JP2676335B2 - toothbrush - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a toothbrush, and more specifically, it prevents peeling between the tip of the gingiva and the cervical portion without damaging the soft tissues in the oral cavity such as the gingiva, and calculus etc. The present invention relates to a toothbrush that can be removed more reliably and physiologically maintain the health of teeth.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Human teeth are important tissues indispensable for mastication and pronunciation of food, and in order to sufficiently fulfill their functions, periodontal diseases should not occur before meals and before going to bed. It is necessary to brush the teeth to prevent plaque and tartar from depositing on the neck and the like. Conventionally, a toothbrush planted on the brush base at the end of the grip handle has been used as an instrument for brushing teeth, but in recent years an electric toothbrush was developed,
This is also widely used. These toothbrushes have manual and electric differences, but in order to brush the occlusal surface of the tooth and the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth, it is necessary to change the orientation of the bristles implanted in the brush base at least three times. Therefore, there is a problem that it takes time to brush the teeth.

In order to solve the above problems, a toothbrush in which the occlusal surfaces of teeth and the inner and outer surfaces of teeth are polished by one operation is a microbrush of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 50-20195 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 51-101273). Film and Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-25023 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-136826)
Microfilm of

Japanese Utility Model Application No. 50-20195 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 51-
The toothbrush disclosed in the microfilm of Japanese Patent No. 101273) abuts on the joint between the tooth and the gingiva at an angle of 45 degrees (see the description on page 17, lines 17 to 18 of the specification). In use, it is performed by giving a back-and-forth movement (see the description on page 14, line 14 of the specification).

Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-25023 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 62-62)
No. 136826), a toothbrush disclosed in a microfilm is a first flocked part with flocked downward and a wall surface provided on both sides of the first flocked part toward the tip of the first flocked part. The second and third flocked portions are provided (see the description on page 4, line 14 to line 18 of the specification and FIG. 3). Further, toothbrushing is performed in the direction of tooth alignment (see the description on page 5, line 10 to line 11 of the specification).

In each of the toothbrushes disclosed in the above-mentioned microfilms, bristles that contact the occlusal surface of the tooth and the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth are planted on the inner surface of the brush base formed to cover the exposed surface of the tooth. Since it is possible to polish the occlusal surface of the tooth, the inner and outer surfaces of the tooth, and the joint between the tooth and the gingiva in one operation, it is effective for solving the above-mentioned problem that it takes time to brush the tooth. .

[0007]

However, there are gingiva and other soft tissues in the oral cavity in addition to the dentin that constitutes so-called teeth and calculus deposited on the so-called tooth. With the tip abutting on the side of the tooth, the hair tip is directed from the tooth root side to the occlusal side, and by moving the hair tip from the tooth root side to the occlusal surface side so as to remove tartar with the hair tip, It was theoretically considered that the gingiva and other soft tissues can be efficiently removed without being damaged, and it has been found to be effective in practice. Also, when the hair contacts the joint between the tooth and the gingiva, moving the hair in the direction in which the tip of the gingiva separates from the cervical part causes the ridge of the gingiva to be separated from the cervical part. When the tooth residue attached to the teeth is pushed into the gingival sulcus with the hair by brushing and brushing the teeth, gingiva and other soft tissues are damaged, and plaque and tartar are deposited, resulting in alveolar pyorrhea. It was also found to cause periodontal diseases such as.

The toothbrush as disclosed in the microfilm of Japanese Utility Model Application No. 61-25023 (Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-136826) and the microfilm of Japanese Patent Application No. 50-20195 (Japanese Utility Model Application No. 51-101273) are disclosed. In the case of the toothbrush disclosed in the film, the bristles come into contact with the joint between the tooth and the gingiva at an angle of about 45 ° from above, and in that state, the bristles only move back and forth in the direction of the tooth arrangement, so that the tartar is separated. Even if it is obtained, it is practically difficult to remove it. Not only that, the bristles come into contact with the joint between the teeth and the gingiva at an angle of about 45 ° from above, so the interdental papilla (where the gingiva rises between the teeth) is moved by moving the toothbrush. In addition, there is a problem that a force acts in the direction that the tip of the hair separates the tip of the gingiva from the neck of the tooth, destroys the bond between the dentin and the gingiva, and causes periodontal disease such as alveolar pyorrhea. .

