KR100915718B1 - Sensor responsive electric toothbrushes and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensor-responsive electric toothbrush is disclosed that can adjust its output and behavior in accordance with information received by one or more sensors incorporated into a toothbrush or as selected by a user. This information is typically related to the presence of certain conditions or agents within or outside the mouth. The sensor responsive toothbrush also has one or more responsive output components that provide responsive output in response to the sensed information.

Description

How to Provide Oral Care Benefits, Sensor Responsive Electric Toothbrush and Sensor Responsive Toothbrush {SENSOR RESPONSIVE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSHES AND METHODS OF USE}

The present invention relates to a sensor responsive toothbrush that utilizes one or more sensors to detect the presence of a condition or agent in the oral cavity and can provide one or more responsive outputs. The invention also relates to a responsive toothbrush that can provide one or more responsive outputs that are user selectable.

Summary of the Invention

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method for providing oral care gains comprising brushing teeth with a toothbrush comprising a sensor. The method also includes detecting sensor input with a sensor. The method then includes the step of initiating an output from the toothbrush in response to the sensor input.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor responsive electric toothbrush comprising a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head. The handle has a hollow interior region. Bristles are placed on the head. The toothbrush then defines the longitudinal axis. The toothbrush additionally has a sensor filter. The toothbrush then includes one or more movable bristle holders disposed on the head. This holder has a collection of bristles disposed thereon. The toothbrush also includes a motor operatively connected to the bristle holder by a drive shaft and disposed in the hollow area.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a sensor responsive toothbrush comprising a body having a handle, a head, and a plurality of bristles disposed on the head. The toothbrush also includes at least one sensor disposed on the body. And the toothbrush comprises at least one output component associated with the sensor. The output is configured to provide at least one of (i) mechanical output, (ii) light based output, (iii) chemical based output, and (iv) combinations thereof in response to the at least one sensor.

The invention may take certain components and arrangements of components in physical form, embodiments of the invention being described in detail herein and shown in the accompanying drawings which form part of this specification.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention;

2 is a plan view of the electric toothbrush of FIG.

3 is a side cross-sectional view of the electric toothbrush of FIG.

4 is a side cross-sectional view of the head and neck of one embodiment of an electric toothbrush in accordance with the present invention;

5 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a partial front view of a head and a neck of another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the powered toothbrush of the present invention, wherein the toothbrush includes a head and a neck that can be detached from the handle.

12 is a schematic of the wiring of an electrical configuration suitable for use with the present invention.

13 is a graph of spectral distribution for various colors for light emitting devices suitable for use in the present invention.

14 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a light emitting device that emits white light suitable for use in the present invention.

15 is a graph showing a light emission pattern suitable for use with the present invention.

16 shows the geometry of the voids between the light emitting diode and the surface exposed to light.

FIG. 17 shows a test method for measuring an average intensity of light in a specific solid angle. FIG.

FIG. 18 shows a test method for measuring the effect on temperature at the tooth surface of a sensor-responsive illuminated electric toothbrush. FIG.

19 is a cross-sectional view of a light emitting diode.

20-23 are cross-sectional views of light emitting diodes having more than one light emitter and a single light output.

24 is a flow diagram illustrating an exemplary process in which a sensor responsive toothbrush is operated.

25 and 26 are partial side views illustrating the installation of an interchangeable head and neck onto a handle or body portion of a sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush.

27 is a schematic of an electrical wiring of an embodiment of a sensor responsive toothbrush.

28 is an electrical wiring schematic of another embodiment of a sensor responsive toothbrush.

In general, the present invention relates to a sensor responsive toothbrush. The toothbrush includes one or more sensors to detect the specific condition or presence of certain pathogens in the oral cavity. The toothbrush further includes one or more components, assemblies or systems that produce an output or combination of outputs for treating a detected condition or pathogen based on information obtained from the sensor (s).

Before describing various embodiments of the present invention, it is helpful to describe the various terms used herein. The term "toothbrush output" or "responsive output" refers to one or more markers, conditions, stimuli, or pathogens detected by the toothbrush, or a programmable or manually selectable response specified by the user or toothbrush manufacturer. In response to the dietary output, it is used to refer to the action initiated by the toothbrush. Examples of such responsive outputs include mechanical outputs, energy based outputs (eg, light, thermal or acoustic energy), chemical based outputs or any combination of these outputs. The responsive output may be the onset of the responsive output of the toothbrush or a change in the existing output. Non-limiting examples of mechanical output include, but are not limited to, movement or change of movement of bristle or bristle holder, dispensing of the composition, generation of vibration of the toothbrush or its components, or a combination thereof. Does not. One example of a change in the movement of the movable bristle holder is related to, for example, a change in the direction of rotation of the bristle holder, a change in the type of movement (ie rocking, reciprocation, vibration, rotation), and an increase or decrease in speed. Another example of mechanical output is to move or actuate a moving bristle or bristle carrier on a toothbrush at a predetermined movement frequency or pattern. One example of an energy based responsive output change may be an increase in light output intensity. One example of chemical output is the release or administration of one or more substances, compositions, or formulations from a toothbrush. One example of a combination of these outputs is the emission from the toothbrush and the release of the toothpaste composition. Each of these types of outputs is described in more detail herein. A "responsive output element" is an assembly or structure that provides a responsive output. For example, a light source that emits light having a wavelength suitable for killing bacteria can be considered a responsive output element.

One or more sensors used in the toothbrush of the present invention include one or more sensor input elements and may optionally include one or more sensor output elements associated with them. The term “sensor” typically refers to an element, component or assembly that detects a condition, label or stimulus found in the oral cavity, which may be made outside the oral cavity. Detection may be during the brushing process or upon operation of the toothbrush. The operation of the toothbrush may include, for example, turning on the toothbrush to initiate the movement of the bristle holder, detaching the toothbrush from the recharge stand, or other steps of preparing to use the toothbrush (e.g., a button that provides a signal to the toothbrush that is about to be used immediately). Pressing). The status may also include the nature of the user's brushing habits (eg, how long and when the user brushes) or the date / time of use if the responsive output is selected by the user to be at a particular time / date of use. . In general, sensors used in the present invention provide a signal that provides information about a detected condition, marker or stimulus. The sensors of the present invention may be electrically powered and are therefore in electrical connection with a power source, such as one or more disposable or rechargeable batteries.

A "sensor input element" or "sensor input element" detects or detects, detects and / or detects, such as the presence of substances, materials or pathogens found in the oral cavity, and / or how often, when and how It refers to an element on the toothbrush that detects the user's brushing habits, such as longevity. As described below, the sensor input element can work with the sensor output element to detect or detect a condition, marker or stimulus in the oral cavity. However, the sensor input element may detect information from the oral cavity without the sensor output element. For example, the sensor input element may detect tissue or tooth surface color or chemicals in the mouth without the sensor output element. Sensor input elements and sensor output elements are sometimes referred to collectively herein as "sensors." Examples of sensor input elements include optical sensors (to detect bacteria or caries), bad breath sensors to detect the presence of certain chemical compounds or pathogens, current or voltage sensors (to detect brushing habits), And a clock if the sensor input is a use date and / or time. The sensor input element may be disposed on the toothbrush head in most cases, but it is contemplated that the sensor input element may be placed in another location, such as a handle, based on the size of the sensor. For example, the bad breath sensor may be disposed within the handle due to its size. A “sensor output element” or “sensor output component” is an output (eg, light, heat, chemical, etc.) that can interact with a condition, label or stimulus such that a condition, label or stimulus can be detected by the sensor input element. ) Refers to an element on a toothbrush that can provide internally to the oral cavity. For example, light having a wavelength of 655 to 740 nanometers and 1 mW intensity can be used to fluoresce caries in a way that can be detected by the sensor input element. Light sources emitting light for this purpose will be considered as sensor output elements. Alternatively, a combination of chemicals and luminescence can be used to cause bacteria to fluoresce in a way that can be detected by the sensor input element. In addition, the sensor output element may serve as a sensor output element and provide dual functionality such as providing a responsive output. For example, the light source may be used in combination with a sensor input element to detect bacteria, and then the light source may change the power output in response to the detection of bacteria by the sensor input element (eg, varying the power output to kill the bacteria. Can be provided). The sensor can also provide the user with a variety of other information, such as when the treatment session is complete, when the toothbrush is properly positioned, when the toothbrush is in contact with tissue, and / or when the temperature of the treatment area is preset. The user may be alerted by detecting a rise above the limit. The sensor can also be used with the controller to provide automatic feedback control of the treatment session (s). In one embodiment, the controller is coupled with the diagnostic sensor to control the light source or heat source based on the signal from the sensor. In another optional embodiment, the controller can be combined with the sensor to emit light or heat only when the toothbrush is in contact with tissue. The sensor may only include a sensor input element that detects when, how often and / or how long the user is brushing and initiates a responsive output based on the user's brushing habits. For example, the responsive output may be a change in the movement of the bristle holder for a user who makes brushing less frequent or an automatic application of a light-based responsive output to kill the bacteria more aggressively.

The sensor input and sensor output elements can be placed in any position on the toothbrush, head, handle, and the like. The responsive output component or element may be placed in any position on the toothbrush that allows access to the oral cavity. Optical fibers may be used to deliver light having certain characteristics to different areas of the oral cavity.

One example of a commercially available light sensor that may be suitable for use as a sensor input element for detecting bacteria or caries and converts the detected light into a voltage change signal is Taos, Inc., Plano, Texas. Is a photo-voltage sensor available under the designation number TSL12S. Sensor filters may also be used with such light sensors to facilitate detection. One example of a commercially available sensor filter is a long wavelength pass filter that can be used with an optical sensor. The long pass filter is available under the name Filtron E780 from Gentex Corporation of Carbondale, Pennsylvania.

As described herein, the toothbrushes of various preferred embodiments (including control of one or more existing outputs of the toothbrush in response to detection of a specific condition or presence of a label, condition, irritation, substance, material or pathogen in the oral cavity). Provide one or more responsive outputs. The responsive output may treat, treat or partially treat the detected condition or the presence of a pathogen. However, the toothbrush of the present invention is not limited to this action. That is, the present invention includes embodiments in which the responsive output (s) of the toothbrush do not immediately treat or cure the detected condition or the presence of the pathogen. For example, the responsive output may exhibit a delay effect or only a partial effect. The responsive output (s) may also form part of a long-term treatment regimen that may occur over a period of weeks or months, depending on the brushing frequency. The treatment regimen may be selected by the user following detection of a marker, condition, or stimulus by the sensor input element, or by tracking when and / or how long the user has brushed to produce a responsive output treatment regimen tailored to the user's brushing habits. It may be initiated and tracked by a controller (eg, a programmable processor comprising a clock) that may provide. Moreover, the responsive output may be operable to handle secondary factors in the detected condition or pathogen. In addition, the output may be designated as part of a treatment regimen for entirely different diseases, rather than being directly responsible for the detected condition or pathogen.

Another embodiment of the invention includes a toothbrush embodiment that waits for selection or input from a user before adjusting the operation of the toothbrush. That is, a semi-automatic mode of operation is contemplated in which the responsive output of the toothbrush is completely or at least partially dependent on the variable or selection of the variable from the user. Examples of such variables include (i) the time frame or duration for performing the output, (ii) how the output is performed, (iii) the selection of one or more of these outputs, if multiple outputs are possible, and (iv) these Combinations of scenarios are included, but are not limited to such.

Toothbrushes of the invention include a wide variety of modified embodiments. For example, the toothbrush output may be of limited duration. Or, in the case of a light-based output toothbrush, the oral tissue may only be exposed to light of a certain wavelength, ie red light, for a period of time less than a predetermined predetermined time, such as one minute (eg to kill bacteria).

Toothbrushes can be used to detect and treat caries, cavities, oral malodors, whitening teeth, bacteria in the mouth, tartar, plaques and combinations thereof. The toothbrush may be an AM / PM toothbrush (which may be programmable) that may detect or initiate a desired treatment depending on the time of day selected by the user or programmed by the manufacturer. The user may, for example, via an interface that may include a display disposed on the handle and one or more input buttons, or an interface disposed on a rechargeable stand that receives the powered toothbrush for recharging if the powered toothbrush is rechargeable. You can program your toothbrush. For example, the toothbrush may be configured to provide responsive output for bad breath or plaque / tartar in the morning and responsive output for whitening teeth or treating caries in the evening. Such responsive output may be provided selectable automatically upon detection of an indication, condition or stimulus by the sensor input element or based on user input via an interface. For example, the user may select which condition should be treated in the morning or in the evening. The toothbrush may use a date and time clock to track the time and / or date, and then activate certain sensors and / or responsive outputs according to the time and / or date. For example, the sensor input element may be activated to detect bad breath in the morning for a user who has selected a bad breath treatment in the morning, or a responsive output for bad breath may be provided automatically in the morning. A timer may be used to automatically set the duration of the treatment regimen, or the duration of the treatment regimen may be selected by the user via the interface. The clock and / or timer may be connected to or form part of a control board (e.g., circuit board, programmable controller, microprocessor, etc.), which may then be a desired sensor and / or responsive output based on time and / or date. To work.

The toothbrush may optionally include a removable head, which uses certain sensors and output emitters on various interchangeable heads. For example, such a toothbrush may comprise a tooth whitening head and its associated sensor (s) and responsive output element (s) and a separate antibacterial head. The controller can be programmed to detect which head is attached to the toothbrush handle and adjust toothbrush operation accordingly. For example, the controller can change the movement of the bristle holder, or can process electrical signals from the sensors using algorithms associated with a particular sensor attached to the toothbrush.

Sensor responsive toothbrushes may also be used to detect or detect, for example, (i) the beginning, progression or completion of a particular treatment regimen or process, (ii) the presence or absence of certain labels, conditions, stimuli, or certain chemicals in the oral cavity. Or (iv) one or more alarm or signal originating devices (eg, speakers or light sources) to indicate a combination thereof. The alarm or signal may also be configured to indicate the initiation of a particular responsive output by the toothbrush. The alarm or signal may be in the form of an audible, visual or tactile signal. The tactile signal may include vibration or other movement of certain portions of the toothbrush, such as a handle or movable bristle holder. Examples of acoustic alarms include one or more beeps, a series of notes, portions of a song, one or more tones, one or more rings, and combinations thereof, It is not limited to this. It is also contemplated that the toothbrush may utilize an audible alarm that generates a word or phrase that is prerecorded and spoken. Non-limiting examples of visual alarms or signals include emitting light, which is in the form of graphical symbols, pictures, phrases or other indications on the toothbrush. In addition, signaling or alerting may be accomplished by a change in color of the signal light on the toothbrush. Furthermore, in certain variations of sensor responsive toothbrushes, it may be desirable to indicate conditions such as the onset or completion of output by a combination of (i) an audible signal, (ii) a visual signal and (iii) a tactile signal. have.

A. Responsive Mechanical Output

The toothbrush of the present invention may utilize one or more responsive mechanical outputs. As mentioned, non-limiting examples of such output may include causing movement or changes in the movement of the bristles, bristle holders or bristle carriers or other movable components on the toothbrush. Mechanically responsive output can be initiated in response to the detection of various markers, conditions, stimuli, or pathogens inside or outside the oral cavity. For example, a mechanically responsive output may be provided in response to detection of bacteria or caries by the sensor input element or based on the user's brushing habits.

The head includes a longitudinal axis, one or more movable bristle holders or carriers, and optionally one or more stationary or fixed bristle holders. The movable bristle holder can rotate, pivot, helical rotate, oscillate, linear reciprocate, or perform any combination of movements. The type of exercise provided by the powered toothbrush of the present invention can vary widely. The arrangement of the stationary bristle holders and the stationary bristles disposed thereon may also vary widely. For example, the stationary bristles may partially or completely surround the movable bristle holders or may be disposed within the gap between the movable bristle holders. Examples of certain bristle holder movements and bristles arrangements suitable for use in the present invention are described in US Patent Application Publication Nos. 20030126699, 20030084525, 20030084524, 20030084526, and WO 03/063723 and WO 03/063722. Described in the heading. The bristles can be made from conventional inelastic polymer materials, such as polyethylene, or from elastomeric materials, such as natural or synthetic rubber, polyolefins, polyetheramides, polyesters, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or combinations of materials. Can be.

The handle has a hollow portion in which a motor is operatively connected to the movable bristle holder. The shaft extends from the motor through the neck and into at least a portion of the head. The shaft may be rotated, oscillated, linearly reciprocated, helical rotated, orbital rotated or conical when driven by a motor to impart one or more movements to the movable bristle holder. A gear device may be provided between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the movable bristle holder to impart movement thereto. Exemplary shaft and / or gear devices are shown in US Pat. Nos. 6,360,395 and 5,617,601, and US Patent Application Publication Nos. 2003/0134567 and 2003/0163881 and other patents and patent publications referenced herein. The handle also has a power source, such as one or more batteries, disposed therein for powering the motor and the light emitting element. Alternatively, the powered toothbrush may be connected to an external power source to power the motor. A switch for operating the motor and / or the light emitting element is arranged on the handle. The switch includes an actuator button and a metal contact. The switch is manually pressed by pressing the molded actuator button downward to press the metal contacts, thereby completing the circuit as in a conventional momentary switch. The switch pushes the actuator button forward and slides as in conventional continuous switches, thereby enabling continuous operation through the lamp design. By combining these two functions into one switch, consumers can test the unit and verify its operation before purchase, and still operate continuously one at a time after taking it out of the package. The switch can also activate one or more light emitting elements. The light emitting element is powered each time the motor is operated, but the powered toothbrush may also be provided with a switch adapted to operate the light emitting element.

Details of various preferred assemblies, components, and configurations for mechanical output are provided in the description of the light based and chemical based outputs described herein.

Sensor responsive toothbrushes may include vibration mechanisms such as mechanical or ultrasonic vibrators to enhance mechanical cleaning. The vibrations generated by the vibrator can be employed to improve phototherapy as well as for better tooth cleaning. For example, vibration may increase light transmission to soft tissue and / or increase the effect of light treatment on cells and / or bacteria. One mechanism for this enhancement is better oxygen delivery to the goal of phototherapy.

B. Light-Based Response Output

Toothbrushes of a preferred embodiment that include one or more light-based responsive outputs employ light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent devices, laser devices, halogen devices, neon devices, fluorescent devices, plasma devices, xenon devices, and combinations thereof. It may include one or more transmission elements disposed on the head, including but not limited to light emitting elements. The present invention includes a wide variety of oral care devices such as, but not limited to, powered toothbrushes, powered flosser, tooth polisher, gum massager and the like. For simplicity, the present invention will be referred to as a sensor responsive electric toothbrush.

As used herein, the term “light” is intended to cover the spectrum of both visible and invisible (eg, ultraviolet and infrared) light. In one embodiment of the toothbrush of the present invention, the light emitted from the light emitting element is about 370, 390, 410, 430, 450, 470, 490, 510, 530, 550, 570, 590, 610, 630, 650, 670, From 690, 710 nm and / or less than about 770, 750, 730, 710, 690, 670, 650, 630, 610, 500, 400 nm. In other embodiments, the emitted light has a wavelength greater than about 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480 and / or 490 nm and / or less than about 490, 480, 470, 460, 450, 440, 430 nm. Can have In yet another embodiment, the light emitted may have a wavelength from about 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 nm and / or less than about 470, 460, 450, 430 nm. It will be appreciated that the particular wavelength range chosen may depend on the color of the desired light. In one embodiment, the light emitted may be blue. The oral care appliance can also emit light of a particular intensity. The intensity may be luminous intensity measured in candela (or lumen / steradian) or flux density measured in W / m 2. In one embodiment, the flux density of the illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention is from about 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 100, 200, 250 mW / cm 2 and / or about 300, 250 , 200, 150, 100, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30 mW / cm 2 or any combination thereof.

Typically, the light based output emits light for a predetermined time. For example, toluidine blue and methylene blue (blue, red and purple dyes from the phenylmethane series) that can be used to produce radicals that can be effective in killing bacteria and other pathogens. Light having a wavelength of 632 to 904 nanometers and an intensity of 5 to 10 mW with the composition can be used for 0.5 to 2 minutes. Therefore, the toothbrush of the present invention may be provided with a light source that emits light having a wavelength of about 632 to 904 nanometers upon detection of bacteria by the sensor input element or based on the selected therapy as described above. Toluidine blue or methylene blue may be provided in or dispensed by a toothbrush for use with the toothbrush, as described more fully below. Other light-based responsive outputs or other responsive outputs, such as other responsive agents that respond to heat (eg, activated by or otherwise interact with the responsive output), may be included or dispensed in the toothpaste. The toothpaste may include one or more such responsive agents that may remain inactive until activated by the responsive output from the toothbrush. Other responsive agents are described throughout this specification below, and it will be appreciated that they may be combined or individually included in a toothpaste suitable for use in the present invention. When various responsive agents are included individually in a toothpaste, which toothpaste should be used based on the detection of the condition, label or stimulus and which responsive agent is used for the responsive output associated with the detected condition, label or stimulus It is contemplated that a signal may be provided to the user regarding the determination of which is most suitable. It is necessary to maintain a recent list of manufactured toothpastes and their responsive preparations and also to provide new responsive outputs or therapies for toothbrushes and / or new interchangeable toothbrush heads as technology and understanding of oral health develops. In order to provide the data, it is contemplated that the rechargeable stand for toothbrush of the present invention may be connected to a computer network such as the Internet to facilitate the downloading of toothpaste, responsive output or therapy data used in the toothbrush. Responsive agents may be dispensed alone or in combination from the toothbrush of the present invention. Other light-based responsive agents for killing bacteria include riboflavin (vitamin B2) combined with light having a wavelength of about 430 nm, chlorophyll combined with light having a wavelength of about 440 nm, or other radical generating agents at various wavelengths, such as Hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, percarbonate, and the like. Metals such as silver, iron and manganese may be responsive agents when heat is generated that can kill bacteria by the wavelength of light. Light having a wavelength from about 380 nm to about 420 nm may be effective at killing bacteria without the use of responsive agents.

