WO2002013720A1

WO2002013720A1 - Tooth cleaning device

Info

Publication number: WO2002013720A1
Application number: PCT/DE2001/003023
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kai R. Huble; Hans Herrmann Schulz
Original assignee: Huble Kai R; Hans Herrmann Schulz
Priority date: 2000-08-15
Filing date: 2001-08-15
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Also published as: AU2001289559A1; DE10040565A1

Abstract

The invention is characterized in that it can be used easily by a patient, neither the gums nor the teeth are damaged or injured and greater cleaning efficiency is also provided in the areas between the teeth and in the pockets of the gums. .In a first embodiment, the tooth cleaning device is form elastic and comprises at least one container (11) for receiving a rinsing agent (13), provided with at least one hole (12, 12'). In a second embodiment, the tooth cleaning device is form elastic and comprises at least one porous block for receiving a rinsing agent.

Description

DENTAL CLEANING DEVICE

The invention relates to a tooth cleaning device and a method for its production.

Tooth decay and its complications, as well as periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, are among the most common diseases of the teeth and the tooth structure, which, if not treated, lead to tooth loss. Their causes are dental plaque (also known as PIaque) on the tooth surface and in the gum pockets. If this dental plaque is not removed regularly, then acidic germs present in the oral cavity will ferment the plaque. The worse the oral hygiene, the greater the risk of developing the diseases mentioned.

Prophylaxis must be carried out both individually by the patient and professionally by the dentist. Both methods complement each other and can effectively prevent periodontitis and tooth decay. Prophylactic measures include manual or mechanical cleaning of the teeth, fluoridation and medicinal rinsing. In the field of individual prophylaxis, that is, the measures carried out by the patient himself at home, manual or machine-operated toothbrushes in connection with toothpaste are common. Oral irrigators are also widespread. Rinsing solutions with medicinal effects are also used. In addition to dental floss, interdental brushes are also used to clean the interdental spaces.

The disadvantage of manually or mechanically operated toothbrushes is that the cleaning effect is insufficient if they are not used properly. In addition, there is often damage to the hard tooth substance in the form of so-called cervical erosions. In addition, the cleaning of the particularly vulnerable interdental spaces is inadequate because they are very difficult to access.

Oral irrigators have the disadvantage that their liquid jet can cause lesions in the area of the periodontium, which means that existing periodontal disease can be strengthened. It is also known to transport bacteria into the periodontal tissue through an incorrectly directed or too strong liquid jet. Oral irrigators can remove loose food particles, but not dental plaque.

The disadvantage of dental floss is that it is very tedious to use and even impossible when the interdental spaces are closed. There is also a risk that the gums will be injured. Furthermore, only convex, but not concave, surface areas of the teeth can be cleaned with dental floss. Interdental brushes can also be used to clean concave surface areas, but their use is also laborious and involves a high risk of injury to the gums. Their high price is also a disadvantage.

Another disadvantage of the known tooth cleaning devices is that germs, secretions, food components, toxins and dental plaque are only incompletely removed from the gum pockets.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a tooth cleaning device which can be easily used by the patient himself, does not damage or injure gums or teeth and also offers a better cleaning effect in the interdental spaces and gum pockets. It is also an object of the invention to provide a method for producing such a tooth cleaning device.

According to a first variant, this object is achieved by a tooth cleaning device which is elastic in shape and comprises at least one container for holding a rinsing medium which has at least one hole.

According to a second variant, this object is also achieved by a tooth cleaning device which is flexible in shape and comprises at least one porous block for holding a rinsing medium.

“Formula elasticity” is understood here to mean the property of an object that it can be deformed by the action of external force and, when relieved, expands into its original shape by itself. In both variants of the tooth cleaning device, which is also referred to below as chewing pillow, the rinsing medium, like in the known oral irrigators, is tap water in the simplest case, but other liquids, gels or pastes can also be used, the medicinal effect, for example Chlorhexidine and fluorine solutions, and / or cosmetic effects, such as mouthwash, and / or cleaning effects, such as toothpaste.

The holes in the first variant preferably have a diameter of 0.5 to 3 mm and preferably 1.5 to 2.0 mm. The pores in the second variant can also have this diameter, but they can also be smaller than 0.5 mm.

