 and into the housing. The fluid, once in the housing 4 flows around and contacts the teeth accommodated within the housing. Partial withdrawal of the piston assembly 16 from the barrel 14 withdraws fluid from the housing 4 back along the pipe 8. This procedure may be repeated, causing fluid to flow in and out of the housing. Once the treatment is complete and/or the fluid is spent, the fluid may be fully removed from the housing along the pipe 8 back into the barrel of the syringe for disposal.

As shown in Figure 2, the pipe 8 is connected to the housing 4 at an angle, such that fluid leaving the end of the pipe 8 and entering the housing is directed inwards and upwards, as viewed in Figure 2. In this way, fluid entering the housing is caused to impact on the gum collar of the teeth within the housing.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, generally indicated as 102. The apparatus of Figure 3 shares many components and features with the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and Figure 3 has been labelled with the appropriate reference numerals accordingly. Reference is made to the preceding description with respect to these features. The embodiment of Figure 3 differs by way of the conduit assembly, generally indicated as 130. The conduit assembly 130 comprises a central supply pipe 132 extending from the syringe pump 12.

The central supply pipe 132 has an opening 134 in the wall of the housing, corresponding to the opening 10 in the apparatus of Figure 1. In addition, two branch pipes 136, 138 extend from the central supply pipe 132 and terminate in openings 140 and 142 respectively in the wall of the housing 4. * ** * I * * S.

The principles of operation of the apparatus of Figure 3 are the same * S..

as for the apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, and described above. In use, fluid is n... 25 supplied to the housing 4 at each of three locations through each opening 134, 140 and 142. Fluid is similarly withdrawn from the housing at each of these locations.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown an apparatus, generally indicated as 202, according to the present invention for use in treating fewer than a full dental arch of teeth. The apparatus 202 comprises a housing 204, a conduit assembly having a single pipe 206 terminating in an opening 208 in the housing wall, and a syringe pump 210 having the general construction described above. The housing 204 is sized to accommodate from one to three teeth. The housing 204 is a generally U-shaped channel, with its end portions substantially open, so as to extend across the teeth adjacent to those being treated. The housing 204 comprises a visco-elastic seal 212 extending along its edges.

The principle of operation of the apparatus of Figure 4 is as described hereinbefore. The apparatus of Figure 4 may be arranged for the treatment of wisdom teeth, with the housing shaped to accommodate a wisdom tooth of the subject, optionally together with one or more adjacent teeth in the dental arch. * ** * S * * S.

* S. S * . *.. * * S * S..

S **. * S S ** S

S S..

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus for applying a fluid to the teeth of a subject, the apparatus comprising: a housing for extending over at least one tooth of the subject; a conduit assembly opening into the interior of the housing; and means for supplying fluid to and withdrawing fluid from the housing, the means be arranged to both supply fluid to and withdraw fluid from the housing along the same flowpath in the conduit assembly.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is sized to extend over some but not all of the teeth in the upper or lower dental arch of the subject.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the housing is sized to extend over from one to four adjacent teeth of the subject.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the housing is sized to extend over a single tooth of the subject. * *S * * * * *.
5. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is adapted to accommodate a wisdom tooth of the subject.* *** 25
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the housing is sized to accommodate all the teeth in either the upper or lower dental arch of the * subject during use. Se.

S
7. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises means for sealing against the gums of the subject.
8. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing is flexible.
9. The apparatus according any preceding claim, wherein the housing is resilient.
10. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing comprises a channel, in use the teeth of the subject extending into the channel.
11 The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein channel is of a size such that, in use, the edge portions of the channel contact the gums of the subject.
12. The apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the channel is generally U-shaped in cross-section.
13. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the channel is generally U-shaped in plan view.
14. The apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein the *:*::* housing is resilient, whereby in use the edge portions of the channel are biased against the gums of the subject.

..* 25
15. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the conduit assembly consists of a single conduit through which fluid may be both *:::: supplied to and withdrawn from the channel. .
16. The apparatus according any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the conduit assembly comprises a plurality of conduits, each conduit having an opening in a respective portion of the channel.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein each conduit extends from a single supply conduit, the supply conduit being connected to the means for supplying and withdrawing fluid.
18. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the means for supplying and withdrawing fluid comprises a piston moveable longitudinally within a cylindrical housing.
19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the piston is manually operable.
20. The apparatus according to either of claims 18 or 19, wherein, in use, fluid is supplied to the housing by movement of the piston in a first longitudinal direction and is withdrawn from the housing by movement of the piston in the opposite longitudinal direction.
21. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the fluid is directed to the gum collar surrounding the teeth accommodated within the housing.

*:::*
22. A method of providing a fluid to one or more teeth of a subject, the method comprising providing a housing extending over the one or more teeth; *.. 25 supplying the fluid to the interior of the housing along a flowpath within a conduit assembly; and withdrawing the fluid along the same flowpath within the conduit * assembly. *** *
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the fluid being provided is a mouthwash.
24. The method according to either of claims 22 or 23, wherein an apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 20 is employed.
25. The method according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the fluid is directed to the gum collar of the teeth accommodated within the housing.
26. The method according to any of claims 22 to 25 for treating periodontitis.
27. An apparatus for applying a fluid to the teeth of a subject substantially as hereinbefore described, having reference to any of Figure 1 or 2, Figure 3 or Figure 4.
28. A method for providing fluid to the teeth of a subject substantially as hereinbefore described. * ** * * S * ** S... * * *. * . * ... **5 * S...S S S. SS *.SS