In one embodiment, the powered toothbrush includes an elongated body portion or handle, a head and a neck extending between the head and the handle. One or more light emitting devices may be provided on or in the head, adjacent to one or more stationary or movable bristle holders having a plurality of bristles thereon. The bristles may be formed in one or more groups or tufts. In certain embodiments, the light emitting element can be located at the center or axis of motion of the vibrating bristle holder. In addition, the light emitting element can function as a pin and which serves as a rotation axis and / or center for the movable bristle holder. The light emitting element can be stationary or can be fixed to the movable bristle holder so that it can be moved with the bristle holder. The bristle holder may be characterized as having an area, such as an opening, in certain embodiments to enhance the passage of light. This area may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, or alternatively this area may be an opening or other open area that is substantially free of bristles and thereby allows light to pass through. This area may be provided in any portion of the head of the toothbrush, including the center of the movable bristle holder.

Referring now to the drawings, which are intended only to illustrate embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention, FIG. 1 illustrates a sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Electric toothbrushes can be used for personal hygiene, such as brushing an individual's teeth and gums. As shown in FIG. 1, the powered toothbrush includes a handle 12 and a neck 14 attached to the handle 12. Head 16 is attached to neck 14. Typically, the head is larger than the neck 14 and typically smaller than the handle 12. Toothbrush 100 includes one or more sensor elements or components 2, 4, 5, 6, 7. One or more of these elements may be sensor input elements, or one or more may be optional sensor output elements. Although the toothbrush 100 is shown with these elements at a specific location, it will be appreciated that the sensor elements may be placed at various locations on the toothbrush 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the head 16 is also defined by the longitudinal axis 19 and includes a movable bristle holder 20 and one or more optional stationary bristle holders 22. In this embodiment, the stationary bristle holder 22 is disposed on opposite sides of the movable bristle holder 20. The movable bristle holder 20 of this embodiment is disposed in the center of the head 16. The movable bristle holder 20 includes a plurality of bristles 24 supported and held on the holder 20. The movable bristle holder may be vibrated or rotated about an axis of motion generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19 of the head 16, although other motions as described above may be provided. As described in more detail herein, the transmission element is disposed along this axis of motion of the movable bristle holder. In certain embodiments (as shown in FIG. 2), the powered element is a light emitting element 75, such as a light emitting diode, which extends on the head of the toothbrush and beyond the bristle support surface of the movable bristle holder. If not, it is usually placed below or below it. The toothbrush of this embodiment also has gripping portions 70, 72.

As shown in FIG. 3, the handle 12 further includes a hollow portion 30 having a motor 32 and having a longitudinal axis 34. The motor 32 powers the movable bristle holder 20 via the rotatable shaft 44. The gear arrangement is operatively interconnected between the shaft 44 and the motor 32. The gear device includes a worm gear 40 and a pair of step gears 42 and 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to the worm gear 40. The step gear 42 is operatively connected to the step gear 43 and the worm gear 40. The light emitting element 75 is provided disposed inside the movable bristle holder 20. As used herein, the term "light emitting" device is intended to refer to a device that converts electrical energy into light, in contrast to a device that only conducts or transmits light, such as an optical fiber cable or wire. However, in certain embodiments, the toothbrush of the present invention that provides light based output may use fiber optic cables or wires to emit light from the toothbrush. In one embodiment, the light emitting element of the invention is a light emitting diode or LED.

In the case of a light emitting diode, the main wavelength or the center wavelength can be determined by the following equation:

For continuous spectrum

, And

In case of discrete spectrum

.

Where I is illumination intensity and λ is the wavelength.

These equations are also described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled "Measurement of LEDs" issued by the International Commission of Illumination. These equations and methodologies can also be applied to light emitting devices other than LEDs, or other methodologies and equations known in the art can be used to determine the main or central wavelength of a light emitting device. Spectrum (eg, peak wavelength), photometric (eg, luminosity), radiometric (eg, radiant intensity), and colormetric (eg, primary wavelength) characteristics of the light emitting device are known in the art. It can be measured using a known device, such as an OL 730CV Radiometer / Photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Florida. Some light may not have a main wavelength or a center wavelength (eg, white light).

4 shows a toothbrush 200 having a stationary light emitting element 75 connected to and / or disposed within a pillar 91 stationary on the head 95 at point 93 of the toothbrush. An embodiment of the is shown. In this embodiment, the movable bristle holder 97 vibrates or rotates around the stationary light emitting element 75 disposed in the pillar 91. This light emitting element 75 disposed in the pillar 91 serves as the axis of rotation about the movable bristle holder 97 on the head 95 of the toothbrush. The anode lead 87 and the cathode lead 89 can extend from the light emitting element 75 through the pillar 91 and then down the head 95 and the neck (not shown) of the toothbrush to a power source (not shown). have.

In another embodiment, the light emitting element 375 of the toothbrush 300 is disposed in an opening or hole 388 extending through the movable bristle holder 320 as best seen in FIG. 5 so that the light emitting element is stationary. And the movable bristle holder 320 vibrates or rotates around the light emitting element 375 in a stationary state. Toothbrush 300 also includes one or more sensors, such as 301 and 303. In this embodiment, the light emitting element 375 is firmly fixed to the head 316. The light emitting element 375 may extend partially through the aperture 388, or may be disposed under the lower surface of the movable bristle holder 320 and completely contained within the head 316. The centerline or axis of the light emitting element 375 may also be the axis of rotation or vibration relative to the movable bristle holder 320. In some of the foregoing embodiments, the movable bristle holder may be formed from a transparent or translucent material, especially when the light emitting element is disposed below the movable bristle holder 320. When the light emitting element is disposed in the head, the light emitting element is disposed between the bristle holders so as not to be aligned with the rotation / vibration axis of the movable bristle holder, as shown by the example of FIG. 6 in which the bristles are deleted for clarity. May be 6 shows a toothbrush 400 including a head 416, a neck 414, a movable bristle holder 420, a stationary bristle holder 422, 423, and a light emitting element 475 and one or more sensors such as 401. do. Sensor (s) 401 and light emitting element 475 are disposed below movable bristle holder 420 and stationary bristle holder 423. In this embodiment, the upper surfaces of the head and bristle holders can be formed from transparent or translucent materials.

Various materials may be used to form the transparent or translucent bristle holders and / or heads. Examples of such materials are polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) (commercially available under Eastoman BR003), cellulose acetate propylate (CAP) and combinations thereof, but is not limited to such. It is contemplated that one or more heat treatments may be employed to facilitate the processing of these materials.

The light emitting elements can be arranged such that the main direction of light emission is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the bristle holder and / or substantially parallel to the direction of the bristles of the bristle holder. In other words, the light emitting device can be arranged such that the centerline 90 of the light emitting device is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the head and / or bristle holder, as best seen in FIG. 4. The centerline 90 typically passes through the lens 92 or opening of the light emitting element. When the light emitting element is disposed in, on or under the movable and / or stationary bristle holder, the light may not have bristles in the cylindrical area or volume around the centerline 90 of the light emitting element, so Penetrates to the brushing surface without interference. In one embodiment, the diameter of the bristle-free cylindrical volume is from about 2 mm to about 8 mm, and in other embodiments from about 3 mm to about 6 mm. However, the movable bristle holder may still have at least one ring of bristles surrounding the light emitting element as shown by way of example in FIG. 5. However, additional bristle bundles or inner rings of bristle bundles may be provided.

Referring again to FIG. 3, a switch 50 is provided to control the operation of the sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush and is operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 is also configured to activate the sensing and control circuitry and to selectively activate one or more light emitting elements of the toothbrush. Such operation may be instant or continuous and may be independent of the operation of the light based output (s). That is, the toothbrush of the present invention includes an embodiment in which the light-based output is operated by the sensing circuit (s) of the toothbrush or by a user. The two modes of operation may be independent of each other. When the switch 50 is closed, the circuit is completed between the battery 60 and the motor 32 and the light emitting element 75 provided in the hollow portion 30 of the handle 10.

7-10 show different head, bristle holder and bristle configurations for a sensor responsive illumination powered toothbrush, all including one or more light emitting elements. 7 shows a toothbrush 500 that includes a head 516 and a neck 514. The toothbrush also includes sensors 501, 503, such as the light sensors and / or filters described above. It will be appreciated that the neck 514 extends between the head 516 of the toothbrush and the handle (not shown). A single movable bristle holder 520 with a plurality of bristle bundles 532 disposed thereon is disposed on the head 516. The light emitting element 575 is disposed on the second bristle holder 522. 8 illustrates a toothbrush 600 of another embodiment that includes a head 616, a neck 614, and sensors 601, 603 in accordance with the present invention. Head 616 includes a bristle 632 and a single bristle holder 620 in which a light emitting element 675 is disposed. 9 illustrates another toothbrush 700 that includes a head 716 and a neck 714 with a single bristle holder 720 disposed thereon. Toothbrush 700 includes one or more sensors, such as 701, 703, and 705. The light emitting element 775 is disposed adjacent the bristle holder 720 on the head 716. However, the light emitting element 775 is not disposed on the bristle holder. FIG. 10 illustrates another toothbrush including a head 816 with a moving first bristle holder 820 and a fixed or stationary second bristle holder 822 and a neck 814 connected to the head 816. 800). Toothbrush 800 includes sensors 801, 803, 805. On both bristle holders a light emitting element 875 is arranged. The first bristle holder 820 has a plurality of bristle bundles 832 surrounding a light emitting element 875 disposed thereon, and the second bristle holder 822 has a light emitting element 874 disposed thereon. And a plurality of bristle bundles 834 surrounding.

Another embodiment of a powered toothbrush 900 in accordance with the present invention having a head 916, a neck 914, and a handle 912 is shown in FIG. 11. Toothbrush 900 includes sensors 901 and 903. The light emitting element 975 is disposed on the head 916. The neck and handle are releasably connected at 915 and include corresponding structures for their physical coupling and for establishing an electrical connection state between the light emitting element and the power source. This embodiment of the present invention also includes a gripping portion 919.

A wide range of light emitting devices can be used in the present invention. In one embodiment, the light emitting device is a small, low power consumption light emitting diode (LED), such as Luxeon (manufactured by Lumileds Lighting, LLC, San Jose, CA). Available under the name Luxeon) ™. Other commercially available light emitting units include those made from American Opto Plus LED Corporation. The LED may operate at a relatively low voltage DC power supply, such as from about 0.5 volts to about 5 volts in one embodiment, from about 1 volt to about 3 volts in another embodiment, and from about 1.6 to about 2.4 volts in another embodiment. .

In another embodiment, the light radiation source is a light emitting diode (LED) and a variant of the LED, such as an edge emitting LED (EELED), a surface emitting LED (SELED) or a high brightness LED (high brightness LED). solid-state lighting (SSL), including brightness LEDs (HBLEDs). LEDs are based on a variety of materials, such as AlInGaN / AIN (emitted from 285 nm), SiC, AlInGaN, GaAs, AlGaAs, GaN, InGaN, AlGaN, Alln-GaN, BaN, InBaN, AlGalnP (emitted at NIR and IR), etc. Can be. LEDs also comprise organic LEDs composed of a polymer as the active material and having a broad emission spectrum. The radiation source can be an LED, such as by shaping an LED die, an LED with a transparent confined area, a photonics crystal structure or a resonant-cavity light-emitting diode (RCLED). .

Other possibilities include superluminescent diodes (SLDs) or LEDs, which may preferably provide a wide emission spectrum source. In addition, laser diodes (LDs), waveguide laser diodes (WGLDs), and vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) may also be used. The same material used for LEDs can be used for diode lasers. Other possibilities include fiber lasers (FL) with a laser diode pumping function. Fluorescent solid state light sources (FLS) with electrical or light pumping functions from LD, LED or current / voltage sources may also be radiation sources. The FLS may be an organic fiber having an electrical pumping function.

Lamps such as incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, micro halide lamps or other suitable lamps may also be used in the present invention. The lamp can provide radiation sources for white, red, NIR and IR radiation. In the range of 5 to 100 microns, a quantum cascade laser (QCL) or far infrared emitting diode can be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various radiation sources may provide the necessary light emission for the sensor responsive toothbrush depending on size, power requirements, desired treatment regimen, and combinations thereof.

Toothbrushes of various embodiments described herein can use light emitting devices having various features. In general, the powered toothbrushes described herein utilizing light-based outputs range from about 10 nm to about 10 ⁶ nm, in one embodiment from about 390 nm to about 770 nm, in other embodiments from about 420 nm to about 490 nm, and Blue light can emit light having a center wavelength of about 420 nm to about 470 nm.

12 shows an example wiring schematic of an example configuration of an electrical configuration for a sensor responsive toothbrush of an exemplary embodiment. In this configuration, the light emitting element 75, one or more sensors E and the motor 32 are powered or operated simultaneously with each other by the switch 50. In the case where the light emitting element 75 is an LED, in particular, the voltage or current output from the battery tends to decrease over time, so that despite the change in the input voltage or current, the voltage or current providing the constant voltage or constant current output to the LED. It may be desirable to include a driver 94. Suitable voltage or current drivers for use in the present invention are ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED Drivers manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK. Another embodiment of the present invention includes separate switches that can be provided, for example, for operating the light emitting element, the sensor (s) and the motor separately. In addition, more than one light emitting element may be provided. Light emitting devices having different spectra, photometric, radiation measurement, and color measurement characteristics (eg, primary wavelength, peak wavelength, radiation measurement power, etc.) may be provided to accommodate multiple uses in one electric toothbrush. Alternatively, the first light emitting element may function as a sensor output element and the second light emitting element may provide a responsive output in response to the sensor input.

13 and 14 show the spectral distributions for the various colors of commercially available LED light emitting units used in the electric toothbrush described herein. These spectral distribution graphs are for Luxeon ™ 1 watt emitter light emitting devices, but these distribution patterns may be achieved by other light emitting units. Specifically, FIG. 13 is a graph of relative spectral power distribution for light emitting devices of various colors. 14 shows the colors of royal blue, blue, cyan, green, amber, red-orange and red. 15 is a relative spectral distribution for a white light emitting device.

The sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention may additionally include a sensor for monitoring the treatment in the oral cavity and / or diagnosing the condition. The sensor output element can be used to generate sensor inputs such as fluorescence signals from bacteria or caries by emitting light at a wavelength that causes the bacteria to fluoresce in a detectable manner by the sensor input element. The fluorescence signal detected by the sensor input element may provide information about bacterial concentrations in periodontal packets, hard tissues (carious lesions), saliva or filamentous fungi, and information on whitening and brightening teeth. Can be. Additional fluorescence signals can be employed for early diagnosis of various mucosal diseases, including cancer. In one embodiment, the sensor responsive toothbrush may include a signaling mechanism for instructing the user when treatment is complete or when a condition is detected based on the fluorescence signal. In other embodiments, a reflectometer may be included. For example, light induced current through the LED can be used for reflected light detection. In other embodiments, separate LEDs and photodetectors can be employed to measure reflection in the oral cavity at different wavelengths. Reflexes can be employed for the diagnosis of caries, whitening, brightening and / or mucosal disease of hard tissues.

The toothbrush of the preferred embodiment may utilize a responsive output that emits light or electromagnetic radiation that serves to heat the mouth or dissipate the energy therein. Thus, the term “light based output” may include an output that dissipates or generates heat in response to visible or invisible light energy. There are two systems for measuring light, radiation measurement and photometry, where radiation measurement is the measurement of electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 3x10 ¹¹ to 3X10 ¹⁶ Hz, where photometry is electromagnetic detection detectable by the human eye. It is a measure of radiation. As is known in the art, radiation measurement units are energy (Newton meters or joules), power that is energy flow over time, or radiant flux (joules / second or watts), power per unit area. Irradiance or flux density in watts per square meter, radiation intensity in watts per square angle, and radiance in watts per square angle per unit projection area (watts per square meter) It includes. Equivalent photometric units include power or Luminous Flux (lumens) and luminous intensity (lumens / sr or candela). Another feature of the light to be discussed is the viewing angle or half angle. As described herein, the half angle is twice the angle of inclination (in degrees) between a peak and a point on one side of the beam axis at which the luminous intensity is 50% of the maximum value or half the beam angle. Another feature to be discussed below relates to the amount of heat or divergence temperature (in degrees Celsius) generated by the LED at the tooth surface. In addition, it will be characterized by the total power consumed ("power dissipation") by the LEDs placed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush. For the sake of simplicity herein, units may be discussed in terms of radiation measurement or photometric, although radiation measurement units are preferred. Intensity can be light intensity measured in candelas (or lumens / steriadians) or flux density measured in W / m 2.

All test methods described herein are performed when the sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush is operated at a current that is normally used to operate the device when the toothbrush is fully charged, turned on, the bristles are moving and the LED is illuminated.

Features of the LED of the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

1. Line density at representative tooth surface ("FDRT")

This test is intended to express the density of radiant flux projected onto the tooth surface in W / m 2. Detectors calibrated in watts have detector open areas less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or 0.46 cm 2 and / or about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46 and / or 0.50 cm 2 and detector aperture diameters of about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15 and / Or at least 1 cm and / or less than about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 cm, and the detector opening has a distance from the emitting point of the LED (“detector distance”) of about 0.55, 0.60. , 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or greater than 1.0 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and And / or less than 1.0 cm. Typically, the detector includes an iris that can provide a detector opening area of the desired size. The LED must be positioned toward the detector opening, and the mechanical axis of the LED must pass through the center of the detector opening. The detector measures the radiant flux (watts) at the detector. The detector measures the radiant flux over the entire detector opening area. Therefore, the final number is the radial flux total value. FDRT is the total value of the radiant flux divided by the spherical area of the cap 1109 (as shown in FIG. 16 showing the geometric relationship between the LED and the surface exposed to light). The spherical area of the cap can be calculated by the following equation:

S = 2πR (R-l)

here:

S = spherical area of the cap

l = detector distance

d = diameter of the detector opening area

FDRT = total radiant flux in watts / S

This radial flux (watts) is divided by the spherical area of the cap to calculate the flux density (W / m 2) at the representative tooth surface. Examples of suitable devices for measuring FDRT include the OL 730CV radiometer / photometer manufactured by Optronics Laboratories, Inc. of Orlando, Florida. As shown in FIG. 17, the detector distance “l” (shown at 1200) is the distance between the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275 and the inlet opening 1201 of the detector 1203. This detector distance “l” (shown at 1200) measures from the light emitting point 1205 of the LED 1275 to the plane of the detector opening 1201 of the detector 1203.

The FDRT of the sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention is at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70 and / or 100 mW / cm 2 and / or about 300, 250, 200, 150 and / or Less than 100 mW / cm 2 or any combination thereof. It is contemplated that toothbrushes comprising LEDs that individually emit light in the aforementioned FDRTs can result in whitening and other oral care benefits when used alone or in combination with other oral care compositions. In order to achieve these oral care benefits, at least one of the LEDs placed on the head of the toothbrush must emit light having an FDRT of about 30 mW / cm 2 or greater. Although light with higher FDRT may result in whitening or other oral care benefits, the user may need to take safety measures to prevent damage to the oral cavity if it exceeds 300 mW / cm 2.

2. Ratio of total beam in solid angle

In one embodiment of the LED of the electric toothbrush, about 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% or more of the total power (watts) of the LED is about 0, 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7 At least 0.75, 0.8, 0.9, 0.95 and / or 1 steradian ("sr") and / or about 6.3, 5.5, 5, 4.5, 4, 3.5, 3, 2.5, 2, 1.5, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1 and And / or included in a solid angle having a vertex at the center of the LED of less than 1 sr. The solid angle with the peak at the emitting point of the LED can be calculated using the following equation:

α = S / R ² = 2πh / R,

here:

h = R-a

α = solid angle (sr)

S = spherical area of the cap

a = axial distance

b = diameter of the dimension area

This calculation is similar to the calculation previously used to calculate the FDRT, where the axial distance and the dimension area have values similar to the detector distance and the detector area, but no detector exists in the calculation of solid angles.

A diagram of a void that emits light towards a surface where the LED is exposed to light is shown in FIG. 16. The elements of the equation are shown in FIG. 20, where “α” is the solid angle (shown as 1110) with the vertex (shown as 1111) at the light emitting point 1113 of the LED 1175. “a” (shown as 1101 in FIG. 20) is the vertical distance between the emitting surface of the LED and the surface exposed to light emitted from the LED, and “b” (shown as 1103) is the area of the circular area that contains the LED. Diameter, and "S" (shown as 1109) is the spherical area of the cap. "h" (shown as 1105) is subtracted from "R" (shown as 1107) and "a" (shown as 1101). "b" is at least about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.65, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95 and / or 1.00 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and And / or less than 1.00 cm. "a" is greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or 1.00 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and / or less than 1.00 cm.

In order to determine the power ratio in solid angle, the total power emitted from the LED must first be measured, and second, the power within a specific solid angle area must be measured. Finally, the power ratio within the specific solid angle is calculated. The total power emitted from the LED can be determined by the goniophotometer method and / or the integrating sphere method. The goniophotometer method allows the total radiant flux to be measured in watts (when the goniophotometer is adjusted in watts). The goniophotometer's rotation detector scans the surface of the sphere-shaped area surrounding the LED. The partial flux (dΦ) incident on each component dA of the surface represents the total radiant flux:

It can be weighted and integrated to provide the value of the total radiant flux Φ.

Another method of measuring the total radiant flux from an LED is to use an integrating sphere (adjusted in watts) to compare the tested LED to a standard LED with similar spatial and spectral distribution. If a perfectly matched standard is not available, the correction for color can be calculated, but the correction of the spatial power difference is more difficult to calculate. Most integrating spheres are less than 10 cm in diameter. Therefore, the same type of auxiliary LED should be inserted into the integrating sphere to take into account the correction to be applied for the self-absorption of the test LED. A sphere with two inlet and one outlet port for the detector shall be used. All of these methods are described in CIE 127 (1997) entitled "Measurement of LEDs" published by the International Institute of Illumination.