[0009]

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent peeling between the tip of the gingiva and the cervical portion without damaging the soft tissues in the oral cavity such as gingiva, and to reliably remove tartar and the like from the cervical portion, It is to provide a toothbrush capable of physiologically maintaining the health of teeth.

[0010]

The construction of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush which prevents peeling between a gingival tip and a neck of a tooth and efficiently removes tartar and the like. The toothbrush is provided on a grip handle and a tip portion of the grip handle. And a brush base having an L-shaped brush planting surface facing the occlusal part of the tooth and a side part of the tooth, and bristles planted on each of the above-mentioned brush planting faces. The direction of planting the hair is toward the other brush planting surface, and when the bristles move from the root side toward the occlusal side with the bristles in contact with the tooth sides, Rubs the gingiva and tooth side while facing the occlusal side, and even when the hair tip moves from the occlusal side of the tooth toward the root side, the tip of the hair rubs the tooth side and gingiva while facing the occlusal side It is a toothbrush characterized by being planted with.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electric toothbrush which prevents separation of a gingival tip and a neck of a tooth and efficiently removes tartar and the like. The toothbrush includes a grip base and a grip base. And a handle portion that is repeatedly moved in the tooth axis direction by electric drive means built in the gripping base and a cross section L that is provided at the tip of the handle portion and faces the occlusal portion of the tooth and the side portion of the tooth. A brush base having a brush-implanting surface having a shape, and bristles planted on each of the above-mentioned brush-implanting surfaces. In addition, when the tip of the hair moves from the root side toward the occlusal side with the bristles in contact with the side surface of the tooth, rub the gingiva and the tooth side while facing the occlusal side, Even when the tip moves from the occlusal side of the tooth toward the root side, the tip of the hair bites It is implanted with an inclination angle of rubbing the teeth side and gums while looking section side, characterized in that a toothbrush.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the brush base has an adjusting means for adjusting the protruding width of the bristles on one brush planting surface, and the grip handle or the tip of the handle portion is the length of the brush base. A toothbrush or an electric toothbrush according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, comprising: a mounting means that can be removably mounted on one or the other end of the direction.

The structure of the electric drive means is not particularly limited, and known means such as a combination of a motor and a cam mechanism may be used. The structure of the attaching means for detachably attaching the grip handle or handle portion and the brush base is not particularly limited, and for example, engaging holes are provided at both ends of the brush base,
One of the engaging portions has a structure for engaging a grip handle or an engaging body provided at the tip of the handle, or an engaging hole penetrating in the length direction in the brush base, and the grip handle or Known means such as a structure for inserting an engaging shaft provided at the tip of the handle is used.

The length of the bristles is not particularly limited, and may be appropriately set, for example, the bristles having the same length or the bristles whose length is gradually changed. The structure of the adjusting means for adjusting the protruding width of the bristles is not particularly limited, and well-known means such as a structure in which a screw is used to move the stand portion in which the bristles are planted in and out are used.

[0015]

[Function] When using a toothbrush, one of the bristles is brought into contact with the occlusal portion of the tooth, and the other bristles are brought into contact with the boundary portion (tooth neck) between the tooth side portion and the gingiva, thereby manually operating the toothbrush. In this case, the tip of the bristles is repeatedly moved in the tooth axis direction by manual operation, and in the case of an electric toothbrush, the gripping handle is repeatedly moved in the tooth axis direction by an electric drive means (when exercising, the bristles are moved to the tooth axis line). If there is a component force in the direction). At this time, although the bristles move repeatedly, the bristles are inclined at the required angle from the root side toward the occlusal side when the bristles are brought into contact with the side surface of the tooth. The rubbing force is strong in the movement from the side to the occlusal part (the tangential direction and the normal direction are strong on the dentin surface), and the rubbing force is weak in the opposite direction (the tangential direction and the tangential direction on the dentin surface). The force is weak in both directions. As a result, it is possible to remove the dregs, dental plaque, etc. adhering to the occlusal part, the tooth side part, and the cervical part of the tooth without being pushed into the separated part.