To use the patient takes the chew pillow in his mouth and pushes it between the rows of teeth. Then he slowly chews on the chewing pillow so that it is alternately squeezed and relieved. When squeezing together, the flushing medium is pressed out of the chewing cushion, in the first variant through the holes in the container and in the second variant through the pores of the block. This creates a rinsing flow in the oral cavity that also reaches the interdental spaces and gum pockets. When relieved, the chew cushion expands back into its original shape and soaks up the flushing medium through its holes or pores. This creates a suction in the oral cavity, which removes germs, secretions, food components, toxins and dental plaque from the teeth and from the interdental spaces and gum pockets. If the pores in the block are small enough in the second variant, the capillary forces can be so great that they noticeably support the suction of the flushing medium.

After a few chewing cycles, the patient then pushes the chewing pillow with his tongue or hand to another location between the rows of teeth, so that the teeth, interdental spaces and gum pockets located there are also washed and cleaned.

Due to the constant change between rinsing flow and suction, the flow directions of the rinsing medium change continuously, which means that it is intimate and nevertheless gentle contact with teeth and the sensitive tissues of the tooth support, especially the gums. The resulting rinsing effect is significantly stronger than simply moving the cheeks back and forth, as is known, for example, from rinsing the oral cavity with mouthwash. In addition, the chewing muscles tire much more slowly than the muscles that are responsible for the traditional back and forth movement of the cheeks. The chewing movement can also often be carried out by people who are not yet able to master the relatively complex sequence of movements during the conventional back and forth movement of the jaws, such as small children, or no longer, such as, for example, people in need of care.

In the first variant, it can be provided that at least one first hole is arranged on one side of the container and at least one second hole on the opposite side of the container. If the chewing pillow is aligned between the rows of teeth so that the sides with the holes are at the top or bottom, then the rinsing flows are directed upwards and downwards, i.e. towards the respective rows of teeth, whereby particularly good cleaning is achieved. So that the patient can easily hold the chewing pillow in this position even when chewing, the cross section of the chewing pillow is flattened, for example oval, and the holes are in the flatter sides.

It can also be provided that the container is made of an elastic material. This gives the chew pillow the desired elasticity. For example, polyethylene or rubber are suitable as materials.

In addition, it can be provided that the container is a piece of hose, the open ends of which are closed. The tube piece preferably has a length of 20 to 70 mm, a thickness of 10 to 20 mm and a wall thickness of 0.5 to 5 mm.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the container is at least partially filled with an open-pore, deformable foam. If the pores are small enough, the capillary forces can be so great that they significantly support the suction of the flushing medium. It can also be provided that the foam is elastic. This gives the chewing pillow the desired elasticity of form, so that the container alone does not have to be resilient, as is the case, for example, with smaller wall thicknesses.

In addition, it can be provided that the container is at least partially filled with textile material. In this case it can be provided that the textile fabric comprises a woven fabric and / or a knitted fabric, including knitted fabric, and / or a non-woven fabric. It can also be provided that the textile material is elastic. For example, the textile fabric can have a certain elasticity due to its structure and / or be made using elastic fibers. It then supports the expansion of the container and the suction of the flushing medium.

In addition, it can be provided that the holes are closed by a peelable sealing strip. This sealing strip makes it possible to fill the chewing cushion with the flushing medium at the factory, and on the one hand it prevents the flushing medium from accidentally escaping from the container and on the other hand it serves as a hygiene and originality seal.

In the second variant it can be provided that the block is at least partially made of open-pore, deformable foam. In this case it can be provided that the foam is elastic. This gives the chew pillow the desired elasticity. If the pores are small enough, the capillary forces can be so great that they noticeably support the suction of the flushing medium.

It can also be provided that the block is at least partially made of textile. In this case it can be provided that the textile fabric comprises a woven fabric and / or a knitted fabric, including knitted fabric, and / or a non-woven fabric. It can also be provided that the textile material is elastic. For example, the textile fabric can have a certain elasticity due to its structure and / or be made using elastic fibers. It then supports the expansion of the container and the suction of the flushing medium. In both variants it can be provided that a handle is attached to the container or to the block. With this handle, the chewing pillow can easily be brought into the desired position between the rows of teeth and can also be held while chewing without the patient having to put his fingers in his mouth.