Second, the power within a particular solid angle is measured. In order to select the solid angle at which the power is measured, the axial distance and the diameter of the dimension area for the desired solid angle should be determined using the equation described above. The axial distance value corresponds to the detector distance value, and the diameter value of the dimension area corresponds to the detector opening area value. By selecting these values when performing the test, the power in the desired solid angle is measured. If the detector is adjusted in watts, this yields the total radiant flux within the desired solid angle.

The measurement of the total radiant flux (within a certain solid angle) of the LED has an area of less than about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or 0.46 cm 2 and / or Or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46 and / or 0.50 cm 2 and Detector aperture diameters greater than about 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.70, 0.76, 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05, 1.10, 1.15 and / or 1 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, There is a need for a calibrated detector in watts with a circular opening 1201 as shown in FIG. 17, less than 1.15, 1.10, 1.00 cm. LED From about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or 1.00 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.50, 1.40, 1.30, 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, It should be positioned towards detector opening 1201 at detector distance 1200 from light emitting point 1205 of LED 1275 to less than 1.10, 1.05 and / or less than 1.00 cm. The mechanical axis of the LED must pass through the center of this detector opening.

Finally, the proportion of light emitted within the desired solid angle is calculated by the following equation:

Total radiant flux / total radiant flux within the desired solid angle =% of light emitted within the desired solid angle

3. Half angle and / or visible angle

Sensor-Responsive Illumination A method for determining when a powered toothbrush emits light with desired characteristics is to examine the half and / or viewing angles of the LEDs. As described herein, the half angle is twice the angle of inclination (in degrees) between a peak and a point on one side of the beam axis at which the luminous intensity is 50% of the maximum value or half of the beam angle. This may also be referred to as the viewing angle. The smaller the half angle, the more focused the light is. The more focused the light emitted from the LED, the smaller the light required to achieve the desired brightness and / or FDRT. With a more focused angle of light, there is less wasted light illuminating the undesired direction, ie illuminating the bristle area. If the light shines in an undesirable direction, there will be more light required to achieve the desired brightness or FDRT, which often results in an increase in heating level. Increased heat dissipation from an illuminated electric toothbrush can result in damage to teeth and tissues in the oral cavity. Half-angles (2θ½) of the LED are approximately 50 °, 49 °, 48 °, 47 °, 46 °, 45 °, 44 °, 43 °, 42 °, 41 °, 40 °, 38 °, 36 °, 34 °, And less than 32 °, 30 ° and / or 28 ° and / or greater than about 0 ° and / or 5 °.

4. Dissipation temperature

By using the LED on the head of the toothbrush disposed inside the mouth for brushing and / or treating the teeth, heat as well as light can be introduced into the mouth. Light can be absorbed by the tooth surface, thereby generating additional heat at the tooth surface. If heat is generated in the oral cavity, the pulp chamber of the tooth may become large, which may lead to pulpitis or other damage to the oral cavity. To avoid causing damage in the oral cavity, the temperature of the tooth surface is maintained at about 43 ° C, 40 ° C, 39 ° C, 38 ° C, 37 ° C, 36 ° C, 34 ° C, 30 ° C and / or less than 25 ° C. Should be. If the temperature of the tooth surface rises above the aforementioned temperature, the pulp cavity of the tooth may overheat, thereby causing pulpitis. Therefore, the light emitted by the illuminated electric toothbrush heats up the surface of the tooth to about 43 ° C., 40 ° C., 39 ° C., 38 ° C., 37 ° C., 36 ° C., 34 ° C., 30 ° C. and / or more than 25 ° C. Should not be generated. In one embodiment, the temperature of the tooth surface is maintained below about 43 ° C. by using a standard LED and providing a continuous forward current of less than about 200 milliamps (“mA”) with the standard LED.

The temperature generated on the tooth surface by exposure to light emitted from an illuminated powered toothbrush is the “emission temperature”. The divergence temperature can be measured by a device known in the art, such as a thermocouple (1315) (shown in FIG. 18). One thermocouple suitable for use in the test method of the present invention is SC-GG-T-30-36 thermocouple manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. The thermocouple can be attached to the tooth surface exposed to light emitted from the LED, preferably by an adhesive. One suitable dental adhesive for use in this test method is Lucitone 199 manufactured by Dentsply. Alternatively, the temperature of the tooth surface may be less than about 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 second after the thermocouple is in contact with the tooth and the temperature reading has ended the exposure of the tooth to light. As long as it is completed within the test time, it can be measured after exposure to light. One method of measuring temperature after exposure to light is complete is to apply and maintain a thermocouple on the tooth for the duration of the test time to collect temperature data using a standard swab. Alternatively, a unit 1317 for converting data from thermocouples to temperature in degrees may be used, and the portable unit HH5-08 manufactured by Omega Engineering, Inc. can convert data received from thermocouples to degrees in degrees. It may be suitable for use with the aforementioned thermocouple to convert to. This test is performed in vitro on a sample of teeth 1301 of a human or bovine bovine sampled in an incubator set at 32 ° C. The test is performed in an incubator set at 32 ° C. to simulate the normal base temperature of the teeth located in the mouth. An incubator suitable for this test is THELCO 3DG (Catalog No. 5121122) available from the Juan Group of Companies. The teeth are placed in a cast aluminum stand 1319 comprising single piece cast aluminum with a space removed for placement of the teeth. The cast aluminum stand 1319 connects the teeth 1301 to a heat sink 1321. Heat sinks suitable for use in the test methods of the present invention include heat sinks 11-5602-48 VIS # 031608 manufactured by Avid Thermalloy. A power supply (not shown) may be provided to the heat sink. Is a distance 1303 between the light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 and the surface of the tooth 1301. The divergence distance 1303 is about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or less than 0.46 cm and / or about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32 from the tooth surface , 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46 and / or greater than 0.50 cm. The light emitting point 1305 of the LED 1375 is about 3.14, 1.77, 1.54, 1.33, 1.23, 1.13, 1.04, 0.95, 0.87, 0.79, 0.70, 0.64, 0.50 and / or 0.46 cm from the surface of the teeth 1301. Placed at a divergence distance of less than and / or greater than about 0.28, 0.31, 0.32, 0.33, 0.38, 0.44, 0.46, and / or more than 0.50 cm and turn on the illuminated electric toothbrush 1313, whereby the LED 1375 activates the teeth ( 1301) illuminate the surface. Thereafter, the teeth 1301 are led 1375 for a divergence time of about 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and / or 0 minutes. ) And the temperature of the tooth 1301 is measured with a standard thermocouple 1315. The thermocouple can be attached to a separate portable unit 1317 to convert the reading from the thermocouple 1315 into a temperature reading. The divergence temperature should not exceed about 43 ° C, 40 ° C, 39 ° C, 38 ° C, 37 ° C, 36 ° C, 34 ° C, 30 ° C and / or 25 ° C.

5. Power dissipation

In addition, to prevent damage to the oral cavity due to excess heat generation, the total power consumed by the LED disposed on the head of the illuminated electric toothbrush (“power dissipation”) is about 2, 1.5, 1, 0.95, 0.9 , 0.85, 0.8, 0.75, 0.7, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, 0.1 watts ("W").

6. Example of Optical-Based Response Output

The responsive output to the input signal may be to provide a responsive output of a particular intensity or other spectrum for treating a condition detected in the oral cavity, such as caries or bacteria. In the sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention comprising a standard LED with more than one light emitter in the LED, by increasing the forward current beyond the range recommended by the manufacturer (“overpowering”) and / or By pulsing light emanating from the LED, luminous intensity of at least about 7 candelas and / or FDRT of at least about 30 mW / cm 2 can be achieved. Overpowering the LEDs can shorten the lifetime of the LEDs. The lifetime of an LED is shortened depending on the characteristics of the LED or the level of current used to overpower the LED. However, this shortened life will still exceed the life required for use in the toothbrush as the toothbrush is a disposable and / or replaceable item. In one embodiment, the LED is disposed on the replaceable portion of the toothbrush and can therefore be exchanged if necessary.

As mentioned above, the term “light” is intended to cover the spectrum of both visible and invisible (eg, ultraviolet and infrared) light. This spectrum may extend from light having a main wavelength or center wavelength of about 10 nm (ultraviolet rays) to light having a center wavelength of 10 ⁶ nm (infrared rays), or the spectrum has a center of about 370 nm to about 770 nm It may also include visible light having a wavelength. The spectrum may also include visible light having a center wavelength of about 370 to about 500. As used herein, the term "center wavelength" is intended to refer to a wavelength that represents the perceived color of light. This may be different from the peak wavelength, which is the wavelength at which the emission intensity of the LED is at its maximum.

A sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush of certain embodiments has a luminous intensity of at least about 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 and / or 40 and / or less than about 60, 50, 45 and / or 40 candela or any combination thereof. And the FDRT is at least about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70 and / or 100 mW / cm 2 and / or less than about 300, 250, 200, 150 and / or 100 mW / cm 2 or any thereof LEDs that emit light that is a combination of the following.

One embodiment of a sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush includes an LED as shown in FIG. 19. 19 illustrates an LED package 1400 including a lens 1403, a single light emitting dice 1405, wire bonding 1407, a positive lead wire 1421 and a negative lead wire 1409, and a longitudinal axis L. FIG. The cross section of the figure is shown. Various types of semiconductor substrates with luminescent properties can be used in LEDs of sensor responsive toothbrushes. One type of semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties is dice. "Dice" is a single semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties. The LED disposed on the head of the illuminated powered toothbrush of the present invention may be of any type having luminescent properties, including but not limited to dice, as long as the illuminated powered toothbrush provides light with the desired characteristics described herein. It may include a semiconductor substrate. The LED may have a diameter of at least about 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and / or 6 mm and / or less than about 5, 10, 15 and / or 20 mm.

Light may be emitted from multiple surfaces of the light emitting point of the LED. However, for the sake of simplicity, all measurements of the distance from the light emitting point and / or surface of the LEDs are referred to below in relation to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate, such as the front surface of the die 1405. If the LED has multiple dice and thus multiple front surfaces of the semiconductor substrate, the distance from the emitting point of the LED should be the average of the distances from the front surface of the semiconductor substrate. Light is emitted from the surface of the dice and directed to the lens 1403 of the LED. Therefore, in order to measure the distance from the light emitting point of the semiconductor substrate, the front surface of the light emitting element of the semiconductor substrate must be identified. In one embodiment of the illuminated electric toothbrush, the front surface of the light emitting element of the LED is the surface of the dice 1405 (as shown in FIG. 19). Therefore, all measurements of the distance from the light emitting surface of this embodiment begin at the front surface of the dice 1405.

By overpowering the LED, the desired brightness and / or FDRT is achieved as the brightness and / or FDRT of the LED increases within the limits as the forward current input increases. Therefore, the desired brightness and / or FDRT level for the illumination powered toothbrush of the present invention can be achieved by increasing the current to a standard LED beyond the range recommended by the manufacturer. By increasing the current to twice the maximum recommended by the manufacturer, the brightness and / or FDRT will be nearly two, but the lifetime of the LED, which can be accommodated for use in a light powered toothbrush, will still be maintained. Standard drivers can be used to supply selected current levels to achieve the desired brightness and / or FDRT. Suitable voltage or current drivers for use in the present invention are ZXSC310 single or multi-cell LED drivers manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK. The minimum current to achieve the desired brightness and / or FDRT is the maximum current recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation, twice the maximum value recommended by the manufacturer for continuous operation, or recommended by the manufacturer for pulsed operation. It may exceed three times the maximum value. At the maximum, the current can be increased to a level that results in immediate failure of the LED. One embodiment of the invention is about 35 kV, 40 kV, 45 mV, 50 mV, 55 mV, 60 mV, 65 mV, 70 mV, 75 mV, 80 mV, 90 mV, 100 mV, 150 mV and / or 200 mV. > / And / or about 700 ㎃, 600 ㎃, 500 ㎃, 400 ㎃, 300 ㎃, 250 ㎃, 200 ㎃, 150 ㎃, 100 ㎃, 90 ㎃, 80 ㎃, 75 ㎃, 70 ㎃, 65 ㎃, 60 ㎃ , Standard LEDs that achieve desired brightness and / or FDRT through continuous forward currents of less than 55 mA, 50 mA, 45 mA, 40 mA and / or 35 mA. In one embodiment, the minimum continuous current level may be the maximum continuous current defined for the case of continuous operation, and the maximum continuous current level may be approximately the current that results in immediate failure of the LED. Although the brightness and / or FDRT increases as the current increases, there is a point where this correlation levels out so that no further current increase leads to an increase in brightness and / or FDRT. This exact point depends on the nature and design of the LED. In addition, over time, as the LED is exposed to a current beyond the range recommended by the manufacturer, the brightness and / or FDRT begins to decrease. One way of maintaining the desired brightness and / or FDRT includes, but is not limited to, further increasing the current to maintain the same brightness and / or FDRT. Although the current to the standard LED is increased to achieve the desired brightness and / or FDRT, the current used is still lower than the current typically used for high power non-standard LEDs. Therefore, the heat generated by the standard LEDs does not raise the temperature of the tooth surface above about 43 ° C.

In a standard driver design, stabilizing the current of the LED partially stabilizes the brightness and / or FDRT over time, since the current remains the same as the LED attenuation. However, when the LED is attenuated, current may need to be increased to maintain the same level of brightness and / or FDRT. One way to maintain a constant brightness and / or FDRT when the LED is attenuated is to measure the brightness and / or FDRT emitted from the LED with the built-in sensor and adjust the current according to the measured value. By regulating the current when the LED is attenuated, the illuminated electric toothbrush will continue to supply light at a particular brightness and / or FDRT over time. Another method of not including an embedded sensor and maintaining substantially the same brightness and / or FDRT is to include a timing circuit that increases the current into the LED over time when the LED is attenuated. This may maintain a substantially constant brightness and / or FDRT by simple design and at minimal additional cost. Suitable voltage or current drivers for use in the present invention are ZXSC310 single or multi-cell LED drivers manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK.

20 illustrates another means of achieving levels of brightness and / or FDRT in a sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush by including more than one light emitter, such as multiple dice. The embodiment below shows an LED having two semiconductor substrates that emit light, such as a dice, but it is contemplated that the LED may comprise more than two dice. This embodiment 1500 includes a lens 1503, which is a single light output unit, one anode lead wire 1521, and one cathode lead wire 1509. However, this single standard LED package includes more than one light emitter and more than one semiconductor substrate, and may have more than two leads. All light from the light source is combined to be a single light output at the lens 1503 of the LED package 1500. The single LED package 1500 has multiple light emitting dice 1505 and 1517 and wire bonding 1507 and 1520. Embodiment 1500 illustrates a connection between dice 1505, 1520. This connection may be a parallel connection or a serial connection. 21 shows multiple dice connected in series. This embodiment 1600 includes a lens 1603, which is a single light output unit, and one anode lead wire 1609 and one cathode lead wire 1627. However, this single standard LED package includes more than one dice 1605 and 1617 with separate pedestals 1637 and 1639 respectively. The dice are connected in series, and the wire bonding 1611 connects the top of the dice 1605 to the bottom of the dice 1615, and the wire bonding 1620 connects the top of the dice 1617 to the negative lead wire 1627. . All light from the light source is combined to be a single light output at the lens 1603 of the LED package 1600. 22 shows multiple dice connected in parallel. The embodiment 1700 of the present invention includes a lens 1703 that is a single light output unit, one anode lead wire 1709, and one cathode lead wire 1727. The dice are connected in parallel, the wire bonding 1720 connects the top of the dice 1705 to the top of the dice 1725, and the wire bonding 1707 connects the top of the dice 1725 to the top of the common cathode lead wire 1727. To. All light from the light source is combined to be a single light output at the lens 1703 of the LED package 1700. In another embodiment 1800 of this multi-die LED (shown in FIG. 23), the LED is a lens 1803, two semiconductor substrates, dice 1805, 1817, shown as connected in parallel, wire bonding. 1819 and 1821, one anode lead wire 1833 and two cathode lead wires 1831 and 1835. This LED also emits light from lens 1803, which is a single light output. Each dice has individual pedestals 1837 and 1839. In addition, it is contemplated that the LED may include two positive lead wires and one negative lead wire, and the LEDs of this embodiment may be connected in series. Additionally, the LED may include more than two semiconductor substrates having luminescent properties, and the LED may include more than two lead wires. LEDs may have common or shared leads and may have separate leads for each semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties. In addition, each semiconductor substrate having luminescent properties may be individually powered by a separate power source such as a battery.

These dice can be electrically connected in parallel or in series. If they are connected in series, all current considerations are the same as for one single dice. The total voltage will be approximately nx V _i , where n = number of dice and V _i = forward voltage for a single dice. If the dice are connected in parallel, the total current will be approximately nx I _i and the total voltage will be approximately the voltage of a single dice. The serial connection works well because it controls the difference between dice. When dice are connected in series, they automatically adjust their forward voltage so that their brightness and / or FDRT are very close. In either arrangement, the two dice 'LEDs have a brightness and / or FDRT of approximately 1.6 × P _i , where P _i is the brightness and / or FDRT of a single dice. LED of the three dice it will have a luminous intensity and / or FDRT of about 2.26 x P _i. (Interference between dice may prevent the luminosity and / or FDRT calculation from being multiplied by the number of dice. These dice may supply light of the same color, or they may have light of different colors. However, if each individual light emitter emits the same light, the luminance and / or FDRT of this color of light from such one single LED is greater than a single standard LED emitting one color of light. The light emitter can emit light having a wavelength of about 440 to about 480 nm A single LED can also emit light of different colors, such as greater than about 370, 380, 390, 400, 425, 440, 450, 475, 480 and And / or two dice that emit light of a wavelength selected from the range of less than about 500 nanometers.The dice may also emit light of different wavelengths within the same color range, for example The dice can be chosen to be able to emit light with different wavelengths that become blue, and the combination of different wavelengths of light at a single light output (lens) of the LED will be a specific combination of colors to achieve oral care gain. For example, two different compositions can be applied to the teeth, each of which reacts with light of different wavelengths, in addition, different wavelengths of light can form different reactions in the oral cavity, one Of light can kill bacteria and light of other wavelengths can whiten teeth.Some colors are difficult to achieve by light of a single wavelength, and the present invention produces light of one of these unique colors. Therefore, the combination of different colors in a single light output can form a color that cannot be achieved by one dice alone. Therefore, the use of different colors can be achieved with one or more oral care benefits can not be achieved single wavelength of a single color.

Another means for achieving the brightness and / or FDRT of the illuminated powered toothbrush of the present invention includes providing a discontinuous or pulsed current to the LED to form pulsed or discontinuous light. Such embodiments of the invention may be greater than about 100 Hz, 125 Hz, 150 Hz, 175 Hz, 200 Hz, 225 Hz, 250 Hz, 275 Hz, 300 Hz, 325 Hz, 350 Hz and / or greater than 375 Hz and / or about 900 ㎃, 800 ㎃, 700 ㎃, 600 ㎃, 500 ㎃, 400 ㎃, 375 ㎃, 350 ㎃, 325 ㎃, 300 ㎃, 275 ㎃, 250 ㎃, 225 ㎃, 200 ㎃, 175 ㎃, 150 ㎃, 125 ㎃ And / or standard LEDs that provide the desired brightness and / or FDRT levels with pulsed forward currents of less than 100 mA. In one embodiment, the pulsed forward current is approximately above the maximum current defined in the case of pulsed operation and is approximately below the current causing an immediate failure of the LED. The minimum intensity and / or FDRT of the light pulse may be of continuous light, and the maximum intensity and / or FDRT is Pc / Q, where Pc is the intensity and / or FDRT of the continuous light and Q is the repetition rate ratio. The repetition rate ratio is the duration of the pulse divided by the time period between the pulses. The repetition frequency ratio of the present invention is from about 0.01, 0.10, 0.25, 0.40 and / or 0.50 to about 0.50, 0.60 0.75, 0.80 and / or 0.99. The frequency of the light pulse can be from about 0.01 Hz, 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 100 Hz, 500 Hz or 1 MHz to about 1 MHz, 10 MHz, 100 MHz, 500 MHz, 1 GHz or 10 GHz. The current amplitude for the pulsed operation of the LED may be about I _maxp to about 10 I _maxp , where I _maxp is the absolute maximum current specified for pulsed operation, or about I _max to about 20 I _map . Where I _max is the maximum current specified for continuous operation. By pulsing the current into the LED, the power dissipation of the LED is reduced, thus extending battery life as well as increasing light brightness and / or light intensity and / or FDRT. Improved battery life and increased brightness may vary depending on the nature and design of the LED.

In each of the foregoing embodiments, the LEDs are disposed in, on, under, or immediately adjacent to the movable and / or stationary bristle holders so that the light is directed onto the brushing area as efficiently as possible. In addition, the LEDs are preferably arranged such that the main light emission direction is generally perpendicular to the top surface of the bristle holder and / or substantially parallel to the direction of the bristle of the bristle holder. In other words, the LED is preferably arranged such that the centerline 90 of the LED is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the head and / or bristle holder. Centerline 90 typically passes through the lens 92 or opening of the LED. When the LEDs are placed in, on or under the movable and / or stationary bristle holders, there may be substantially no bristles in the cylindrical area or volume about the centerline 90 of the LEDs. The area substantially free of bristles may be larger and / or smaller depending on the size of the toothbrush head and / or the number of bristles removed within the area surrounding the LEDs. Areas substantially free of bristles are greater than about 0.55, 0.60, 0.63, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, 0.74, 0.76, 0.80, 0.85, 0.90 and / or 1.0 cm and / or about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3 , 1.25, 1.20, 1.15, 1.10, 1.05 and / or less than 1.0 cm. However, it is preferred that the movable bristle holder still have at least one ring of bristles surrounding the LED as shown by the example of FIG. 7. However, additional bristle bundles or inner rings of bristle bundles may be provided.