In a device having an adjusting means for adjusting the protruding width of one hair, first, the hair on the adjusting side is brought into contact with the occlusal portion of the tooth, and the other hair is brought into contact with the boundary portion between the tooth side portion and the gingiva (the neck of the tooth). Part) is adjusted by adjusting means so as to surely abut. In addition, the one having the adjusting means is directional so that the hair on the adjusting side is always brought into contact with the occlusion part of the tooth. Therefore, in this structure, the brush base is changed to change the direction so that the entire surface of each tooth row can be brushed. A specific example will be described in Examples described later.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the structure and action of the bristles, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory view of the tip of the bristles. Symbol A1
Is a toothbrush that is used by hand. The toothbrush A1 includes a grip handle 1, a brush base 2, and bristles 3 and 3a. The grip handle 1 is a rod-shaped body made of plastic, and an engaging body 10 which is a mounting means is provided at a tip end portion thereof. The structure of the engaging body 10 is such that the flexible pieces 11 having an engaging portion whose outer surface is curved and projecting are arranged side by side with a slight interval.

The brush base 2 is made of plastic and has a required length and a cross-sectional shape of L, and a vertical piece 21 corresponding to the side surface of the tooth and a horizontal piece 22 corresponding to the occlusal portion of the tooth.
And Engagement holes 20 and 20 that are mounting means capable of engaging with the engaging body 10 of the grip handle 1 at the bent corners of the brush base 2 in the lengthwise direction (the rear side is not visible in FIG. 1).
Is provided. According to this, the engaging body 10 and the engaging hole 2
0 can be easily attached and detached with a slight force, and the engaging portion is fixed. The bristles 3 and 3a are provided on the brush planting surface provided inside the vertical piece 21 and the horizontal piece 22 of the brush base 2. The bristles 3 provided on the vertical piece 21 side are directly planted on the inner surface by inclining the tip side toward the bent portion side, which is the intersection of the brush planting surfaces of the brush base 2, at an angle of about 45 °. ing.

Referring to FIG. The bristles 3a provided on the horizontal piece 22 are provided so that the width of protrusion from the inner surface can be adjusted within a certain range through the adjusting means. Reference numeral 30 denotes a movable brush base which is an adjusting means, and is formed in a rectangular plate shape. The movable brush base 30 is slidably housed in and out of a rectangular guide hole 24 provided in the horizontal piece 22. At the center of the inner wall of the movable brush base 30, a tip end portion of an adjusting screw 25 that is screwed through the top portion of the guide hole 24 is rotatably attached. Accordingly, when the adjusting screw 25 is turned, the movable brush base 30 slides in and out, and the protruding width of the bristles 3a can be adjusted within a certain range. Further, the bristles 3a are planted in the movable brush base 30 with the tip side inclined toward the bent portion side of the brush base 2 at an angle of approximately 45 degrees like the bristles 3.

Referring to FIG. In this embodiment, the tips of the brush fibers 300 of the bristles 3 and 3a are bent toward the bent side of the brush base 2, and the tips are rounded. Thus, the gum is not damaged during brushing, and it is sufficiently effective for removing food residue and the like attached to the teeth.

The usage and operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. There are individual differences in the lengths of the teeth that extend from the gingiva. When using a toothbrush, make the following adjustments to accommodate it. First, the tip of the bristles 3a on the adjustable side is brought into contact with the occlusal part of the tooth, and the other bristles 3 are surely brought into contact with the boundary part (dental part) between the tooth side part and the gingiva so that the bristles 3a
Adjust the protrusion width by rotating the adjusting screw 25. The tip of the hair 3a is brought into contact with the occlusal portion of the tooth, and the tip of the hair 3 is brought into contact with the tooth side portion and the neck of the tooth, and the gripping handle 1 is repeatedly moved manually in the tooth axis direction (when moving, the tooth axis line If there is a component force in the direction). At this time, although the bristles 3 and 3a are repeatedly moved, since the tips of the bristles 3 and 3a are inclined toward the bent portion side of the brush base 2, the bristles 3 and 3a are moved toward the bent portion side. In sliding, the rubbing force is strong, and in the opposite direction, the rubbing force is weak. As a result, the bite, plaque, and tartar attached to the occlusal portion, the tooth side portion, and the neck portion of the tooth are naturally attracted to the bent corner portion on the inner surface side of the brush base 2. Further, for the same reason, the gingival part does not separate from the cervical part, and the dregs, plaque, etc. adhering to the cervical part can be removed without being pressed between the gingival part and the gingival part. .