As already mentioned above in connection with the sealing strip, the chewable cushion can already contain the flushing medium ex works, which means in the first variant that the container is filled with the flushing medium and in the second variant that the block with the flushing medium is soaked. However, it is also possible to initially produce the chewing pillow dry, that is to say without rinsing medium, and to store the rinsing medium separately. In this case, the patient can put the dry chew pillow in the mouth together with the rinsing medium and then start chewing. When squeezing together for the first time, the air is pressed out of the chewing pillow, but this absorbs the flushing medium when it is relieved, so that the flushing flow and suction alternate again as you chew.

The invention also proposes a method for producing the tooth cleaning device according to the first variant, comprising the steps of: cutting a piece of tubing to the desired length; - Each of the two open ends of the tube piece is closed; and the hose piece is provided with the holes.

It can be provided that the open ends are closed by gluing.

In addition, it can be provided that the open ends are closed by welding. In this case it can be provided that for welding the hose section is preheated and each open end is then squeezed together, for welding the hose section can be preheated with hot air. The hot air can be passed through the hose section. Heating can also be done using infrared light. However, the methods known from plastic welding are also suitable, such as, for example, high-frequency welding, heating element welding, friction welding, hot gas welding or ultrasonic welding.

Further features and designs of the invention are described in the subclaims.

Preferred exemplary embodiments are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a chewing pillow in a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is the side view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line MI-HI of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a chewing pillow in a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a chewing pillow in a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chewing pillow in a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 7a-c are cross-sectional views of a chewing pad inserted between the rows of teeth in three successive phases of the chewing movement.

In the FIG. 1 to 3, a chew pillow 10 is shown in a first embodiment. This chewable pillow 10 comprises an elongated container 11, which according to FIG. 3 has an essentially oval cross section and is shown in FIG. 1 has a perforation of several holes 12, 12 'on its top and bottom. The holes 12 in the top are arranged offset relative to the holes 12 'in the bottom. In the container 11 there is a rinsing medium 13, which can be a liquid, a gel or a paste. The diameter of the holes 12 will selected depending on the viscosity of the rinsing medium 13 and is usually smaller in the mostly thin liquids than in the rather viscous gels and pastes. The holes 12, 12 'on the top and the bottom are each closed by a transparent sealing strip 14, 14' which is glued to the outer surface of the container 11 and is peeled off before use.

For the production of the container 11, a piece of hose was used, which here consists of polyethylene and has a wall thickness of 2 mm and an outer diameter of 15 mm. First the piece of tubing is cut to the desired length from the rest of the tubing. Then the holes 12, 12 'are drilled in, which can be done with hot needles, for example, and these are closed with the sealing strips 14, 14'. Then one of its two open ends 15 is closed, for example by pressing it flat until its edges lie on one another, and then these edges are welded to one another (cf. the weld seam 16 in FIG. 1). Next, the piece of hose is held upright so that the closed end 15 is at the bottom and the flushing medium 13 is poured in. Finally, the open second end 15 is also welded to the first end 15 as before (cf. the weld seam 16 in FIG. 1), the tube piece being held in the same upright position, and the container 11 is finished. Since the container 11 has a very flat cross-section at its two closed ends 15, it is also flattened overall compared to the initial piece of hose with a circular cross-section and essentially has an oval cross-section, as shown in FIG. 3 is clearly visible.

In FIG. 4, a chewing pillow 10 is shown in a second embodiment. This chewable pillow 10 differs from the first embodiment in that its container 11 is filled with an open-pore elastic foam 17 which is filled with the flushing medium (not shown) and has a smaller wall thickness of 0.5 mm. Because of the lower wall thickness, the formula elasticity of this container 11 is also lower, but since the foam 17 is also elastic, the formula elasticity of the chewing pillow 10 is increased as a whole. A high level of elasticity is important because it rinses the rinsing medium 17 back into the container 11 when the squeezed chewing pillow 10 is relieved. Since the pores of the foam exert capillary forces on the rinsing medium 13, this also supports the sucking into the container 11. Instead of or in addition to the foam 17, the container 11 can also be filled with a textile material (not shown) which, like the foam 17, increases the elasticity of the chewing pillow 10 and also offers capillary action.