For tooth decolorization as well as other applications, it may often be desirable to use LEDs that provide a substantially or substantially uniform distribution of radiation measurement power such that each tooth receives a generally equal amount of radiation measurement power across the tooth surface. . Therefore, embodiments of the toothbrush of the present invention include a light emitting pattern having a Lambertian or bell-shaped pattern, such as the pattern shown as an example of FIG. 15. Other radiation patterns, such as bat-wing patterns, may also be used. However, as noted above, LEDs can provide a wide range of light emission patterns in accordance with the present invention.

An example of a commercially available light-based responsive output element useful for caries treatment is the Super Bright Red LED available under the designation number W53SRC / F from Kingbright Corporation, City of Industry, California. )to be.

The bristles of the bristle holders can be arranged to minimize interference with light emitted from the LEDs. The bristles may be at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and / or 1.0 cm in height and / or less than about 2.0, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1 and / or 1.0 cm. However, it is contemplated that the toothbrush of the present invention may utilize a bristle arrangement or material that interacts with light emitted from the LED. For example, the top surface of the bristles and / or bristle holders disposed immediately adjacent to the LEDs may include a reflective coating, such as nickel or chromium, and may help direct light away from the head and towards the tooth surface. Alternatively, bristles near the LEDs may be formed from transparent or translucent materials to further enhance the transmission of light to the brushing area. The bristles may also be colored, colored or dyed to generally match the color of the light emitted by the LEDs. In this way, the bristles will reflect without absorbing the light emitted by the LEDs. It is also possible to use the use of a reflective shield that helps direct light towards the tooth or gum surface disposed around or near the LED.

In one embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the radiated light is emitted in a direction other than the direction towards the hard tissue of the tooth. This can be achieved by the light emitting toothbrush of the present invention by emitting radiation in a direction other than that indicated by the cross-sectional area defined by the bristles or the periphery surrounding the extension thereof.

In other embodiments, light radiation may be directed in multiple directions from the same oral appliance. For example, the light emitting toothbrush of the present invention may comprise two groups of LEDs, such that one group may radiate in a direction substantially parallel to the bristles while the other group may radiate in the opposite direction.

The direction in which light radiation is emitted can be controlled in various ways. In one embodiment, the light radiation source may be arranged such that the radiation generated by the radiation source travels toward the target tissue. This can be accomplished by positioning the light radiation source at or near the surface of the oral appliance and placing the surface adjacent to the target tissue. In other embodiments, optical elements, such as reflective or refractive elements, may be coupled to the radiation source to selectively direct radiated light emitted by the radiation source. The optical element may comprise a rotatable mirror, prism and / or diffuser, for example directing light radiation towards the target tissue. For example, a light emitting toothbrush in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention provides a radiation source optically coupled to a rotatable mirror that can direct radiation emitted by the radiation source in a direction substantially along or opposite to the plurality of bristles. It may include.

In addition to providing single or multi-directional light emission, the sensor responsive light based output toothbrush of the present invention can provide single or multi-band light emission. For example, certain treatment regimens include blue monochromatic (center wavelength of 400-430 nm), green monochromatic (center wavelength of 540-560 nm), red monochromatic (center wavelength of 620-635, 660), or NIR monochromatic ( Single wavelength band, such as a center wavelength of 800-810 nm). Alternatively, a combination of these or other different wavelength bands may be applied, including two, three or more different bands of light emission. For example, two different wavelength bands can be employed to more effectively treat the same condition or to treat two different conditions.

Many different wavelength bands can be achieved in a variety of ways. In one embodiment of the invention, a broadband radiation source is used with the optical element to filter out unwanted wavelengths. For example, a filter or niter may remove all wavelengths from the broad spectrum except for the blue and red portions of the spectrum. In other embodiments of the invention, multiple different bands can be achieved by multiple radiation sources, each providing a desired band of light emission. In another embodiment, a single radiation source can be used that produces multiple different bands. By way of example, a single LED may be used to generate two or more different wavelength bands. The conversion of radiant energy into fluorescence can be employed to generate additional wavelengths. As another example, a diode pumped fiber laser can be used to generate two wavelengths, one corresponding to a diode laser pumping the fiber and the other corresponding to the fiber laser wavelength.

In some embodiments of a sensor responsive toothbrush, it may be desirable to vary the wavelength band. This can be accomplished by the light emitting toothbrush of the present invention by using a removable head portion. Each head portion may comprise a radiation source that produces light of a different wavelength. The user can then select the desired wavelength band by selecting removable head portions. Alternatively, the handle portion may comprise a broadband light source and the removable head portion may comprise a filter for separating the desired wavelength band. In other embodiments, one or more multi-color LEDs may be provided that may emit different wavelengths depending on the voltage input or are provided with electrical lead wire power. For example, a single LED may emit a wavelength suitable for bleaching and bacterial treatment. Controllers in the toothbrush can change the current, voltage, and / or power paths to the LEDs to provide different preset wavelengths and intensities based on detected sensor inputs or user selected therapies and desired associated response outputs. A multi-color LED that may be suitable for use in the present invention is model number W154A4SUKPBVGKC, available from Kingbright Electronic Co., Ltd. (91789 City of Industry Brea Canyon Road 225, California). This is a three color LED (red @ 635 nm, blue @ 470 nm and green @ 525 nm). Three LEDs in one package have one common cathode and three separate anodes. Color selection is provided by applying a voltage to a particular anode.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention may include a reflective surface to provide more efficient radiation to tissue. When the emitted light is supplied to the target area, some emitted light may be reflected by the tissue surface, causing a lost radiation. To reduce this reflected energy, the toothbrush may include a highly reflective surface that returns at least a portion of the reflected radiation back to the tissue. For example, luminescent toothbrushes include reflective surfaces to increase radiant light supply efficiency. The tissue facing the surface of the luminescent toothbrush may similarly be reflective.

As noted above, the light-based output (s) of the sensor-responsive toothbrush of certain embodiments can dissipate or generate heat in the oral cavity. LEDs, laser diodes or microlamps can generate up to 20 times higher thermal energy than the optical energy generated. To accommodate unwanted wasted heat, the sensor responsive luminescent toothbrush may include a heat transfer and / or cooling mechanism. For example, the head portion of the exemplary light emitting toothbrush can be formed at least partially of a thermally conductive material to dissipate the heat generated by the radiation source. For example, the head portion may comprise a head frame constructed from a material having high thermal conductivity and / or good heat capacity and thermally coupled to the radiation source to extract heat therefrom. This frame can extend to the outer surface of the head, so that it can contact the needle or tissue during use of the toothbrush. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of materials, such as metals including aluminum, copper or alloys thereof, ceramics, and plastics with high thermal conductivity components such as carbon fibers, can provide the necessary heat transfer. In one embodiment, heat is removed by heat transfer from the frame to adjacent tissue and / or saliva in contact with the light emitting toothbrush. Such heat may be employed for proper heating of the paste applied to the oral tissue and / or a portion of the oral tissue to provide additional or improved therapeutic effects.

In another embodiment, the sensor responsive phototherapy toothbrush may include a heat transfer element that transfers heat generated by the radiation source to a reservoir where phase transfer material can be stored. Phase transfer materials, such as ice, wax or other suitable materials, absorb heat to change their phase, such as from liquid to gas or from solid to liquid, thereby dissipating heat. Preferably, the phase transfer material has a melting or evaporating temperature in the range of about 30 to 50 ° C.

While examples of heat transfer elements discussed above relate to light emitting toothbrushes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that heat transfer elements may be used in any oral appliance of the present invention. In particular, these heat transfer elements may be provided for storage or transfer of heat from a radiation source in a light emitting mouthpiece to adjacent tissue, handles and / or surrounding environments.

In some embodiments, the sensor responsive luminescent toothbrush can include a heater, for example, to heat the target portion of the oral cavity while therapeutic radiation is applied to the target portion. Thermal treatment is useful in some treatment regimens and provides an additive or symbiotic effect when combined with phototherapy.

In some embodiments, the heating is provided by a radiation source. In one embodiment of the invention, the heater is a radiation source that generates therapeutic radiation, such as a radiation source separate from the radiation source. In other embodiments, the heating may be provided by the same radiation source used to provide therapeutic radiation. For example, in such embodiments, the radiation source may generate broadband radiation or two or more bandwidths of radiation, such that at least one bandwidth is suitable for heating the oral tissue. Alternatively, multiple radiation sources can be used, at least one of which provides radiated light within a wavelength range suitable for deep heating of the tissue. Exemplary deep heating radiation includes radiation having a wavelength in the range of about 0.38 to about 0.6 microns or in the range of about 0.8 or 100 microns. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of electric and non-electric heaters may be used with the oral appliance of the present invention.

Depending on the desired treatment regimen, the light radiation supplied from the oral device of the present invention may be selectively directed to various areas of the oral cavity.

C. Chemical-Based Response

As described in more detail herein, various embodiments of sensor-responsive toothbrushes with chemical-based outputs are used exclusively with chemical-based outputs, or other responses, such as light-based responsive outputs. Expression output can be provided. For example, LEDs can be used to prepare responsive agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) for improving or promoting the whitening function of the composition by examining the brushing area for tooth whitening, in particular before, during or after application of the whitening composition. It can also be used with the whitening composition containing. As previously discussed, the chemical based responsive output can be automatically distributed by the toothbrush upon detection of the associated sensor input, which indicates the processing by the desired chemical responsive output. Dispensing of the composition may be initiated automatically by the toothbrush in response to sensed sensor input or in response to a user selected therapy as discussed previously. The controller may initiate dispensing, for example, by providing power to the motor driven pump for a preset time.

The responsive output associated with tooth whitening will now be described in more detail. Colors in organic compounds are generally due to chromophores, which are unsaturated groups that can undergo π electron transitions. Light activates the chromophore chromophore (goes through electron transfer) and reduces the activation energy barrier, making the chromophore more sensitive to attack by decolorants. In other words, activation of a color body through light may enhance peroxide decolorization. Similarly, chromophore chromophores become more sensitive to abrasive whitening because of the light treatment leading to faster and better whitening. The bleaching agent penetrates into the pores in the enamel and dentin, so that color pigments of both exogenous and endogenous can be degraded and removed.

A wide variety of tooth whitening compositions can be used in combination with the sensor responsive electric toothbrushes described herein. The tooth whitening composition may contain a bleaching agent, an abrasive, a pH adjusting agent or any other agent which acts on the chromophore of the tooth by mechanical or chemical action or a combination thereof. The tooth whitening composition may be provided in solution, paste, gel, viscous liquid, solid form, or other suitable form. Exemplary bleaching agents include oxygen radicals or hydrogen radical generating compounds such as peroxides free of metal ions, organic peroxides, and metal ion containing peroxides. Specific non-limiting examples of bleaching agents include peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxy acids, persulfates, compounds that form the aforementioned compounds in situ, and combinations thereof. Suitable peroxide compounds include hydrogen peroxide, urea peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide. Suitable metal chlorites include calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite and mixtures thereof. Additional bleaching agents also include hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment, the bleaching agent is selected from sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium percarbonate, oxone and mixtures thereof. Starting bleaching agents may be aqueous or solid materials.

As discussed above, various embodiments of sensor responsive electric toothbrushes can be used in combination with the whitening composition. Representative methods for whitening teeth are as follows. After obtaining the sensor responsive toothbrush and the composition, the toothbrush is used in the oral cavity. Conditions such as discolored tooth surfaces are detected or detected with a toothbrush. Subsequently, a chemical based output that is in the form of dispensing an appropriate amount of whitening composition from the toothbrush is activated. The composition is applied to the tooth surface, ie the tooth to be whitened. Preferably, such application is effected by discharging the composition from the bristle holder of the toothbrush, followed by delivery of the composition to the desired surface to be whitened. In general, this latter step is carried out in a manner similar to brushing teeth. This process includes a first audible signal that alerts the user that an associated sensor input has been detected, followed by a second audible signal that may or may not be identical to the first audible signal that alerts the user that a responsive output has been initiated. It may be accompanied. A third audible signal (which may or may not be the same as the first and / or second audible signal) may be generated to alert the user of the completion of the response output. Upon listening to the first audible signal, the user may optionally concentrate the brushing in the oral cavity area provided with the first audible signal until the time at which the third audible signal is provided. Alternatively, the tooth whitening composition may be brushed, applied or applied to the teeth using an applicator strip on the toothbrush, from which the composition is dispensed. The toothbrush may also include a light based output, which is then activated and the light emitted therefrom is directed to the applied composition. It will be appreciated that the various whitening techniques of the present invention include various strategies in which light is directed to the tooth surface prior to, during, and after application of the composition to the tooth surface. Preferably, the brushing operation is then carried out while continuously radiating light on the composition applied to the target tooth surface.

This whitening process is merely exemplary. The present invention encompasses a wide range of whitening techniques. In addition, it is contemplated that conventional brushing operations may be performed prior to, during or after the whitening operation.

The oral care substance includes a level of active agent that promotes the effect desired by the user without damaging the oral surface applied when used according to the instructions. Examples of oral conditions that these active agents can cope with include changes in the appearance and structure of teeth, whitening, discoloration, pigmentation, plaque removal, tartar removal, caries prevention and treatment, gum inflammation and / or bleeding, mucosal wounds, lesions, ulcers , But not limited to, aphthous ulcers, cold sores, and tooth abscesses.

Teeth are complex biological structures. For pigmentation purposes, an important part of the dental structure is the crown. The outer layer of the crown consists of enamel, which is a calcified structure that varies from translucent to yellow-gray. Under the enamel is dentin, followed by the central core pulp cavity of the pulp. The enamel and dentin layers are porous. Pigments may migrate in these pores by diffusion from salivary glands due to the dynamic environment of the oral cavity.

Tooth discoloration experienced by consumers in teeth is mainly due to the color body in the tooth structure itself, and secondly due to accumulated exogenous pigment from food tannins, which are often also trapped in calculus. . Tooth discoloration occurs in both the enamel and dentin layers. The apparent color of the enameled crown is partly the result of the color of the underlying dentin. Discoloration may also result from tartar, which is a mineralized bacterial tooth plaque on the enamel surface. Tooth pigments are usually due to porphyrin compounds (derives of poppin) derived from dietary and food ingredients. Tooth stains may be produced by oral bacteria and may accumulate under enamel. Removal of exogenous and endogenous colorants is important for achieving a high degree of whitening, which is clinically measurable and consumer perceptible.

When the light emitted by the instrument is directly absorbed by the colored body present on and / or inside the tooth structure, the colored body (“chromophore”) enters an excited state. When excited, these chromophores undergo chemical reactions, resulting in loss of color and / or ease of removal. Alternatively, the photoreaction pathway may be initiated by having a photosensitizer capable of absorbing incident light energy and delivering energy to the chromophores and / or oxygen of the tooth structure in an excited state. Activated chromophores may react with other chemical reactants or the resulting free radicals may react with the chromophores in the ground state, making the chromophores less chromogenic. Depending on the conditions used, the active oxygen species may be singlet oxygen, superoxide, hydroxyl radicals, hydroperoxyl radicals, endoperoxides or mixtures thereof. In particular, the production of superoxides can be enhanced by the presence of amines or amides. In addition, a series of photosensitizers are known to promote the chemical action of active oxygen.

In addition, light can activate the chromophore of the chromophore (which undergoes electron transfer) and reduce the activation energy barrier, making the chromophore more sensitive to peroxide decolorants and other cleaning and whitening agents. Thus, activation of chromophores by light can enhance oral care benefits, such as tooth decoloration and / or whitening. Similarly, chromophore chromophores may become more sensitive to abrasive whitening because of the light treatment leading to faster and better whitening.

Chromophores (or photosensitizers) are useful as treatments for improving the photodynamic killing and photothermal killing of microorganisms and for whitening and whitening teeth. Chromophores include endogenous photoreceptors, which induce and / or enhance chain photochemical reactions to produce nitric oxide, singlet oxygen, and other radicals in tissues. Preferred chromophores include those that are non-toxic (chromophores that may be provided at predetermined concentrations, ie concentrations which do not act on bacteria or tissue at concentrations below that without certain light). Exemplary exogenous chromophores for use in the present invention include dyes: methylene blue, indocyanine green, AT.A-inducers of porphyrin in proliferating cells, mineral photocatalysts and photosensitizers: TiO ₂ , nanoparticles, fullerenes (fullerenes), tubulene, carbon black, and other similar treatments.

Endogenous chromophores are also present in oral and surrounding tissues. These chromophores are naturally occurring substances that produce radicals similar to the exogenous species described above when exposed to light radiation in the absorption zone. Exemplary endogenous chromophores include porphyrins such as protoporphyrins, coproporphyrins, and Zn-protoporphyrins. The absorption band of porphyrin comprises blue light and, to a lesser extent, green light and red light. Other endogenous chromophores include cytochromes such as cytogem and cytotoporphyrin, bilirubin and oxygen molecules.

A wide variety of tooth whitening materials can be used in combination with the powered toothbrushes described herein, in particular powered toothbrushes that include light based outputs. The tooth whitening material may include bleaching agents, abrasives, pH adjusting agents, chelating agents, surfactants, enzymes, solvents, polymers and photosensitizers or any other agent which acts on the chromophores of the tooth by mechanical or chemical action or combinations thereof. . The tooth whitening material may be provided in solution, paste, gel, viscous liquid, rinse, solid, or other suitable form.

These embodiments are useful for the treatment of tongue diseases, such as excessive bacterial growth. In other embodiments, luminescent components can be designed for the treatment of teeth, gums, and / or buccal tissue. In this embodiment, the light energy is selectively directed to the buccal (wall of the oral cavity), towards the gums, and towards the tooth tissue. In another embodiment, light emission from the luminescent mouthpiece may be directed towards the soft tissue under the tongue, or another part of the oral cavity, to support delivery of oral drugs or vitamins, for example. The drug or vitamin may be delivered to the mucosa through the opening, for example in liquid form, while the light source directs radiation onto the drug and mucosa. Such radiation may be selected to increase mucosal permeability for enhanced absorption and penetration of the drug into oral tissue. Alternatively, or in addition, radiation may activate the drug for a better therapeutic effect. Such drug delivery methods may be used in a medical office or at home.

1. Decolorant

Decolorants include peroxides, organic peroxides, and metal ion-containing peroxides that produce decolorizing activators such as oxygen radicals. Examples of bleaching agents include, but are not limited to, peroxides, metal chlorites, perborates, percarbonates, peroxy acids, persulfates, compounds which form the compounds described above in situ, and combinations thereof. Examples of peroxide compounds include, but are not limited to, hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the bleaching agent is carbamide peroxide. Metal chlorites include, but are not limited to, calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite and mixtures thereof. Further bleaching agents include hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment, the bleaching agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium percarbonate, oxone and mixtures thereof. Starting bleaching agents may be aqueous or solid materials. Peroxides, for example, penetrate into pores in enamel and dentin, thereby degrading and removing both endogenous and exogenous coloring.

The amount of bleach in the whitening or bleaching material may vary. For example, the bleaching agent may be present in an amount of about 3 to about 60 weight percent based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material. According to one particular embodiment, when the hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent, the hydrogen peroxide is from about 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60% by weight based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material and / Or in an amount of less than about 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5 weight percent, and in other embodiments in an amount of about 7 to about 15 weight percent. According to one particular embodiment, when the carbamide peroxide is a bleach, the carbamide peroxide is about 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material. From 60% by weight and / or in an amount less than about 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5% by weight. Radiant energy from the light emitting element can be applied while the tooth whitening material is in contact with the teeth, but light emitted from the light emitting element may also be applied before or after the application of the tooth whitening material.

In other embodiments, the whitening material may be in the form of a multicomponent system. For example, the whitening material may be sold or supplied as a two part system. This allows the components to be separated from each other prior to use and may promote increased bleaching efficacy and longer storage times.

In this particular embodiment, the two components, referred to herein as part 1 and part 2, may be mixed just prior to application. It is to be understood that this embodiment is intended to include formulations comprising more than two components. The whitening material may be used even after longer than 30 minutes of mixing, but some or most of its whitening effect may not be present due to peroxide decomposition.

The first component, part 1, may be gel or paste driven. Thickeners and / or fillers may be added to achieve this initiative. Part 1 may comprise one or more metal peroxides, in particular monovalent or divalent metals. Examples of peroxides include calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide and sodium peroxide, but are also suitable for use with other peroxides, including but not limited to peroxides of potassium, magnesium and strontium. In one embodiment, the peroxide is suspended or dispersed in the medium to form a mixture, which is about 5 wt% to about 40 wt% metal peroxide. In another embodiment, the peroxide is about 15 to about 30 weight percent peroxide, and in another embodiment the peroxide is about 20%. In alternative embodiments the mixture is about 2% to about 16% by weight peroxide, and in other embodiments the peroxide is about 6% to about 10% by weight peroxide. This component may further comprise one or more additives for altering rheology, texture, taste, aroma, color or other properties. Examples of additive components for use in part 1 include glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene and / or polypropylene glycol, water, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, alcohol is added to the medium.

In another embodiment, the metal peroxide of the first component, part 1, is suspended or dispersed in a liquid to form a mixture, which is about 8 wt% to about 25 wt% peroxide, in another embodiment about 8 wt% to about 15 Weight percent peroxide.

Part 2 comprises a solution of one or more acids in water or an aqueous solution, which may be modified to achieve the desired consistency, such as the gel or paste, by the addition of thickeners and / or fillers. Acids suitable for use in the present invention include organic acids including acetic acid, tartaric acid, phosphoric acid and citric acid. The total concentration of acid in Part 2 may be from about 30% to about 100% of the stoichiometric amount for converting the metal peroxide to its salts and hydrogen peroxide, and in other embodiments from about 50% to about 80% of the stoichiometric amount. Examples of thickening agents include xanthan gum, polyacrylic acid, and cellulose derivatives (eg, carboxymethylcellulose), and examples of fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, alumina, and powdered polyethylene or polypropylene or other polymers. . Thickeners and / or fillers are added in an amount sufficient to achieve the desired consistency. Such thickeners and fillers may also be used as additives in part 1. Additives for changing the rheology, texture, taste, aroma and color may also be present in part 2. Alcohol or other water miscible solvents may also be added to Part 2.