When the brushing of the portion which can be brushed in one direction of the brush base 2 is completed, the brush base 2 is removed from the grip handle 1, and the engaging body 10 of the grip handle 1 is inserted into the engaging hole 20 on the opposite side of the brush base 2. Engage. As a result, the vertical piece 21 and the horizontal piece 22 of the brush base 2 are reversed, and the remaining portion that cannot be brushed can be brushed.

Explaining with a concrete example, for example, when the brush base 2 and the grip handle 1 are mounted as shown in FIG.
In the lower dentition, it is possible to brush the outer surface side from the left back tooth to the front tooth and the inner surface side from the right back tooth to the front tooth. Further, in the upper dentition, it is possible to brush the inner surface side from the left back tooth to the front tooth and the outer surface side from the right back tooth to the front tooth. If the brush base 2 is replaced in the reverse direction, the outer surface side from the right posterior tooth to the anterior tooth in the remaining dentition of the lower jaw, the inner surface side from the left posterior tooth to the anterior tooth, and the right posterior tooth to the anterior tooth in the maxillary dentition. It is possible to brush on the inner surface side from the left side and the outer surface side from the left back tooth to the front tooth.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the electric toothbrush according to the present invention. The electric toothbrush A2 includes a gripping base 5. The handle portion 1 is provided at the tip of the gripping base 5.
a is provided. The handle 1a is driven by a motor 51, which is an electric drive means built in the grip base 5, and has a structure in which it repeatedly moves in the tooth axis direction via a conversion mechanism 53. The structure of the conversion mechanism 53 uses a known means, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, the movement of the handle portion 1a only moves repeatedly in the tooth axis direction, but it is optional to switch the repeated sliding movement in the axial direction.
52 is a battery and 54 is a switch. The tip structure of the handle 1a and the structures of the brush base 2 and the bristles 3 and 3a attached to the handle 1a are the same as those of the toothbrush A1, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts as those of the toothbrush A1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As for usage and action, hair 3, 3a
Is substantially the same as the toothbrush A1 except that it is electrically operated and is more efficient.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention. The toothbrush A3 is used by manual operation like the toothbrush A1. Unlike the toothbrush A1, the structure of the toothbrush A3 is such that the grip handle 1 is fixed to one end of the brush base 2a. Further, the movable brush base 30 and the like, which are the adjusting means, are not provided,
The bristles 3a are directly planted on the horizontal piece 22.

The structure of the other parts is the same as the above toothbrush A1.
Since it is the same as, the detailed description will be omitted. In the drawings, the same or equivalent parts as those of the toothbrush A1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. The method of use and the action are almost the same as those of the toothbrush A1. However, unlike the toothbrush A1, the toothbrush A3 omits the bristles adjusting means. That is, although the protruding width of the bristles cannot be adjusted, there is no directivity because the structure of each piece of the brush base 2a is the same,
Since it is not necessary to replace the brush base 2a when using it, it is easier to use.

[0028]