In FIG. 5, a chewing pillow 10 is shown in a third embodiment. This chewable pillow 10 represents an alternative variant to the first and the second embodiment. It dispenses entirely with the container 11 and only comprises an elongated block 18 which is porous and has a rectangular cross section. It can of course also have a differently shaped, for example square, oval or circular cross section.

The block 18 here consists of an open-pore elastic foam and is simply cut out of a large foam block.

The desired porous structure of block 18 can also be achieved with textiles (not shown) by using fabrics, knitted fabrics and / or nonwovens instead of or together with the foam. Several narrow strips (not shown) of these textile materials can be placed on top of one another and connected to one another, for example by sewing them together. Such strips can also be placed on the side surfaces of the block 18 made of foam and connected to it, for example by gluing. The last-described embodiment offers the advantage over the third embodiment that the strips of textile serve as filters and hold particles that are washed out of the interdental spaces and gum pockets.

In FIG. 6, a chewing pillow 10 is shown in a fourth embodiment. This chew pillow 10 differs from the third embodiment in that its block 18 is attached to a handle 19. Such a handle 19 can also be provided in the other embodiments.

In the FIG. 7a to 7c schematically show a chewing pillow 10 lying between the rows of teeth according to the first embodiment in three successive phases of the chewing movement. The FIG. 7a shows the initial phase in which the upper teeth 20 and the lower teeth 21 do not exert any pressure on the chewing pillow 10, so that its container 11 has its original shape and the flushing medium 13 contains. If now according to FIG. 7b the chewing movement is initiated by the upper and lower teeth 20, 21 biting on the chewing pillow 10, then they squeeze it together. As a result, the rinsing medium 13 is pressed up and down out of the container 11 through the holes 12, 12 'and flows on its way into the oral cavity along the surfaces of the teeth 20, 21, through the interdental spaces and into the gum pockets. If now according to FIG. 7c the chewing movement is continued by moving the teeth 20, 21 away from each other again, then the cushion 10 is relieved, so that it can expand due to its elasticity in form. As a result, the rinsing medium 13 is sucked back out of the oral cavity and the gum pockets through the holes 12, 12 'into the container 11, again. flows along the surfaces of the teeth 20, 21 and through the interdental spaces. It is then available for the next chewing cycle.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Kaukissen

Container, 12 'holes

Flushing medium, 14 'sealing strip

end up

welds

foam

block

Stalk upper teeth lower teeth

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Tooth cleaning device which is resilient in shape and comprises at least one container (11) for receiving a rinsing medium (13) which has at least one hole (12, 12 ').

2. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a first hole (12) on one side of the container (11) and at least a second hole (12 ') is arranged on the opposite side of the container (11).

3. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (11) is made of an elastic material.

4. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (11) is a piece of hose, the open ends (15) are closed.

5. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (11) is at least partially filled with an open-cell foam (17).

6. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the foam (17) is elastic.

7. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container (11) is at least partially filled with textile material.

8. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the textile fabric comprises a woven fabric and / or a knitted fabric and / or a nonwoven fabric.

9. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 8, characterized in that the textile material is elastic.

10. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holes (12, 12 ') are closed by a removable sealing strip (14, 14').

11. Tooth cleaning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a handle (19) is attached to the container (11).

12. Tooth cleaning device, which is resilient in shape and comprises at least one porous block (18) for receiving a rinsing medium (13).

13. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 12, characterized in that the block (18) is at least partially made of foam.

14. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the foam is elastic.

15. Tooth cleaning device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the block (18) is at least partially made of textile.

16. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 15, characterized in that the textile fabric is a woven fabric and / or a knitted fabric and / or a nonwoven fabric.

17. Tooth cleaning device according to claim 16, characterized in that the textile material is elastic.

18. Tooth cleaning device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that a handle (19) is attached to the block (18).

19. A method for producing a tooth cleaning device according to one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of: - cutting a piece of tubing to the desired length; each of the two open ends (15) of the tube piece is closed; and the tube piece is provided with the holes (12, 12 ').

20. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the open ends (15) are closed by gluing.

21. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that the open ends (15) are closed by welding.

22. The method according to claim 21, characterized in that for welding the tube piece is preheated and each open end (15) is then squeezed together.

23. The method according to claim 22, characterized in that the piece of hose is preheated with hot air.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that the hot air is passed through the tube piece.