Portions 1 and 2 may vary in ratio from 1: 1 depending on the concentration of peroxide and acid, but may be mixed in equal proportions to form a whitening formulation.

Once combined, the peroxide of part 1 reacts with the aqueous acid of part 2 to produce hydrogen peroxide in situ. Whitening materials for use with the lighted toothbrushes described herein also include other suitable additives such as stabilizers, boosters, alkalizers, solvents, aromatizing agents, sweeteners, thickeners, tackifiers and moisturizers. You may. By way of example, suitable alkalizers for use are those whose alkalizing forces are potassium salts, xylitol, sweeteners such as saccharin, or derivatives of cyclomic acid, thickeners such as starch derivatives, xanthan gum, colloidal silica and the like. It may be altered by varying the amount of the substance and the moisturizing agent, eg glycerin, but includes sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine. Each one of the alkalizing additives, aromatizers, sweeteners and thickeners may be present in the gel material in an amount of about 0 to about 6% by weight relative to the total amount of the material, while the humectant is about 40 to about about the total amount of the material. It may be present in an amount of 80% by weight. The pH of the photoactivating material of the present invention may be about 4.5 to about 9.5, in other embodiments from about 5 to about 8, in other embodiments from about 5 to about 7, in other embodiments from about 5 to about 6.

The light activating composition of the present invention may contain a thickening agent. In one embodiment, the thickener (or viscosity modifier) may also function to increase the retention of the composition on the teeth. Viscosity modifiers may also function to control sedimentation in a manner that inhibits sedimentation and separation of the components or facilitates redispersion and may control the flowability of the composition. Viscosity modifiers are particularly useful for allowing decolorants or other oral care actives, which are present in particulate form, to continue to be suspended in the compositions of the present invention. Viscosity modifiers are from about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of the composition, from about 0.1% to about 10% in one embodiment, from about 1% to about 3% in another embodiment, from about 0.4% in another embodiment. To about 5%. Viscosity modifiers suitable in the present invention include natural and synthetic polymers and rubbers, such as cellulose derivatives (e.g., methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, etc.), carbomer polymers (e.g. Polyacrylic acid copolymers or homopolymers and copolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with polyalkenyl polyethers), karaya rubber, guar rubber, gelatin, algin, sodium alginate, chitosan, polyethylene oxide, acrylamide polymer, polyvinyl Alcohols, polyamines, polyquaternary compounds, ethylene oxide polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cationic polyacrylamide polymers and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the thickener is selected from homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with carbomers such as alkyl ethers of pentaerythritol or alkyl ethers of sucrose. Carbomer is B.F. Available as a Carbopol series from B.F. Goodrich. In one embodiment, Carbopol is Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956 and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment, the viscosity modifier is a hydrophobically modified carbomer. Hydrophobically modified carbomers can increase the retention on the tooth surface of the compositions and / or integrating carriers of the invention and, once applied on the tooth surface, can slow down the breakdown of the composition. Suitable carbomers modified with hydrophobicity include acrylate / C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymers such as Carbopol 1382, Carbopol 1342, Carbopol 1392, and Carbopol ETD 2020, all of which are available from BC Goodrich. Pemulen TR-1 and Pemulen TR-2-both are B.F. Available from Goodrich-acrylate / C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymers. In one embodiment, a mixture of hydrophobically modified carbomers and carbomers may be used. In another embodiment, carboxy functional silicones (diacids, monoacids) are used to increase the retention of bleach on the tooth.

Sensor responsive toothbrushes described herein and providing one or more chemical based outputs include, but are not limited to, almost all tooth whitening materials and / or US Pat. No. 6,488,914; US Patent No. 5,851,514; US Patent No. 4,980,152; US Patent No. 3,657,413; US Patent No. 4,983,380; US Patent No. 5,084,268; US Patent No. 5,171,564; US Patent No. 5,376,006; US Patent No. 5,645,428; US Patent No. 5,713,738; U.S. Re-licensed Patent No. RE 34,196; US Patent No. 5,122,365; US Patent No. 6,558,654; US Patent No. 6,555,020; US Patent No. 6,536,628; US Patent No. 6,533,582; US Patent No. 6,521,215; US Patent No. 6,514,543; US Patent No. 6,479,037; US Patent No. 6,447,757; U.S. Patent 5,891,453; US Patent No. 6,555,020; And materials such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,419,905, WO 03/007680, and US Patent Application No. 10 / 154,020. This material need not exhibit enhanced whitening function upon exposure to light. The gain may also be caused by simply applying the whitening material after exposing the tooth surface to light from the powered toothbrush. In addition, additional benefits may be attributed to greater brushing or cleaning efficacy, which results from illumination of the brushing site.

2. Non-Bleach Teeth Whitening and Pigmentation Remover

Additional active agents that provide oral care benefits, such as whitening and / or color removal, to the tooth include polymers, solvents, chelating agents, surfactants and / or enzymes and mixtures thereof. These active agents can activate chromophores and lead to whitening and / or color removal when used in combination with light emanating from the head of the powered toothbrush. In addition, some active agents, such as polymers, can serve as oral care carriers to deliver the active agents to the oral surface. Examples of polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl pyrrolidone / vinyl acetate copolymers (“PVP-VA”), carbopol, polyox resins, and / or silicones and mixtures thereof. The polymer may be from about 0, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 weight percent and / or about 90, based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or stain removal material , 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5% by weight may be added. Examples of solvents include hexamethyldisilazane ("HMDS"); Ethyl acetate ("EtAC"); Acetone; Poly dimethyl siloxane ("PDMS"); Hexane; And isododecane and mixtures thereof. Solvents are from about 0, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 weight percent and / or about 90, based on the total amount of tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or stain removal material , 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5% by weight may be added. Examples of chelating agents include pyrophosphates including tetrasodium pyrophosphate ("TSPP") and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate ("TKPP"); Glycine ("Gl-H"); Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid ("EDTA"); Ethane hydroxy diphosphonate ("EHDP"); And / or nitrilotriacetic acid ("NTA") and mixtures thereof. Chelating agents are less than about 0, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30% by weight and / or less than about 30, 20, 10, 5% by weight based on the total amount of tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or depigmenting material It can be added in an amount of. Examples of surfactants include sodium lauryl sulfate ("SLS"); Pluronic; Polyethylene oxide; Quaternary ammonium; And / or zwitterionic materials and mixtures thereof. The surfactant may be from about 0.1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50% by weight and / or from about 50, 40, 30, based on the total amount of tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or depigmenting material , 20, 10, 5% by weight may be added. Examples of enzymes include proteases; carbohydrate; Laccases; Glutox; And / or papain and mixtures thereof. The enzyme is from about 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5% by weight and / or about 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5% by weight based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or destaining material It can be added in an amount of%.

3. Photosensitizer

Boosters that aid or promote the action of the bleaching agent may include abrasives, metal catalysts and photosensitizers. Some of these photosensitizers may also be suitable for use with light-based responsive output in the treatment of bacteria, caries, or other diseases, some examples of which have been discussed previously. Factors such as the amount of time, intensity, and wavelength of the light-based responsive output may vary depending on the photosensitizer and the desired treatment. These boosters may be from about 0, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50, 60% by weight and / or about 60, based on the total amount of tooth whitening material in the tooth whitening and / or stain removal material It may be added in an amount of less than 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5% by weight. Suitable abrasives include silica, sodium carbonate, calcium phosphate and mixtures thereof. Metal catalysts include copper, iron, manganese and other transition metal ions. A series of photosensitizers are known to produce the chemical action of free radicals. These photosensitizers can absorb light at wavelengths of about 380 to about 700 nm and can be activated by the light. Photosensitizers or precursors thereof include chlorophyll, in particular chlorophyll a and b, bacterial chlorophyll; Rose bengal; Methylene blue; Zn phthalocyanine; Porphyrins, in particular hematopophyrin, europorphyrin, and complexes of tetraphenylporphyrin and Zn, Al, Si, Sn, phthalocyanine with Zn, Al, Si, Sn and Curcumin; Chlorine, in particular bacterialchlorine; Riboflavin; Bilirubin; Curcumin; EDTA; Diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DEPTA); NTA; EHDP; Ethylenediamine tetra (methylenephosphonic acid); And diethylenetriamine penta (methylenephosphonic acid). The photosensitizer is from about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10% by weight and / or from about 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5 to the tooth whitening material based on the total amount of the tooth whitening material , In amounts of less than 0.1% by weight. Superoxides employ any of the above photosensitizers in combination with electron donors such as amines and amides-EDTA, DTPA, diethylene triamine pentaphosphonic acid, triethanolamine, triethylamine, tryptophan, tyrosine or acetanilide. You can also create In other embodiments, nanometer scale zinc dioxide and titanium dioxide may be used as the photosensitizer.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the illuminated toothbrush and the whitening material to be “matched”. That is, if the whitening material exhibits light of a predetermined wavelength or a range of wavelengths, that is, an improvement or promotion of the whitening function upon exposure to the band, the wavelength of the light emitted from the light emitting unit of the toothbrush described herein is the same as the predetermined wavelength. Or substantially the same. For example, if a particular whitening material is recognized for use with the illumination toothbrush described herein, and if the material exhibits an improved effect upon exposure to light at peak wavelengths of 430 nm to 470 nm, the material The toothbrush to be used with may emit light having a wavelength within the range of 430 nm to 470 nm.

4. Additional Oral Care Actives

Other oral care actives that may be used in the present invention to provide oral care benefits include tin ions; Antimicrobial agents; Anti-plaque agents; Anti-inflammatory agents; Nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, oral nutritional supplements; Antioxidants; Antiviral agents; Analgesics and anesthetics; H-2 antagonists; And additional active agents, such as, but not limited to, insulins, steroids, herbs and other plant derived therapeutics, anti-neoplastic agents, and anti-gingivitis or gum care agents. These oral care actives are from about 0.01, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 weight percent and / or about 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1, based on the total amount of oral care material in the oral care material It may be added in an amount of 0.5% by weight.

5. Oral Care Carriers and Gelling Agents

The oral care material disclosed herein can include an oral care carrier acceptable for the oral cavity. In addition, some of the active agents disclosed herein may also act as oral care carriers. In some embodiments, oral care actives, such as polymers, are used as polymeric oral care carriers to deliver improved substantivity actives, and also adhere oral care actives to the desired oral surface. The delivery of the active agent to the desired oral surface can be enhanced. For some active agents, the longer the active agent remains on the oral care surface, the greater the benefit in the oral cavity that can be delivered. In one embodiment, the oral care active agent is photoactivated, thus allowing more exposure of the oral care active agent to light by the use of a polymer that increases the persistence of the active agent on the oral surface. The oral care gain may be increased by increasing the exposure time to light. Oral care carriers include one or more compatible solid or liquid filler diluents or encapsulating materials, which are suitable for topical oral administration, and can enhance the delivery of oral care actives to the oral surface. Oral care carriers must be compatible with the active agents used in this material, and as used herein, "compatibility" means that the components of the sugar material interact in a manner that substantially reduces the stability and / or efficacy of the material. This means that it can be mixed without. In particular, oral care carriers can include polymeric carriers such as those described in US Pat. No. 6,682,722 and US Pat. No. 6,589,512 and US Patent Application Nos. 10 / 424,640 and US Patent Application No. 10 / 430,617. Examples of suitable polymers for use in the present invention include silicone rubbers and resins, especially silicone resins having a molecular weight of about 1000 to about 10,000; Dicarboxyl functionalized polyorganosiloxanes; One or a mixture of vinyl pyrrolidone monomers (particularly a copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone with vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate or vinyl butyrate) is selected from the C1-C19 alkyl carboxylic acid C2-C12 alkenyl ester monomers. Water soluble or water dispersible copolymers prepared by copolymerization with one or mixtures thereof; Carbopol; Gantrez; And / or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

In one embodiment of the invention, the polymer carrier is at least one siloxane polymer functionalized with carboxylic acid groups as an essential component for application to polar surfaces such as teeth, ceramics, skin, fabrics, hair, glass and paper. It includes. This material comprises at least about 0.1% by weight of the carboxy functionalized siloxane polymer in a formulation that effectively deposits the carboxy functionalized siloxane polymer on the treated surface. The polymers of the present invention comprise anionic pendant moieties comprising hydrophobic siloxane backbones and carboxyl groups and have the ability to be deposited onto surfaces from aqueous based formulations, such as cleaning and detergent materials, and essentially non-aqueous formulations. The materials of the present invention comprising carboxy functionalized siloxane polymers form a substantially hydrophobic coating on the treated surface when applied to a suitable surface, which has the property of prolonged residence time at that surface.

Carboxyfunctionalized siloxane polymers useful in the present invention are thought to themselves attach to polar surfaces to form a coating thereon by electrostatic interaction, ie cation or some other positively charged pendant carboxyl groups on the treated surface. It is thought to form a complex between the sites. For example, for oral use, carboxyl groups are thought to interact with calcium ions present in the teeth. In the case of cloth, the interaction can occur with calcium ions or cellulosic groups, with hair or skin, with protein residues, and with glass or ceramics with calcium or other metal ions. As such, the carboxyl group serves to modify the surface hydrophobicly by fixing the siloxane polymer backbone onto the surface.

The functional pendant from the polysiloxane backbone contains two carboxyl groups, thereby improving the deposition and retention properties of the polymer on surfaces such as teeth, particularly including positively charged calcium ions. The interaction between the carboxyl group and the tooth surface is actually an electrostatic interaction in which the anionic carboxyl group complexes with the positively charged calcium ions.

Dicarboxylic acid functionalized polyorganosiloxanes useful in the present invention have the formula:

X (R ⁴ R ⁵ Si O) p (R ⁶ A Si O) q Y

Wherein the X end group represents a triorganosiloxane end group of the formula R ¹ R ² R ³ SiO—, or a Z end group, wherein Z represents —OH;

The Y end group represents a triorganosilyl end group of the formula -SiR ³ R ² R ¹ , or a W end group, wherein W represents -H;

Each of R ¹ to R ^6, which may be the same or different, represents a linear or branched C 1 -C 8 alkyl or phenyl radical, preferably methyl;

A is the following formula:

Dicarboxylic acid radical,

Wherein B is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl radicals having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and represents an alkylene moiety having 2 to 30, preferably 3 to 8 carbon atoms,

R 'represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having 1 to 30 carbon atoms,

E is an alkylene moiety which is absent or is optionally substituted with one or more alkyl radicals having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and has 1 to 5, preferably 1 to 3 carbon atoms,

M represents a dicarboxylic acid radical of H, a cation or an alkyl radical optionally substituted with a hydroxy or alkoxy group and having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

p is an average value ranging from 0 to 1000, preferably 0 to 500, more preferably 5 to 200;

q is an average value of 1 to 100, preferably 1 to 50;

The ratio of the number of Z and W end groups to the total number of X and Y end groups ranges from 0/100 to 75/100, preferably 0/100 to 30/100.

In one embodiment, the p / q ratio is from 1/3 to 99/1 (corresponding to 1-75% of pendant discrete groups as compared to the siloxane units), and in other embodiments the p / q ratio is from 1/1 to 10/1. Products in which Z is -OH and / or Y are H are by-products.

Cationic salts of dicarboxy radicals include alkali metal (sodium, potassium, lithium) salts, alkaline earth metal (calcium, barium) salts, unsubstituted or substituted ammonium (methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, or tetramethylammonium, Dimethylpiperidinium) salts or may be derived from alkanolamines (monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine).

In addition to the mono- or diester derivatives (M = alkyl) of the dicarboxy radicals, the present invention includes amides and diamide derivatives.

The dicarboxy functionalized siloxane polymers of the invention are generally polyalkylhydro with the aid of an effective amount of hydrosilylation metal catalyst (platinum) as described, for example, in US Pat. Nos. 3,159,601, 3,159,662 and 3,814,730. It is prepared by hydrosilylation of an alpha-olefin anhydride that is a precursor of a gensiloxane and a dicarboxy A group, followed by hydrolysis of the anhydride group.

In particular, with respect to the delivery of bleaching agents from oral care substances such as toothpastes or mouthwashes, the polymers of the invention having pendant parts comprising a hydrophobic polysiloxane backbone and a dicarboxyl group have a pronounced whitening effect, especially with repeated use of the substance. It is uniquely suited to assisting in the delivery and retention of bleach on the tooth for a time sufficient to provide a whitening benefit. Thus, the process of the present invention using a persistent polymer that deposits and retains bleaching agents for extended contact times represents a novel approach.

In another embodiment, the polymer is a vinyl pyrrolidone (VP) / vinyl acetate (VA) copolymer, which has a weight ratio of VP / VA of 60/40, an average molecular weight ranging from about 1000 to about 1,000,000, and BASF Corporation ( Available from BASF Corp. and ISP. Copolymers having a VP / VA ratio of about 30/70 to about 90/10 are also suitable.

The oral care material of the present invention may be in many forms, including gels, in particular aqueous gels. Gels are high viscosity matrices formed from gelling agents. If gel form is used, gelation may be used. Gelling agents that can be used in the present invention are safe for oral use, do not readily dissolve in saliva, and do not react with or inactivate the oral care compound incorporated into the gelling agent. Generally, the gelling agent is a swellable polymer. Suitable gelling agents for use in the present invention include carboxypolymethylene, carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamer, carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural rubbers such as karaya rubber, xanthan rubber, Guar rubber, gum arabic, tragacanth rubber and mixtures thereof. The gelling agent is from about 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15% by weight and / or about the total amount of the oral care material in the form of a gel in the oral care material, in particular in the oral whitening material It may be added in an amount of less than 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5% by weight.

Another treatment agent that may be used in the present invention is an optical coupling agent. These compounds increase light access into underlying tissue by reducing the amount of light scattered at the tissue surface. Exemplary optical coupling agents include glycerol; Glucose; Propylene glycol; Polyethylene glycol; Polyethylene glycol; x-ray contrast agents (Trazograph-60, Trazograph-76, Verogrann-60, Verografin-76, and Hypaque-60); Proteins (hemoglobin, albumin); And combinations thereof. In addition, optical coupling agents can be used with additives such as ethanol and water (eg, ethanol, glycerol and water).

Additional treatments include desensitizing agents (eg, sodium citrate and potassium nitrate); Gelling agents (eg, sodium chloride and glycerol), tacky matrix materials (eg, CARBOPPOL 974 NF); And conventional creamy toothpastes. Substances that stabilize or adjust pH levels in the oral cavity may also be added as treatments.

6. Examples

The following examples further illustrate preferred embodiments within the scope of the invention. These examples are presented for purposes of illustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the invention as many variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all components are expressed as weight percentages of the composition.

Cream  Toothpaste / Toothpaste Example

The toothpaste composition which concerns on this invention is illustrated below. These compositions were prepared by conventional methods.

Example  Set 1

Example set 2

Oral Wash Solution Example

The oral cleaning liquid composition which concerns on this invention is illustrated below. These compositions were prepared by conventional methods.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Gel Example

The gel composition according to the present invention is illustrated below. These compositions were prepared by conventional methods.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

7. Chemical-Based Response Output Elements and Devices

Various structures and mechanisms suitable for use in the present invention for dispensing the composition as chemical based responsive output will now be described. There is an apparatus for the delivery of oral care material to the oral surface, including but not limited to the dispensing or releasing of oral care material from a sensor responsive toothbrush. Generally, sensor responsive toothbrushes using chemical based outputs have a reservoir or container defined within the body or housing of the toothbrush that includes one or more oral care materials. This material may be in the form of a liquid, gas, semisolid or other suitable form. Preferably, the material is in flowable form and / or under pressure, such as a solution or gel, to assist with the discharge or release from the toothbrush. The oral care material may in certain embodiments be in the form of a solid, such as granular pellets, preferably in the form of small particulates. It is also contemplated to use one or more micro pumps to deliver oral care material from the toothbrush to the oral cavity. One or more oral care substances may be dispensed from the sensor responsive toothbrush along the toothbrush at almost any location, but preferably the dispensing occurs in the head and / or neck area of the toothbrush. Dispensing can occur through one or more orifices or openings provided in the housing or through a component such as a bristle carrier along the exterior of the housing. In another embodiment, the oral care material is delivered to the oral surface by a delivery system comprising a strip of material that is exposed or accessible along the outside of the toothbrush. The oral care substance is applied or coated onto a strip of material. This oral care material may be coated uniformly and continuously on a strip of material. Alternatively, the oral care material may be a laminate or separated layer of components, an amorphous mixture of components, separate stripes or spots or other patterns of other components, or an oral cavity along a portion of a material strip. Combinations of these structures, including a continuous coating of care material.

The sensor responsive toothbrush described herein can provide a chemical based output, which can dispense one or more oral care compositions. For such embodiments, the toothbrush can utilize a dispensing system that includes one or more cartridges, each of which includes a particular oral care composition.

The cartridge may be manually driven or motorized to dispense the oral composition material directly onto the applicator of the toothbrush or through an applicator or through an passage in the toothbrush. Preferably, such dispensing is motorized and controlled by a controller, but it is contemplated that a signal can be provided to the user to provide a responsive output, for example by dispensing the composition by manually pumping the composition. The applicator can be a bristle, a knob-shaped, coarse to contact the tooth / gum or other device, such as a hollow dispensing tube, sponge, and / or nub (tooth / gum) for direct application of material onto a toothbrush. Any suitable device for applying a material, including a shaped or multi-shaped surface) to a tooth or other device. Such dispensing systems generally also include cartridge holders and dispensing actuators as knobs, buttons or similar means.

Any suitable reservoir or cartridge may be used in the present invention. It should be appreciated that the reservoir or cartridge used may be entirely or partially inside the dispensing system or completely or partially outside of the system and may not be removed from the system. The reservoir or cartridge used may also be a disposable article that is permanent for this system or that includes a single use disposable reservoir. Non-limiting examples of suitable reservoirs include volumetric reservoirs with generally hard walls, such as cartridges, and generally soft walls, such as sachets, bladder, and blisters. It also includes a pump scavenging reservoir.