The present invention having the above-mentioned structure has the following effects. (A) The bristles of the toothbrush are planted in the directions toward the other brush planting surfaces, and the tips of the bristles are directed from the root side toward the occlusal side while the bristles are in contact with the side surfaces of the tooth. When moving by rubbing the gingiva and the tooth side while facing the occlusal side when moving, the tip also faces the occlusal side even when the hair tip moves from the occlusal side to the root side of the tooth It is planted with an inclination angle to rub the gums. Therefore, when each hair tip is brought into contact with the occlusal part and the cervical part and the hair is repeatedly moved, the rubbing force of the hair is strong in the movement toward the bending part, and the other side is rubbed. The power is weak. As a result, the dregs, plaque, and tartar attached to the tooth side portion and the tooth neck portion are naturally slid by the bristles to the inner surface side meeting portion of the brush base, and are efficiently removed. (B) The direction of planting the bristles of the toothbrush is toward each of the other brush planting faces, and with the bristles in contact with the side faces of the teeth, the bristle tips are directed from the root side toward the occlusal side. When the hair tip moves toward the occlusal side, the gingiva and tooth side rub against each other, and when the hair tip moves from the occlusal side to the root side of the tooth, the hair tip faces the occlusal side and the tooth side It is planted with an inclination angle to rub the gums. Therefore, even if the tooth neck is brushed, it is possible to prevent the gum from peeling off, and the dust and plaque etc. adhering to the neck are pushed between the tooth and the gum as in the past. There is no need to worry about causing periodontal disease. (C) According to the electric toothbrush, the bristles can be repeatedly moved at high speed as compared with the case where the toothbrush is manually operated, and thus more efficient brushing can be performed. (D) In the case where the adjusting means is provided, the bristles adjustable by the adjusting means are brought into contact with the occlusal part of the tooth, and the other bristles are at the boundary part between the tooth side part and the gingiva (tooth neck part). The protruding width of the bristles can be adjusted so as to make sure contact. This allows
It is possible to accurately respond to personal differences in the length of the tooth at the part that comes out of the gums, and more effective brushing suitable for the user can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of a toothbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing the structure and action of hair.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged explanatory view of a tip portion of a hair.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing an embodiment of the electric toothbrush according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the toothbrush according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A1, A3 Toothbrush 1 Grip handle 10 Engagement body 2 Brush base 20 Engagement hole 21 Vertical piece 22 Horizontal piece 24 Guide hole 25 Adjusting screw 3, 3a Bristle 30 Brush base A2 Electric toothbrush 1a Handle 5 Grasping base 51 Motor

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A method for preventing gingival and the tooth neck from peeling off without damaging the soft tissue in the oral cavity such as gingiva and for reliably removing tartar from the tooth neck, thereby physiologically maintaining the health of the tooth. A toothbrush that can be maintained at a grip handle and a first brush installation surface provided on the tip of the grip handle and facing the occlusal surface of the tooth. A brush base having an L-shaped cross section having one piece and a second piece provided with a second brush planting surface facing the inner surface or the outer surface of the tooth; and planting on the first and second brush planting surfaces. Bristles, and the bristles are directed toward the other brush planting surfaces, and the tips of the bristles are on the tooth root side when the bristles are in contact with the inner or outer surface of the tooth. When moving from the side toward the occlusal side, the tips of the hairs face the occlusal side and rub the gingiva and the inner or outer surface of the tooth. When the hair tips move from the occlusal surface side of the tooth toward the root side, the bristle tips are erected at an inclination angle that rubs the gingiva against the outer or inner surface of the tooth while facing the occlusal surface side. , Toothbrush. 2. A method for preventing tooth peeling from the cervical tip and the dental neck without damaging the soft tissue in the oral cavity such as gingiva, and reliably removing tartar from the dental neck, thereby physiologically maintaining the health of the tooth. An electric toothbrush that can be maintained at a tooth base (a direction from a tooth root toward an occlusal portion) by a grip base and an electric drive means provided in the grip base and incorporated in the grip base. Stalk that repetitively moves in the direction, a first piece that is provided on the tip of this stalk and that is provided with a first brush implant surface facing the occlusal surface of the occlusal tooth, and the inner surface of the tooth or A brush base having an L-shaped cross section having a second piece provided with a second brush planting surface facing the outer surface; and bristles planted on the first and second brush planting surfaces. , The bristling direction is a direction toward the other brush planting surface, Moreover, when the hair tip moves from the tooth root side toward the occlusal surface side while the hair is in contact with the inner or outer surface of the tooth, the gingiva and the tooth side portion are rubbed while the hair tip faces the occlusal surface side, A toothbrush characterized in that even when moving from the occlusal side of the tooth toward the root side, the bristles are implanted at an inclination angle that rubs the gingiva against the outer or inner surface of the tooth while facing the occlusal side.