The dispensing amount of any particular cartridge may be adjusted by any suitable method, including, but not limited to, varying motor speed with respect to the dispensing mechanism (e.g., replacing a screw with various screw pitches or By using various ratio gears for screw drive). For other variations of the cartridge design, the production rate and amount can be controlled by means such as orifices, speed / timing relationships, pumps, and the like.

Further details on cartridges, dispensing systems and the like are disclosed in US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0194678, filed April 25, 2003.

Examples of strips suitable for use in the method of the present invention include U.S. Pat. There are, but are not limited to, strips disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,343,932.

The oral care material may also be provided to the oral surface using a bleaching tray exchangeable with a replaceable head assembly. Examples of trays suitable for use in the method of the present invention include other pre-loaded devices, such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 5,846,058, 5,816,802, and 5,895,218 and US Pat. No. 5,310,563. But not limited to.

Additionally, the applicator can be used to paint-on oral care material to the desired surface of the oral cavity. The applicator may be interchangeable with the replaceable head assembly. The delivery device may comprise an upper dental device and a lower dental device. This delivery device may be disposable or reusable.

D. Kits and Replaceable Toothbrush Components

The sensor responsive electric toothbrush may be packaged as a kit that includes one or more replaceable heads each having one or more oral care materials with one or more responsive agents and / or responsive output elements such as light emitting elements. The oral care substance may be provided in the form of a toothpaste used with the toothbrush or packaged in a cartridge for dispensing from the toothbrush as described above. Alternatively, one or more replaceable heads may be provided that include a chemical based output and dispensing means. Thus, such heads may be replacements or individually assigned to different elements of the same family. Thus, color differences are often part of different heads in the kit. Although the handle has been described as being battery powered, the present invention also includes a brush holder / charger (not shown) coupled with another known power supply, such as a cord for outlet connection or a rechargeable battery. The kit may further comprise one or more packaged and photoactivated oral materials, such as a packaged tooth whitening composition. In addition, the kit includes a toothbrush head that does not include a light emitting element and an oral care material that is not photoactivated.

Referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, a sensor responsive toothbrush 2000 is shown. This toothbrush includes a replaceable head 2016. The head 2016 further includes a movable bristle holder 2020 and a stationary bristle holder 2022. An LED 2075 is disposed on the stationary bristle holder 2022. The sensor responsive toothbrush 2000 further includes one or more sensors 2001 and 2003. While these sensors are shown to be located on replaceable head and neck components, the present invention includes providing one or more sensors located on the body or housing 2012 of the toothbrush 2000.

The neck 2017 is detached from the handle 2012 at the joint 2015. Neck 2017 has two small pins or protrusions 2036 (dotted) located inside neck end 2032. The small protrusion is dimensioned to fit into the L-shaped slot 2042 on the corresponding connecting end 2040 of the handle 2012. The width of the L-shaped slot 2042 is slightly larger than the width of the small protrusion so that the L-shaped slot can accommodate the small protrusion. The depth of the L-shaped slot is substantially the same as the height of the small protrusion so that the L-shaped slot can accommodate the small protrusion.

To connect the head and neck to the handle, the user aligns the miniature projection with the upper surface 2044 of the L-shaped slot. The user presses or compresses the head 2016 downward so that the mini-projection contacts the lower surface 2046 of the L-shaped slot 2042. As can be seen in FIGS. 25 and 26 when the mini-projection is in contact with the lower surface 2046 of the L-shaped slot, the user may view the head 2016 and / or neck 2017 by approximately 90 degrees with respect to the handle 2012. Rotate to lock the head in place. The upper surface of each protrusion is fixed below the upper surface of each L-shaped slot 2042. Thus, the user applies a squeeze-tightening action to the interacting pins and the guide slots so that the head is in a fully attached arrangement on the handle and a secure coupling between the two is realized.

One or more electrical contacts are provided along the corresponding connection areas of the neck and handle such that a releasable electrical connection is provided between them.

In general, the present invention provides an oral care appliance for use in the mouth having a replaceable or removable head and / or neck and one or more electrical elements on the toothbrush head, including but not limited to a light emitting element and / or one or more sensors. It is about. Such oral care devices include, but are not limited to, powered toothbrushes, powered dental floss, tooth polishers, gum tasters, and the like. For simplicity, the invention will now be described as being implemented in a sensor responsive electric toothbrush. Such powered toothbrushes can be used for personal hygiene to clean the user's teeth and gums using motorized movement during the operation of an electrical element, such as a light emitting element that can illuminate a brushing area, including teeth and / or gums. . The present invention includes any type of electrically powered element used or provided on the head. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use and integration of a selectively engageable electrical connector that provides an electrical connection between the head of the toothbrush and the handle of the toothbrush in a powered toothbrush having a removable toothbrush head. The head of the toothbrush may further comprise a neck to which the handle of the toothbrush can be attached. In addition, the handle of the toothbrush may further comprise a neck to which the head of the toothbrush can be attached. For simplicity, the connection between the head of the toothbrush and the handle will be described below. However, it should be understood that this description also includes the connection between the head and the neck and / or the head assembly connected to the head and the handle and / or body. All of these connections have similar components but different locations of connection along the length of the toothbrush.

In one embodiment, there is provided a sensor responsive illuminated electric toothbrush having a long handle, a head and a neck extending from the head to form a head and neck assembly. This head and neck assembly can be attached to the handle. The present invention includes embodiments in which the head and neck as a unitary assembly can be removed from the handle of the toothbrush. However, it is contemplated that the neck and handle may also be assemblies in which the head can be removed. A detachable electrical connector described herein is provided along the corresponding connection or mating area of the removable portion. One or more electrical elements, such as light emitting elements, may be disposed adjacent to, on, or in the one or more stationary or movable bristle holders or any combination thereof in the head. The bristle holder may have bristles disposed thereon, which may be formed into one bundle or a group of bundles. Such embodiments are described in more detail herein.

The toothbrush further includes an electrical connector. An electrical connector is a system of components on the head, neck and / or handle of an electric toothbrush that provides an electrical path and electrical connection between the head and the handle when connected. Since the head can be removed from the handle portion of the toothbrush, the electrical connector can be designed so that the electrical connection can be broken or released upon removal of the head and easily reconnected upon reattachment. The electrical connector includes at least one electrical input and at least one electrical output. For example, multiple electrical inputs may be provided when a multicolor LED is provided on the toothbrush head. Electrical connectors electrically connect the head to the handle using components that are in mechanical contact with each other, ie, "contacts", inductive elements that electrically connect the head and the handle through magnetic fields, and the electric field generated when a capacitor is formed. Capacitive elements to connect may be included, but are not limited to these. An example of the electrical connector described herein is provided along the engagement area between the handle or the body and the head. The toothbrush may also have more than one connector. It is also contemplated that some of the connectors may be disposed on the neck if the neck extends from the head and / or handle.

Several advantages are obtained by providing a coupling arrangement that can be easily separated between the head and the handle of the powered toothbrush. First, the toothbrush head or handle can be easily replaced in practice. Toothbrush heads can be easily exchanged with other toothbrush heads according to the particular preferences of the consumer. Moreover, such a quick and simple engagement provides ease of assembly and can result in improvements in storage and transportation, as the relatively long length of the toothbrush can be significantly reduced.

In certain embodiments, a toothbrush having a removable head utilizes a member that protrudes outwardly from one of the handle and head portion of the toothbrush, the member having a corresponding recess formed in the other of the handle and head portion of the toothbrush, It is received by a slot or a receiving area. The member and the receiving area interact with each other to cause the head to be selectively removed from the handle and the head to be reattached to the handle. In this configuration, the electrical connector is located adjacent to the member and its receiving area. For example, if the connector has two electrically conductive contacts, a first contact can be placed on the member and a second contact in the receiving area. The contacts are positioned such that when the head is attached to the handle and consequently the head is engaged in the receiving area, the contacts are in electrical connection with each other to provide an electrical path between the handle of the toothbrush and the head.

In alternative embodiments, the coupling assembly between the housing and the toothbrush head may utilize a screw or threaded configuration, where one of the housing or toothbrush head has a threaded member that projects radially and the other that protrudes a screw. A groove or a recessed area configured to receive the member is formed. Corresponding electrical connectors are provided, for example electrical contacts can be disposed on the corresponding connection surfaces of the coupling assembly.

Other engagement configurations can be used to provide a sensor responsive toothbrush with a removable head and handle. For example, the present invention provides a coupling arrangement using a male and female arrangement, a releasable locking pin arrangement, a releasable detent arrangement, a snap-fit arrangement, a friction-fit arrangement, and combinations thereof. Including but not limited to. A detachable electrical connector can be provided between the head and the handle portion and has the components of the connector in or adjacent to the mating or corresponding connection area between the head and the handle portion. However, it is contemplated that the head component of the connector may be received within the handle portion of the toothbrush and / or the handle component of the toothbrush may be received within the head portion of the toothbrush.

In any or all embodiments of the invention, one or more connector wiping elements may be provided that function to wipe the electrical connector surface of one or more connectors as the head is reattached to the handle of the toothbrush. Such a wiping element is provided and positioned such that upon joining of the head and handle the wiping element essentially wipes the outer surface as it passes through the outer surface of the electrical connector. This action serves to clean the connector surface and remove any water or debris that has accumulated on it. This wiping element may be formed of, but is not limited to, almost any element such as a flexible rubber or other elastomeric material.

According to the invention, several types of releasable engagements are used between the drive shaft and one or more movable bristle carriers disposed or held along the toothbrush head. For example, a “snap fit” coupling assembly can be used between one end of the drive shaft extending within the toothbrush head and a movable bristle carrier disposed on the toothbrush head. It will be appreciated that a releasable coupling assembly can be used at some location or point in the drive mechanism so that the toothbrush head and handle can be easily separated from each other.

In certain embodiments of a toothbrush wherein the components of the connector include contacts, the contacts can engage directly in a face to face relationship with each other as the head engages with the handle of the toothbrush. In certain embodiments, the surfaces of the respective contacts slide relative to each other or at least partially slide relative to each other during the joining process. The various contacts can be in the form of relatively flat surfaces that contact each other to provide an electrical connection. Alternatively, these contacts may utilize male and female connections known in the art, including pin-socket or plug-receiver configurations. In addition, the contacts may use inclined or ramp surfaces that contact each other and may be coupled to each other with relatively large contact forces due to the inclined configuration, depending on the particular application. Alternatively or additionally, the contacts may be provided with one or more spring members or other bias members that apply force to one or both contacts to facilitate the electrical connection between the contacts. However, the connector uses the design described above to provide electrical power to an electrical element disposed on the head of the toothbrush without electrical connection, i.e., by electrical connection achieved by induction or capacitance. Can provide. Regardless of the type of connector, once the head and handle are engaged with each other, the connector is in a configuration and position that provides an electrical connection between the head and the handle.

A wide array of connector designs, shapes and configurations can be used in the toothbrush according to the present invention. In one embodiment, a slide rail configuration is provided in which one or more rails are provided on either the toothbrush head or the handle and the receiving slot or the recessed area is formed in another one, such as the toothbrush head or the handle, wherein the receiving slot or the recessed area. Has a size and orientation for receiving the rail when the toothbrush head and handle are engaged with each other. The contacts may be incorporated in one or more rail (s) and slot (s) to provide an electrical connection between the toothbrush head and the handle when the head is engaged with the handle. In particular, one or more pairs of contacts are directly incorporated into the exposed surfaces of the rail (s) and slot (s). Each of the contacts may be aligned and positioned such that upon final engagement between the toothbrush head and the handle, the contacts provide an electrical connection between the toothbrush head and the handle.

In another embodiment, one or more contacts are located on the side post or otherwise outwardly protruding member of one toothbrush head or handle, such that the one or more additional contacts in engagement with a corresponding structure provided on the other head or handle. Is in electrical connection with the. Additionally, the handle and / or head and / or portions of the handle and / or head may comprise an electrically conductive substrate such that the handle and / or head and the portions thereof are electrically conductive contacts. Regardless of the contact arrangement, the resulting electrical connection allows power to be transferred from the handle area to the toothbrush head of the toothbrush.

In yet another embodiment, the electrical connection is achieved by an axial configuration in which the respective contacts are electrically connected to each other by rotating either the toothbrush head or the handle portion relative to the other. This configuration can be achieved with various arrangements of electrical contacts. For example, circular, semicircular or arced contacts may be used. The contacts may be properly located on the engagement area of the toothbrush head and the handle.

In yet another embodiment, an electrical connection is achieved between the head and the handle by the induction action. In this embodiment, the head has a secondary coil connected to an electrical element disposed on the head of the toothbrush and the handle has a primary coil connected to the battery. When the head and handle are connected, the primary and secondary coils are magnetically coupled to transfer electricity. Additional electrical connection between the head and the handle can be achieved using capacitance by including suitable conductive material in the head further connected to the handle further connected to the battery and the electrical element disposed on the head. When the head is connected to the handle, the two parts of the conductor are separated by a distance so that the two parts of the conductor form a capacitor.

In addition, the choice of material for the components of the connector is one of the other important aspects of the present invention. In general, a wide variety of metal and nonmetal materials can be used as components of the connector. Suitable metals include, but are not limited to, copper, platinum, silver, nickel, aluminum, gold, tungsten, and alloys of these metals.

An electrically conductive nonmetallic material such as an electrically conductive polymer can be used. As used herein, the term “electrically conductive nonmetallic material” includes polymer compositions containing one or more nonmetals and materials comprising one or more metals, such as metal particles. These compounds can be used to convert solid conductive particles such as carbon black, stainless steel fibers, silver or aluminum flakes or nickel coated fibers into polystyrene, polyolefin, nylon, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene It is often prepared by mixing with electrically insulating bulk thermoplastics such as copolymers (ABS) and the like.

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in replacing metal particles filled compounds or carbon blacks of the aforementioned types with blends of polymers that are inherently electrically conductive with common insulating polymers including but not limited to polyaniline. Polyaniline (or PANI for short) and its synthesis and preparation of such polymers in electrically conductive form by contacting polyaniline with protons to form salt complexes have been described in the prior art. In addition, electrically conductive polymers are known and used in industrial settings, in particular in the manufacture of electronic component parts. Some examples of electrically conductive polymer compositions are illustrated in US Pat. Nos. 5,256,335, 5,281,363, 5,378,403, 5,662,833, 5,958,303, 6,030,550, and 6,149,840. Particularly attractive electrically conductive polymer compositions for the connector assemblies described herein include polymers such as those described in US Pat. Nos. 5,866,043 and 6,685,854. As used herein, “electrically conductive nonmetallic material” also includes compositions of this type.

Other electrically conductive substrates suitable for the present invention are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,291,568, 6,495,069 and 6,646,540. The substrate has a first level of conductance when at rest or inactivation and a second level of conductance due to a change in stress, ie mechanical or electrical stress. Mechanical stresses include stretching and compression. The substrate comprises a granular composition in which each granule contains at least one substantially nonconductive polymer and at least one electrically conductive filler. The conductive filler may be one or more metals, other conductive or semiconducting elements and oxides or intrinsically conductive semiconducting inorganic or organic polymers. The granules are typically at most 1 mm and the volume ratio of granules (conductor) to polymer is suitably at least 3: 1. It is contemplated that other substrates that transfer electricity when compressed are suitable for use in the present invention.

As mentioned above, the toothbrush may utilize one or more powered elements that are incorporated into or otherwise included within the toothbrush head using a power source. In the toothbrush described herein, the power source, i.e. one or more batteries, is held in the handle position of the toothbrush. The electrical connector described herein achieves and provides an electrical connection between the toothbrush head, a powered element that requires power disposed on the head, and a power source, typically located on the handle of the toothbrush.

E. How to use

In certain embodiments, the sensor responsive toothbrush of the preferred embodiment described herein can operate as follows. 24 schematically illustrates a process flow diagram illustrating exemplary operation of a toothbrush described herein. Dotted lines indicate optional operation. Referring to FIG. 24, information is collected 1910 by one or more sensors used in a toothbrush. As mentioned above, such a sensor is integrated into the toothbrush or otherwise provided. The information collected or obtained by one or more sensors is generally about the user's mouth, but it may be about other conditions, such as the user's brushing habits. Typically, the information relates to one or more conditions in the oral cavity, the presence of one or more substances, chemicals or agents in the oral cavity, or a combination of these aspects. One or more sensors generate a signal or set of signals representing the collected information. The signal is typically a low voltage or low current electrical signal as known in the art.

The toothbrush may optionally include one or more components for processing or filtering 1920 the signal (s). For example, a record retention or delay function (which stores data such as a history of detected states or brushing habits) may be used, which may be used in conjunction with statistical routines or algorithms to process and / or filter signal (s). May be used additionally.

Then, one or more signals are analyzed and the appropriate output operation is determined (1930). The analysis is preferably performed by one or more microprocessors integrated in the toothbrush. The analysis may optionally be performed in connection with one or more external parameters that may originate from the user or the toothbrush itself. For example, primary mode selection may be performed by user 1940 or toothbrush 1950. The primary mode selection involves, for example, (i) whether the toothbrush assesses the condition of the oral cavity, (ii) whether the toothbrush detects the presence of any agent or label in the oral cavity, or (iii) a combination of these purposes. Can be. Additional mode selection may optionally be made, such as secondary mode selection 1960. Such a selection may, in certain embodiments, indicate or designate a particular purpose based on the main mode selection. For example, if the main mode selection is to identify a condition in the oral cavity, the minor mode selection may involve (i) the specific type of caries to which the output is directed, (ii) the specific type of whitening action that the output performs. have.

When evaluating information from one or more sensors, and when determining the appropriate responsive output (s), and optionally further adding such determinations with respect to external parameters such as mode selection, the signal is generated by one or more responsive outputs of the toothbrush. Is sent to the component. The signal controls the response output component (s) according to previously made evaluations and decisions (1990).

Operation of the preferred embodiment also includes an optional feedback loop in which signals indicative of the operation or operation of the responsive output component or responsive output component are directed to a control routine or algorithm such as block 1970 and / or block 1980. It may include. In the case of a deviation of the output or operation of the output component, the control routine can appropriately adjust the output or operation of the output component to reduce the deviation if necessary.

The brief electrical wiring diagram below further illustrates the operation and configuration of the embodiments of the sensor responsive toothbrush described herein. FIG. 27 illustrates a system 2100 that includes one or more sensors, such as an optical sensor 2130, configured to detect or detect a light or optical property change (indicated by 2120) associated with a condition or formulation in the oral cavity 2110. Sensor (s) 2130 provides a signal that can be processed or filtered by one or more amplifiers 2140 and filtering elements 2150. System 2100 further includes an output component, such as a light based output component, which may be in the form of an LED 2175. One or more capacitors, batteries, or power supplies, indicated at 2160 and 2170, may be used to power or drive the aforementioned elements or components in system 2100.

28 is a simplified electrical schematic of the dual function sensor responsive toothbrush in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 28 generally includes the two systems described above in FIG. 27, with each operation controlled by a control unit or timer. FIG. 28 shows exemplary wiring schematics for the AM / PM toothbrush described above. More specifically, FIG. 28 includes a system 2200 that includes one or more sensors, such as an optical sensor 2230, configured to detect or detect light or optical property changes (denoted 2220) associated with a condition or formulation in the oral cavity 2210. To show. Sensor (s) 2230 provides a signal that can be processed or filtered by one or more amplifiers 2240 and filtering elements 2250. System 2200 further includes an output component, such as LED 2275. One or more charge storage or power modules, indicated by reference numerals 2260 and 2270, may be used to supply power.

The system 2200 may include one or more auxiliary sensors, such as an optical sensor 2232, configured to detect or detect light or optical property changes (denoted 2222) associated with other or secondary conditions or agents in the oral cavity (identified by 2212). It further includes. Auxiliary sensor (s) 2232 provide a signal that can be processed or filtered by one or more amplifiers 2242 and filtering elements 2252. System 2200 further includes an output component, such as LED 2276. One or more charge storage sources or power supplies, indicated at 2260 and 2272, may be used. System 2200 further includes a controller, which may be in the form of a timer 2280 that controls which part of the system operates at what time. For example, in the case of an AM / PM toothbrush, timer 2280 activates the upper portion of system 2200 to detect a condition or formulation that may increase in importance at one time, such as morning, and then, such as evening. At other times, the lower portion of the system can be activated to detect certain conditions or agents that may increase in importance. Non-limiting applications of the system 2200 may include a morning step in which the sensor 2230 detects a label or signal in the oral cavity indicating bad breath and then activates the output 2275 to resolve the bad breath. . Such output may include the distribution of emission or breath freshening compositions of light of a specified wavelength to reduce such bad breath, for example by killing bacteria. An evening step in which the sensor 2232 detects a marker or indication in the oral cavity indicating other conditions such as discoloration of the teeth is considered. For example, upon detection of such discoloration, output 2276 is activated to resolve the discoloration. Alternatively, the treatment regimen associated with each step may be selected by the user and automatically provided by the toothbrush at the appropriate time. The therapeutic output may include, for example, the emission of light of a specified wavelength to reduce such discoloration, or the distribution of an oral care composition that serves to reduce such discoloration.

The sensor responsive electric toothbrush of the present invention can be used to deliver oral benefit when used alone or in combination with oral materials. In some embodiments, the teeth are pretreated with the oral care material. This pretreatment allows the oral care material to be further absorbed into the oral care surface, such as the tooth, thus improving the resulting oral care benefit when the oral surface is exposed to light.

In one embodiment, the invention provides that a uniform coating of oral care material may be applied to a delivery device, and then the oral surface, such as a plurality of adjacent teeth, gums, required for oral care material using a sensor responsive toothbrush. And / or methods that can be applied to any other surface of the oral cavity. The toothbrush is then removed from the oral surface, leaving some amount of oral care material on the oral surface. The portion of the oral care material that remains on the tooth after removal of the delivery device, such as the strip, is about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 of the tooth whitening material. , 80, 90% to about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5%. The tooth is then brushed using a sensor responsive toothbrush, exposing the surface of the mouth to divergence from the head of the toothbrush. Additionally, toothpaste can be used with the sensor responsive toothbrush to clean the surface of the mouth. The surface of the oral cavity can be cleaned with toothpaste before and / or after application of the oral care material, if desired.

In another embodiment, the present invention includes a tooth whitening method. The method comprises the steps of providing a sensor responsive toothbrush comprising a tooth whitening material, applying this material to a plurality of teeth via a toothbrush or alternatively applying the material directly to the teeth, and if necessary a tray and / or Or disposing a delivery device such as a strip of material over the material. A sensor responsive toothbrush can be used to detect when the whitening operation is complete. The tooth whitening material may contain about 5% to about 50% of the tooth whitening active, which material is placed in contact with the tooth. The delivery device is about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 to about 60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25 , May remain on the tooth for less than 20, 15, 10, 5 minutes. Then, the delivery device is removed and at least a portion of the tooth whitening material remains on the tooth. The portion of the tooth whitening material remaining on the tooth after the strip is removed is approximately 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 of the tooth whitening material. % To about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5%.

In another embodiment, the delivery device is a strip of material with a uniform coating of tooth whitening material disposed thereon. Strips of material are applied to the teeth, and the delivery device is about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 to about 60, 55, 50, May remain on the tooth for less than 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 minutes. When the strip of material is removed from the tooth, the strip releases about 0.1 to about 80% of the tooth whitening material, leaving the plurality of teeth in a state with a coating of the tooth whitening material disposed thereon. The teeth are then brushed with a sensor-responsive electric toothbrush that includes a head, a handle, a movable bristle holder, and a light emitting element disposed on and emitting light therefrom. Teeth are from about 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes and / or about 8 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 Brushed with an electric toothbrush for less than a second. The light emitting device can emit light having a wavelength of about 420 to about 470 nm. This method can be performed from about 1 to about 4 times per day for about 1 to about 8 weeks. In addition, this method can be used to replace routine oral care therapies and can be used continuously to reduce and prevent pigmentation of the teeth.

In another embodiment, a uniform coating of tooth whitening material is disposed on the tooth via a delivery device or applicator, and at least a portion of the tooth whitening material remains on the tooth overnight. Teeth are from about 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5 minutes, 2 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes and / or about 8 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes, 1.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 It can be brushed with a sensor responsive lit electric toothbrush according to the invention for less than a second.

In another embodiment, a rinse is used to treat the surface of the oral cavity before and / or after exposure to divergence from the sensor responsive electric toothbrush. The rinse includes a polymer that imparts substantivity to the whitening and tooth whitening actives, and / or helps to adhere the tooth whitening actives to the surface of the tooth. The teeth are then brushed using the oral care appliance described above to expose the surface of the oral cavity to divergence from the head of the oral care appliance.

The method described above may be repeated about 1, 2, 3, 4 to about 5, 4, 3, 2, once per day for about 1 day to about 8 weeks. In addition, the methods described above can be used indefinitely, for example in place of routine oral care therapies. In addition to removal of pigments, plaques and bacteria, if the present invention is used in place of routine oral care therapies, additional tooth pigmentation, plaque and / or caries formation may be prevented.

Sensor responsive toothbrushes according to the invention can be used for single-wise and / or multi-wise treatment procedures, such as twice daily for weeks or months. The toothbrush of the present invention can be used with various output responsive agents such as chromophores and optocouplers to improve effectiveness. These formulations may be part of an oral appliance system including a therapeutic agent for application to the oral cavity and an oral appliance such as a luminescent toothbrush or a luminescent mouthpiece. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is applied to the oral cavity in the form of a paste, film, liquid rinse, spray, or a combination thereof.

The sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention can be used for various photodynamic and phototherapy treatments in and around the oral cavity. Such responsive output may be provided in response to sensor input or may be automatically applied based on the date / time of toothbrush use as programmed by the manufacturer or selected by the user. This treatment is based on several biophysical phenomena, collectively referred to as biostimulation, resulting from the transmission of light energy in the range of about 280 to 3000 nm with power densities in the range of about 1 to 10000 mW / cm. In a preferred embodiment, the biostimulation is carried out with an energy flux in the range of about 1 J / cm 2 to 1000 J / cm 2, in even more preferred embodiments in the range of about 10 J / cm 2 to 100 J / cm 2.

Biostimulation can occur in, for example, gums, tongue, salivary glands and salivary glands, tonsils, vocal cords, lip, cheeks, oral facial skin, and other tissues due to light absorption by, for example, endogenous porphyrins, cytochromes, and tissue oxygen molecules. Increase in blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Light absorption can lead to light stimulated nitric oxide (NO), which causes expansion of blood vessels and / or lymphatic vessels, and also coronary Ca ²⁺ storage in cellular mitochondria, and light attenuated sympathetic nervous system vascular neuronal activity. It can induce the activation of Ca ²⁺ dependent atipiase (ATPase) in smooth muscle cells. These processes include tissue drainage function; Endothelial cell and endothelial leukocyte proliferation ability; And the formation of new capillary networks that aid in the regeneration of oral epithelium, gum tissue, neural tissue, skin collagen, and other tissues. In addition, the combined action of heating and phototherapy can also result in the activation of the blood and lymphatic microcirculation of the tissues and glands described above.

Other effects include activation of blood microcirculation in the pulp due to light concentration in the tooth pulp caused by waveguide propagation through enamel and dentin, and calcium ions to fill the attack point of the hydroxyapatite structure. And a corresponding increase in the rate of calcium ion flow from the pulp through the protein substrate to enamel.

Biostimulation may also include local (oral and peripheral tissue) macrophage activity and an increase in fibroblast, osteoblast and odontoblast proliferation. It can regenerate epithelium, collagen, nerve tissue, and hard tissue of teeth. Additional important benefits can also be killing bacteria, fungi and viruses. This effect is induced by light action on endogenous porphyrins, oxygen molecules, incorporated exogenous dyes, inorganic photosensitizers, and / or inorganic photocatalysts.

Another desirable effect is the normalization of oral pH caused by decreased bacterial activity and healing of oral lesions (stomatitis), which leads to reduced swelling and reduced osmotic pressure of oral tissue.

Systemic beneficial (biostimulatory) effects can also provide enhanced immunocompetence through blood and lymphatic fluid irradiation. In particular, biostimulation results in enhanced photoimmunity of blood and lymphatic macrophages, including superoxide and nitric oxide; Erythrocyte membrane elasticity; And lymphocyte proliferation activity. Other systemic effects may include light guided control of a human 24-hour rhythm.

The sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention can be used for a variety of other therapeutic treatments, including direct irradiation of the area of the oral cavity with light radiation. Both luminescent toothbrushes and luminescent mouthpieces can be used to examine hard and / or soft tissues in the oral cavity with or without additional therapeutic steps such as application, vibration, and heating of therapeutic agents such as chromophores and light binders.

In one embodiment, the luminescent toothbrush and / or luminescent mouthpiece is a dental problem such as gum bleeding, tooth hypersensitivity, toothache, bone problem, enamel degeneration, caries, root canal by examining hard and / or soft oral tissue. It can be used to treat inflammation, and periodontal problems. This therapy may include direct investigation of the area in question, but in some cases may include irradiation with heat or chromophores to aid treatment.

F. Examples of some responsive outputs and the use of sensor responsive toothbrushes

Reduction of gum bleeding. Gum bleeding is mostly caused by poor proliferation of epithelial cells and other connective tissue. The sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention provides light irradiation and mild heating and activates increased fibroblast proliferation, resulting in regeneration of epithelium, collagen, and other connective tissue to help stop gum bleeding. Photoreceptors include endogenous porphyrins, cytochromes, and oxygen molecules, and thus power densities of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and daily doses of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at wavelengths corresponding to porphyrins, cytochromes, and oxygen molecules Investigation of the oral mucosa and underlying tissues in is preferred. Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for porphyrin excitation, and green light (540-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can also activate porphyrin. In particular, copropofrine is 402 ± 20 (max quenching 480), 4950 ± 20, 540 + 30 (Maximum matting 17), 580 ± 30 (max extinction 6), can be excited at a wavelength of 623 ± 20 nm, and cytochrome: cytochem (prosthetic group of cytochrome oxidase is 414 ± 20 (maximum quenching) 70), 439 ± 20 (max extinction) 117), 446 ± 20 (max extinction) 10), 534 ± 20 (max extinction ll), 598 ± 20 (max extinction) 16), 635 ± 20 nm (max extinction Can be excited at the wavelength of 9), cytotopyrin is 415 ± 20 (max quenching 160), 520 20 (max extinction 9), 560 ± 20 (Extinction 21), 580 ± 20 (max extinction) ll), 617 ± 20, 646 ± 20 nm (Maximum extinction can be excited at a wavelength of l)). Cytoporphyrin is found in bacteria and is very photosensitive. Protopopyrine IX in bacteria and fungi is 410 ± 20 (maximum quenching) 270), 504 ± 20 (max extinction) 15), 556 ± 20 (max extinction 15), 600 ± 20 (max extinction 6), 631 ± 20 nm (Maximum extinction Can be excited at a wavelength of 5).

Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate hyperthermia provided by heaters up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is also desirable to provide a synergistic effect on the microcirculation of blood and lymphatic fluid.

Reduction of tooth hypersensitivity. Most tooth sensitivity results from increased fluid movement through dental tubes towards the nerve endings in the tooth due to osmotic pressure induced by beverage and / or saliva components. Tooth hypersensitivity is dependent on enamel porosity caused by transient or permanent enamel desalination caused by the pH of the small value of the oral liquid. At the more acidic pH (4.0-5.0) of the oral liquid, enamel permeability increases 3-4 fold. Thus, enamel light-induced remineralization process will help reduce tooth hypersensitivity. In addition, bacterial killing will reduce tooth hypersensitivity, less swelling of the gums due to pH normalization, and less osmotic pressure applied to sensitive tooth compounds. Therefore, radiation of the tooth surface at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome, and oxygen molecules is preferred. Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for bacterial porphyrin excitation, and green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-700 nm) can also activate porphyrin in bacteria and kill bacteria through radical production. have. Green light (540-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin to increase blood and lymphatic microcirculation in the pulp, correspondingly through the protein matrix from the pulp to enamel Calcium ion flow is increased, which helps calcium ions fill the attack point of the hydroxyapatite structure. Dissolved oxygen molecules in tissues and dimensions can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 + 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate fever therapy provided by a heater can also provide a synergistic effect on blood and lymphatic microcirculation. More effective bacterial killing is achieved by application of an exogenous chromophore and irradiation at a wavelength corresponding to this chromophore, especially for methylene blue (MB) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0%, 660 ± 10 nm and 5-1000 mW / cm 2 Irradiation at the power density of; Or for indocyanine green (ICG) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0%, it can be achieved by irradiation at a power density of 805 ± 5 nm and 5-1000 mW / cm 2.

Pain reduction in the teeth is mostly improved by photostimulated NO action on endothelial cells in the vessel wall, and by dilation of blood vessels and / or lymphatic vessels caused by light-induced sympathetic vascular motor neuron activity. This is due to pulp blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Direct photoinduced neuronal activity inhibition is also possible. Therefore, investigation of the tooth surface at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome, and oxygen molecules is required. Green light (530-580 mn) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin to increase blood and lymphatic microcirculation in the pulp. Dissolved oxygen molecules in tissues and dimensions can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by heaters up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect on the microcirculation of blood and lymphatic fluid.

Periodontal and bone regeneration and implant linkage are caused by an increase in macrophage activity, an increase in fibroblasts, osteoblasts and tooth cell proliferation, mostly caused by light and / or combined action of light and heat. Increased blood and lymphatic microcirculation also improves tissue growth and regeneration. Increased macrophage activity, increased fibroblast proliferation by irradiation of tooth and periodontal tissue at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome oxygen molecule and daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 In addition, radicals will be produced that are responsible for increasing osteoblast proliferation and increasing osteoblast proliferation and increasing blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for porphyrin excitation, and green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can also activate porphyrin. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin. Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20,1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate pyrotherapeutic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes may induce macrophage activity, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, and osteoblast proliferation, blood and lymph It is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect in increasing microcirculation.

Remineralization of enamel. Enamel remineralization is most often caused by small oral liquid pH. Light and mild heating activate the blood and lymphatic microcirculation of the gingiva, thus increasing calcium ion flow through the protein matrix from saliva to enamel, which fills the attack point of the hydroxyapatite structure. The killing of bacteria normalizes the pH and thus prevents enamel desalting. Thus, investigation of the tooth surface at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome, and oxygen molecules is required. Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for bacterial porphyrin excitation, and green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can also activate porphyrin in bacteria and kill bacteria through radical production. have. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin to increase blood and lymphatic microcirculation in the pulp, correspondingly through the protein matrix from the pulp to enamel Calcium ion flow is increased, which helps calcium ions fill the attack point of the hydroxyapatite structure. Dissolved oxygen molecules in tissues and dimensions can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect on the microcirculation of blood and lymph fluid. Sonophoresis and / or electrophoresis will help increase blood and lymph flow and provide a flatter distribution of Ca and P elements in dental hard tissue. More effective bacterial killing (if required) is achieved by application of an exogenous chromophore and irradiation at a wavelength corresponding to this chromophore, especially for methylene blue (MB) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0% and 660 ± 10 nm and 5- Irradiation at an output density of 100 mW / cm 2; Or for indocyanine green (ICG) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0%, by irradiation at a power density of 805 ± 5 nm and 5-100 mW / cm 2.

Tooth decay is most commonly caused by Streptococcus mutants bacteria. Thus, through photodynamic effects caused by light and endogenous porphyrins, and / or cytochromes, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, and / or mineral photosensitizers, and / or mineral photocatalysts, which are included in the oral cavity. Bacteria killing is a technique for preventing and healing caries. Light and heat-induced pulp and gingival microcirculation in blood and lymph, and increased calcium flow from saliva to enamel also prevent caries. Thus, investigation of the tooth surface at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome, and oxygen molecules is required. Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for bacterial porphyrin excitation, and green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can also activate porphyrin in bacteria and kill bacteria through radical production. have. Green light (540-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin to increase blood and lymphatic microcirculation in the pulp, correspondingly through the protein matrix from the pulp to enamel Calcium ion flow is increased, which helps calcium ions fill the attack point of the hydroxyapatite structure. Dissolved oxygen molecules in tissues and dimensions can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect on the microcirculation of blood and lymph fluid. Ultrasonic and / or electrophoresis will help increase blood and lymph flow and provide a flatter distribution of Ca and P elements in dental hard tissue. More effective bacterial killing (if required) is achieved by application of an exogenous chromophore and irradiation at a wavelength corresponding to this chromophore, especially for methylene blue (MB) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0% and 660 ± 10 nm and 5- Irradiation at an output density of 100 mW / cm 2; Or for indocyanine green (ICG) dye at a concentration of 0.01-1.0%, by irradiation at a power density of 805 ± 5 nm and 5-100 mW / cm 2. Singlet oxygen and other radicals may be formed by broadband (300-900 nm) excitation of carbon nanoparticles or nanotubes, such as carbon black, fullerene, or tubulin, and / or photocatalysts such as TiO ² nanoparticles—MB and And / or mixtures with ICG dyes can be produced very effectively and nonspecifically.

Root canal sterilization and inflammation prevention is also due to photodynamic effects caused by light and endogenous porphyrins, in particular protopophyrin IX, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, which are incorporated into the pulp via local blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Can be realized. Due to waveguide propagation, light is concentrated in the pulp, thus improving the photodynamic efficiency and activating pulp blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Light also improves the immune capacity of macrophages, which produce SO and NO responsible for the host's defense against microorganisms. Thus, investigation of the tooth surface at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome, and oxygen molecules is required. Green light (540-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can activate pulp porphyrin to generate radicals for killing bacteria, improving macrophage immunity and increasing blood and lymphatic microcirculation in pulp. . Dissolved oxygen molecules in tissues and dimensions can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20,760 ± 20,106 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to achieve a synergistic effect on the microcirculation of blood and lymph fluid. Ultrasonic and / or electrophoresis will help increase blood and lymph flow. Light penetrating into the root canal and apex sites can prevent or reduce inflammation associated with bacterial growth.

Prevention and cure of periodontal problems are also endogenous porphyrins, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, and / or mineral photocatalysts, and / or mineral photocatalysts-through the generation of periodontal lesions through active (single) oxygen and other radicals. Included within-due to the lethal effect of light on bacteria through excitation of. Light also improves the immune capacity of macrophages, which produce SO and NO responsible for the host's defense against microorganisms. Light and mild heating activate blood and lymphatic microcirculation, thereby activating the proliferative potential of endothelial cells and the formation of new capillary networks, which help the gingiva remain attached to the teeth. Therefore, the power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Soft tissue treatment:

Another advantage of the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention is that directional radiation is possible. In some cases discussed below, mainly soft tissues such as tongue tissue, nerve tissue, neck tissue, vascular tissue, hair follicles, sebaceous follicles, sebaceous glands, facial subcutaneous fat, facial muscle tissue, lymphatic system, collagen It is desirable to light-radiate other tissues, including pigmented spots, and / or other facial tissues and other oral tissues. The toothbrush enables radiation directing towards these tissue sites by selecting the direction in which light radiation is emitted. For example, for radiation to facial tissue, a light radiation source may be located on the outer periphery of the light emitting toothbrush. Unlike conventional toothbrushes that only radiate in the direction of the bristles (toward the hard tissue of the tooth), the radiation provided by these sensor-responsive toothbrushes allows the emitted radiation to penetrate the mucosal lining of the oral cavity and into the area within the user's facial soft tissue. The therapy may be directed to delivery.

In addition, the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention utilizes a light radiation source in the oral cavity, thereby allowing for the treatment of certain diseases that were previously treated outside the oral cavity. For example, instead of treating an acne by radiating the affected skin, the toothbrush can radiate directly into the oral cavity towards the target tissue. This is advantageous because tissue in the oral cavity is easier to penetrate due to the limited amount of collagen contained within the tissue walls of the oral cavity. As a result, light energy more easily penetrates tissues, allowing them to be treated with lower levels of energy and reducing the risk of tissue damage. Preferred wavelength ranges for this type of treatment range from about 280 nm to 1400 nm, even more preferably from about 590 nm to 1300 nm.

Through the excitation of endogenous porphyrins, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, and / or mineral photosensitizers, and / or mineral photocatalysts, which are contained within oral mucosal lesions through the generation of active (single) oxygen and other radicals Oral mucosal inflammatory diseases due to the lethal effect of viruses and bacteria (stomatitis-corneal sulcus and superficial erosion, acute infection of the vesicle-formed oral mucosa-caused by the herpes simplex virus-, buccal, tongue and Improvement of stomatitis with a shallow ulcer on the lips). Light also improves the immune capacity of macrophages, which produce SO and NO responsible for the host's defense against microorganisms. Light and mild heating activate blood and lymphatic microcirculation and thus activate epithelial cell proliferation potential. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Microorganisms through excitation of endogenous porphyrins, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, and / or mineral photosensitizers, and / or mineral photocatalysts, which are contained within the tongue lesions through the generation of active (single) oxygen and other radicals Tongue disease due to the lethal effect of light on (black tongue)-brown hair-like patches on the posterior tongue-composed of hypertrophied filiform papillae containing microorganisms and some pigments-; Amelioration of a slightly white or yellowish layer of exfoliated epithelium, debris, bacteria, fungi, etc.). Light also improves the immune capacity of macrophages, which produce SO and NO responsible for the host's defense against microorganisms. Light and mild heating activate blood and lymphatic microcirculation and thus activate epithelial cell proliferation potential. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Recovery from inflammation of the salivary glands and small sublingual glands-open into the oral cavity on the sublingual fold-(ducts of Rivinus). The same mechanism of recovery is expected as with stomatitis and tongue lesions. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Pain reduction in oral tissues is mostly due to the expansion of blood vessels and / or lymphatic vessels caused by light stimulating NO action on endothelial cells of the vessel wall and by sympathetic vascular motor neuron activity weakened by light. It occurs in the blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Direct photoinduced neuronal activity inhibition is also possible. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for tooth pain reduction (see Pain Reduction in Teeth).

Most commonly caused by the growth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, sore throats, anginas, acute or chronic tonsillitis (tonsills, especially palate tonsillitis; follicular tonsillitis, especially crypts) Improving tonsillitis; parencbymatous tonsillitis; acute tonsillitis affecting the entire material of the tonsil; pustulic tonsillitis-a type characterized by the formation of pustules. These improvements include the endogenous porphyrins, and / or oxygen molecules, and / or exogenous dyes, and / or mineral sensitizers, and / or mineral photocatalysts, which are included within the amygdala lesions through the generation of active (single) oxygen and other radicals. This is due to the lethal effect of light on bacteria. Light also improves the immune capacity of macrophages, which produce SO and NO responsible for the host's defense against microorganisms. Light and mild heating activate blood and lymphatic microcirculation and thus activate epithelial cell proliferation potential. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries. ALA-related therapies using low concentrations of ALA, an inducer of porphyrin in proliferating cells at 620-640 nm excitation, may be associated with abnormal proliferation or oral mucosal epithelial cells, gland growth, oral tissues (gingiva, gland, tongue, neck, etc.). It can be used for the inhibition of microbial colonies in. In particular, therapies for pharyngeal coliforms can be provided.

Sinusitis, most of which is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The mechanism of recovery is the same as in ocular and tonsillitis. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Recovery from laryngitis and other inflammation of the vocal cords. The mechanism of recovery is the same as in eyes, tonsillitis and sinusitis. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used for the prevention of caries (see Prevention of caries).

Increased macrophage and fibroblast proliferative activity caused by the combined action of light and / or light and heat and new collagen production of skin texture, skin elasticity and wrinkle reduction around the lips and cheeks (ie skin rejuvenation) Improving. Increased blood and lymphatic microcirculation also improves tissue growth and regeneration. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used in periodontal and bone regeneration and implant connection (see Periodontal and bone regeneration and implant connection).

Improvement of acne. Due to the large penetration depth of red light, it is possible to provide the sebaceous glands with the necessary dose through buccal tissue for the lethal effect of light on acne caused by bacteria concentrated in the sebaceous glands. Photoexcitation of the bacterial porphyrin will produce active (single) oxygen and other radicals, which selectively kill the bacteria. Thus, irradiation of the buccal inside the oral cavity at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to bacterial porphyrin is preferred. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can penetrate through buccal tissue and activate the porphyrins of acne bacteria to produce radicals, which kill the bacteria. Acne treatment efficiency can be improved by applying appropriate photosensitizers (eg, methylene blue, indocyanine green, ALA, etc.) to acne lesions in combination with using red light and / or NIR radiation.

Hair growth can be controlled by normalizing blood and lymphatic microcirculation in hair follicles by a combination of light and / or light and heat. Vasodilation and corresponding blood and lymphatic fluid by irradiation of oral tissue at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at a wavelength corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome and oxygen molecules The radicals responsible for increasing the microcirculation will be produced. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) penetrate through buccal tissue to activate porphyrins and cytochromes. Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20,630 ± 20,760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20 and 1268 + 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during tooth cleaning procedures lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect in increasing microcirculation of blood and lymph. Hair growth control includes removing or reducing hair by, for example, selectively destroying a plurality of hair follicles using a single radiation or a series of time dependent radiations.

Vascular improvement may be associated with increased macrophage and fibroblast proliferative activity and new collagen and epithelial production induced by the combined action of light and / or light and heat. Macrophage activity, fibroblast proliferation and collagen growth by irradiation of oral tissue at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at wavelengths corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome and oxygen molecules A radical responsible for the increase of will be produced. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) penetrate through buccal tissue to activate tissue porphyrins and cytochromes. Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20 and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by special heaters (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain a synergistic effect on macrophage activity, fibroblasts and collagen growth.

Perioral dermatitis treatment is due to improved macrophage immunity by light and epidermal cell proliferation potential caused by light and blood microcirculation activated by light. Increased macrophage activity and blood and lymphatic fluid fineness by irradiation of oral tissue at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at wavelengths corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome and oxygen molecules The radicals responsible for increasing circulation will be produced. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) penetrate through buccal tissue to activate porphyrins and cytochromes. Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20 and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by a special heater (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. lasting from 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain synergistic effects on macrophage activity and increased microcirculation of blood and lymph.

Repair of damaged facial tertiary peripheral nerve receptors in oral tissue, including gingiva, teeth, lips and tongue, and other nerves that control oral tissue function, results in Ca ²⁺ storage in neuronal mitochondria, and later these cells. Can be caused by the activation of Ca ²⁺ -dependent ATPase. The increase in microcirculation of blood and lymph fluid caused by the combined action of light and / or light and heat must also be important for neural tissue regeneration. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used to treat perioral dermatitis.

Pain reduction in oral tissues is mostly due to the expansion of blood vessels and / or lymphatic vessels caused by light stimulating NO action on endothelial cells of the vessel wall and by sympathetic vascular motor neuron activity weakened by light. It occurs in the blood and lymphatic microcirculation. Direct photoinduced neuronal activity inhibition is also possible. The following nerves may be involved in this process: buccal nerves distributed in the buccal skin and oral mucosa of the corners of the mouth; Lower alveolar nerve and upper alveolar nerve distributed in teeth, periosteum and gingiva; Yeti, sublingual and sublingual nerves distributed in the esophagus, tongue and jaw-tongue muscles, and the oral basal mucosa; Lower laryngeal nerves, semigloryngeal nerves and epiglottis nerves distributed in the esophagus muscle and mucosa; Glial nerves distributed in the masticatory muscles. The power density, daily dose and wavelength of light are the same as those used to reduce tooth pain.

Beneficial effects on the immune capacity of human organisms, in particular by the photosenhanced immunity of blood and lymphoid macrophages-these include superoxides and nitric oxides; Erythrocyte membrane elasticity; And generate lymphocyte proliferation activity. Photoreceptors are endogenous porphyrins, cytochromes and oxygen molecules. Thus, irradiation of oral mucosa and underlying tissue well supplied by blood vessels results in a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2, daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2, and wavelengths corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome and oxygen molecules. Should be Blue light (400-430 nm) is very effective for porphyrin excitation, and green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) can also activate porphyrin. In particular, copropofrine is 402 + 20 (maximum quenching 480), 495 ± 20, 540 ± 30 (Maximum extinction 17), 580 ± 30 (max extinction 6), can be excited at a wavelength of 623 ± 20 nm; Cytochrome: Cytogems are 414 ± 20 (max extinction) 70), 430 ± 20 (max extinction) 117), 446 ± 20 (max extinction) 10), 534 ± 20 (max extinction ll), 598 ± 20 (max extinction) 46), 635 ± 20 nm (maximum extinction Can be excited at a wavelength of 9) and cytotopyrine (porphyrin a) is 415 ± 20 (maximum quenching) 60), 520 ± 20 (max extinction) 9), 569 ± 20 (Extinction 21), 580 ± 20 (maximum extinction 11), 617 ± 20, 646 ± 20 nm (maximum extinction) can be excited at a wavelength of l). Protoporphyrin IX quenched at 410 ± 20 (maximum 270), 504 ± 20 (max extinction) 15), 556 ± 20 (max extinction 15), 600 ± 20 (max extinction 6), 631 ± 20 nm (Maximum extinction Can be excited at a wavelength of 5). Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 + 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm.

Control of 24-hour circadian rhythms. Blue light at 470 nm affects the human 24-hour rhythm and may be applicable to anyone with a biorhythm disorder. Possible photoreceptors are bilirubin and / or copropofrine in the blood. Light irradiation of the oral mucosa and underlying tissue, which is well supplied by blood vessels, results in a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2, daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2, bilirubin absorption (455 ± 20 nm) and / or coproporphyrin Preference is given to those at wavelengths corresponding to I and III absorption (402 ± 20, 470 ± 20, 540 ± 30, 580 ± 30, 623 ± 20 nm). In some embodiments of the invention, radiation having a selected wavelength in the morning of the user, for example blue light (or other biostimulating light) in the morning, and radiation having a different wavelength in the mouth of the user, for example, There is provided a luminescent toothbrush that can be used to aid in the adjustment of the user's 24-hour period by irradiating red light (or light having a soothing effect).

Controllable destruction of bilirubin in the bloodstream due to normal or pathological degradation of metabolic components of the blood, in particular red blood cells, allows the prevention of diseases such as bilirubinemia. Light irradiation of the oral mucosa and underlying tissue at a daily power density of 450-460 nm, 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2, well supplied by blood vessels, is preferred.

Killing of viruses in the blood microcirculatory system via photodynamic effects by topical application (eg, to the oral mucosa) or by intravenous injection of appropriate photodynamic agents such as ALA, hematopophyrin, and the like. For such treatment, light irradiation of the oral mucosa and underlying tissue, which is well supplied by blood vessels, preferably has a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2, daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 and absorption of the photodynamic agent used. It must be at a wavelength corresponding to the spectrum. For ALA applications these wavelengths correspond to the absorption bands of protoporphyrin IX (409 ± 20, 503 ± 20, 538 ± 20, 555 ± 20, 576 ± 20, 600 ± 20, 632 ± 20 nm). For the hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD), this wavelength is 620 ± 20 nm.

Lip disease can also be treated with the combined action of light and / or light and heat. Macrophage activity, fibroblast proliferation and collagen growth by irradiation of oral tissue at a power density of 1-1000 mW / cm 2 and a daily dose of 0.06-30 J / cm 2 at wavelengths corresponding to porphyrin, cytochrome and oxygen molecules A radical responsible for the increase of will be produced. Green light (530-580 nm) and red light (600-650 nm) penetrate through buccal tissue to activate tissue porphyrins and cytochromes. Oxygen molecules can be photoactivated at wavelengths of 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20,760 ± 20,1060 ± 20 and 1268 ± 20 nm. Moderate exothermic therapy provided by a special heater (or LED current heating) up to 43 ° C. during a procedure lasting 0.5 to 3 minutes is desirable to obtain synergistic effects in macrophage activity, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen growth. Do.

Drug delivery. Irradiation of soft tissues in the oral cavity, especially under the tongue, may improve the efficiency of drug delivery into the bloodstream. NO species are produced by light radiation, which in turn causes the blood vessels to expand, thereby increasing the absorption and efficiency of the drug located on the tissue surface. In one embodiment, the drug is placed under the tongue and the light radiation is directed towards adjacent soft tissue. Other more complex drug delivery involves in situ activation of the chemotherapy component by radiation, which can readily diffuse into oral tissue in an inactive state. For example, such an agent in inactive form can be administered to the patient's oral tissue and then activated through irradiation at a selected wavelength.

Another use of the sensor responsive toothbrush oral appliance of the present invention is tooth whitening and whitening. All current tooth whitening techniques are based on the chemical bleaching effects of peroxides. The tooth color is determined by its structure and the optical properties of the obtained film, enamel and dentin. All these components are generally responsible for giving a colored appearance. The cosmetic appearance of the teeth depends on the reflection from enamel and dentin. Exogenous and / or endogenous pigmentation leads to tooth color. In general, compounds such as tannins, other food pigments, and smoked polyphenolic components, which are trapped within the protein layer on the tooth surface and bind tightly to them, cause exogenous pigmentation of the resulting coating, typically a toothbrush Can be removed mechanically. The natural color of the teeth is determined by the light scattering and absorption properties of the dentin and the enamel-dentin junction. With aging, many proteins, including collagen, contained in dentin become more yellowish due to changes in molecular structure. Such age dependent coloring is an example of endogenous coloring. For heavy smokers, heavy coffee drinkers, and heavy red wine drinkers, food colorants may penetrate deep into the tooth, enamel, and even dentin, and thus cannot be cleaned by mechanical cleaning and endogenous. Should be considered. Some systemic lesions caused by extra fluorine in drinking water or by prolonged use of tetracycline are other examples of endogenous pigmentation. For the discoloration of endogenous tooth pigmentation, chemical methods based on oxidative or enzymatic application are generally used.

The light can be effectively whitened and whitened using light radiation from the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention. An additional benefit of using luminescent toothbrushes may be the simultaneous prevention and / or treatment of periodontal disease, caries and other oral diseases in the user's home, which are mostly based on effective bacterial killing and lesion healing.

Sensor responsive toothbrushes can provide optical tooth whitening and whitening based on the following exemplary mechanisms of color center bleaching in enamel and dentin: 1) direct photobleaching at short wavelengths (300-500 nm); 2) wavelengths in the range of 960 ± 20 nm, and / or 1200-12000 nm, more preferably 1450 ± 150 nm, and / or 1890 ± 250 nm and / or 2400-3200 nm, 9000-12000 nm Used; And 3) light absorption by oxygen in tissue at 580 ± 20, 630 ± 20, 760 ± 20, 1060 ± 20, and 1268 ± 20 nm, and / or photosensitizers-endogenous and / or externally applied photosensitizers and And / or photodynamics for photocatalysts (FDA approved dyes, and / or carbon blacks (graft copolymers), fullerenes (carbon nanoparticles), and / or tubules (carbon nanotubes), and / or TiO ² nanoparticles Direct photogeneration and photochemical generation of singlet oxygen in enamel and dentin using light absorption at selected wavelengths in the range 300-900 nm corresponding to the absorption band of-due to the effect.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to treating endogenous pigmentation in dentin structures and dimensions by spinning into the deep tooth. In some embodiments, the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention emits light to the pigmentation in the dentin. One of the main advantages of the present invention is the possibility of producing active radicals, such as singlet oxygen, not only on the tooth surface but also in deep hard tissues (enamel and dentin), and thus the possibility of effectively discoloring endogenous pigments. The dentin waveguide (photonic crystal) structure offers the possibility of concentration of light in the dentin cells surrounded by narrow dentin tubules (diameter: 1 to 5 microns) and organic (collagen) material filled with water. Certain features of the present invention that decolorize bulky light absorbers provide tooth whitening as well as tooth whitening, due to a decrease in bulk absorption of light and an increase in property properties. Photobiostimulation can also be used to induce new dentin growth by targeted radiation of odonoplasts and dimensions, thereby improving the cosmetic appearance of deep dental structures. In addition, small doses of radiation can be used to cause daily dental rejuvenation.

In another embodiment, the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention is used to irradiate teeth to reduce pigmentation in dentin and enamel, whereby the teeth are whitened and whitened thereby. In one embodiment, the teeth are optically radiated using radiation in the wavelength band of approximately 300-1350 nm. The toothbrush may also include a mechanical vibrator for better cleaning and / or an electrode for electrophoresis of the photosensitizer. In addition, tooth color can be monitored using photodetectors and microchips for detection of reflected light and / or fluorescence from enamel.

Whitening and whitening may be assisted using an electric heater or heating with radiation in the wavelength range of greater than about 800 nm to about 100,000 nm (100 microns). The use of light radiation is particularly advantageous because it allows for selective heating to deep. By selecting the appropriate wavelength, the tooth can be heated to a predetermined depth and the color center can be destroyed and removed from the enamel, due to heat induced decolorization and diffusion. The colorant can diffuse from the teeth and dissolve in saliva or saline, if present. Preferred wavelength ranges are 960 ± 20 nm and / or 1200-100,000 nm; More preferably 1450 ± 150 nm and / or 1890 ± 250 nm and / or 2400-3200 mn.

In addition, the sensor-responsive toothbrush of the present invention can directly decolorize teeth using only endogenous light absorbers. Alternatively, exogenous chromophores discussed above can be used to improve tooth whitening and brightening effectiveness. Chromophores (and other treatments) are applied to the teeth, which can then be irradiated.

In another embodiment, the dentin colorings may be selectively photobleached by direct light emission within the absorption range of the colorings. Unlike conventional tooth whitening, the present invention allows the use of a user in a selected wavelength range centered around the approximate absorption spectrum of the coloring matter, which may range from about 280 to about 800 nm. The result is whitening and whitening in very specific wavelength bands.

In another embodiment of the present invention, biological stimulation and / or dental phototherapy is disclosed for conditions that normally respond to known phototherapy radiation power densities (1-10 treatments at 1-30 day intervals). However, in the present invention, a series of timed intervals of treatment sessions are performed on a patient, where each session has a therapeutic radiation output lower than the typical power density required to treat the condition according to conventional protocols. Density is provided. The method may include selecting a condition that normally responds to an oral application of known phototherapy radiation power density and conducting a patient a series of timed intervals of treatment sessions. Each treatment session is provided with a therapeutic radiation power density lower than the typical power density needed to treat a patient condition. This series of timed intervals of treatment session can continue until the patient's condition improves by the cumulative effects of the series of treatment sessions. The power density applied to the skin surface of the patient is approximately 1 mW / cm 2 to approximately 100 W / cm 2 and depends at least on the condition to be treated and the radiation wavelength. Preferably, the energy at the tooth and mucosal surfaces is between 10 mW / cm 2 and 10 W / cm 2. Spinning may be done for a period of 1 second to 1 hour. The energy flux may range from about 1 J / cm 2 to 1000 J / cm 2 and preferably range from about 10 J / cm 2 to 100 J / cm 2. In many embodiments, the light emitting area of the LETM or LEMP may range from about 0.1 to about 100 cm 2, and the delivered power may range from about l mW to about 10 W, preferably from about 10 mW to about 1 W. Can be. This power can be delivered by using a light source with a highly efficient light source, for example a power supply that can be as small as a battery or a wall plug-type power supply as described above.

Any features, embodiments, and details of one embodiment described herein may be combined in whole or in part with any other features, embodiments, and details of one or more other embodiments described herein. It is important to note. For example, the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention may be (2) (i) one or more mechanical outputs, (ii) one or more light based outputs, (iii) one or more chemical based outputs or (iv) ) In conjunction with one or more outputs, such as any combination of these outputs, may comprise one or more sensors, such as (1) for example (i) one or more sensor input elements, (ii) one or more sensor output elements, or a combination of these elements. have. The resulting sensor responsive toothbrush may be provided with the kit and / or have one or more replaceable head or neck assemblies.

Moreover, although the sensor responsive toothbrush of the present invention has been primarily described in connection with a powered toothbrush having a powered bristle assembly, the present invention includes an oral care appliance that does not utilize powered bristles. For example, the present invention includes a manual toothbrush having one or more outputs also described herein with one or more sensors described herein. In certain embodiments, it is contemplated that the present invention includes oral utensils or instruments that are not toothbrushes.

The following patent applications and patents provide additional details regarding the various embodiments of the sensor responsive toothbrush described herein. US Patent Application No. 60 / 501,266 filed Sep. 9, 2003; US Patent Application No. 10 / 832,168, filed April 26, 2004; US Patent Application No. 10 / 847,429, filed May 17, 2004; US Patent Application No. 10 / 842,302, filed May 10, 2004; US Patent Application No. 10 / 887,644, filed Jul. 9, 2004; US Patent Application No. 10 / 887,667 filed Jul. 9, 2004; US Patent Application No. 10 / 888,206, filed Jul. 9, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0191729A1 filed February 10, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0193235A1 filed February 10, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0193236A1 filed February 10, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0199227A1 filed February 10, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0204745A1, filed Feb. 10, 2004; US Patent Application Publication No. 2004 / 0210276A1, filed February 10, 2004; And US Pat. No. 6,648,904.

Further embodiments, details, and other designs relating to the sensor responsive toothbrushes described herein are described in US Pat. Nos. 3,624,219, 4,066,745, 4,834,969, 5,057,308, 5,057,309, 5,057,310, 5,082,444. 5,095,615, 5,096,699, 6,214,320 and 6,509,007. United States patent application publications that may also include similar information are 2001/0002994, 2003/0082113, 2003/0190292, and 2004/0014001. In addition, European Publication EP 1104669 also contains relevant information.

All documents cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their associated part, and citations in any document should not be construed as an admission to the prior art with respect to the present invention.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other modifications and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be included in the appended claims.

Claims (46)

A method of providing oral care benefits, Operating a toothbrush comprising a sensor, Detecting sensor input with the sensor; In response to the sensor input, initiating a chemical output from the toothbrush. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, Further comprising evaluating the sensor input. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 2, The sensor input reaches a minimum threshold level before initiating the chemical output from the toothbrush. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, Further comprising initiating a sensor output. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 4, wherein The sensor input detects a change in the sensor output. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 4, wherein The element of the sensor output is a light emitting element How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, The sensor input detects a change in light How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 7, wherein The change in light is caused by the bacteria fluorescing How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, The sensor input detects chemicals How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, The sensor input detects light of a specific wavelength How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, The chemical output is to dispense the composition How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains an oxygen radical generating agent How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains an agent selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen peroxide urea and percarbonate How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains thioxanthone How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains riboflavin How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains chlorophyll How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, Wherein said composition contains an agent selected from the group consisting of toludine blue, methylene blue and dihematopophyrin ester How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains an agent selected from the group consisting of metals and metal complexing agents How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The composition contains a metal selected from the group consisting of Ag, Mn and Fe How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 11, The chemical output includes dispensing the composition and illuminating a light emitting device at a wavelength that activates the composition. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 20, The wavelength of the light is 300 to 650 nanometers How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, A signal is provided to the user to indicate the onset of the chemical output. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 22, The signal is selected from the group consisting of an audio signal and a visual signal How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 23, The auditory signal is selected from the group consisting of beep, song, tone, ring, and any combination thereof. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 24, The visual cue is selected from the group consisting of light, picture, text message, color and any combination thereof. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, A signal is provided to the user to indicate the end of the chemical output from the toothbrush. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, Further comprising monitoring the sensor input. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 1, Further comprising evaluating a strength of the sensor input. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 28, Providing the user with an indicator indicating a change in the sensor input. How to provide oral care benefits. The method of claim 29, The indication is selected from the group consisting of audio and visual cues. How to provide oral care benefits. In the sensor-responsive electric toothbrush, A handle having a hollow interior region, a head on which bristles are disposed, and a neck extending between the handle and the head, A sensor disposed on the electric toothbrush having a longitudinal axis; Sensor filter, One or more movable bristle holders disposed on the head, wherein a plurality of bristles are disposed on the movable bristle holders; At least one output component associated with the sensor, wherein the at least one output component is selected from the group consisting of a chemical based output and a combination of a light based output and a chemical based output in response to a sensor input Configured to provide output-and, A motor disposed in the hollow interior region, wherein the motor is operatively connected to the movable bristle holder by a drive shaft. Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. The method of claim 31, wherein Further comprising a light emitting element Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. The method of claim 32, The light emitting element is disposed in the rear portion of the toothbrush Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. The method of claim 32, Another light emitting element is disposed on the bristle support surface of the head of the toothbrush. Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. The method of claim 31, wherein Including two or more light emitting elements Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The light emitting device emits light of different wavelengths Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. 36. The method of claim 35 wherein The light emitting device emits light of different intensity Sensor-responsive electric toothbrush. In the sensor responsive toothbrush, A body having a handle, a head, and a plurality of bristles disposed on the head, At least one sensor disposed on the body, At least one output component associated with the sensor, The output component is configured to provide a chemical based output and a combination of a light based output and a chemical based output in response to the at least one sensor. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The at least one sensor comprises (i) a sensor input element and (ii) a sensor output element. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 39, The sensor output element emits light of a first wavelength, and the sensor input element detects light of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The plurality of bristles are movable and the output component provides a mechanical output that includes movement of the plurality of bristles. Sensor responsive toothbrush. 42. The method of claim 41 wherein The mechanical output includes varying aspects of the movement of the plurality of bristles. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The output component provides light based output comprising emitting light of a first range of wavelengths from the output component. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The output component provides a light based output comprising generating heat from the output component. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The output component provides a chemical based output comprising dispensing an oral care composition. Sensor responsive toothbrush. The method of claim 38, The output component provides a combination of chemical based and light based outputs. Sensor responsive toothbrush.