WO2014137223A1

WO2014137223A1 - Improvements in oral health care

Info

Publication number: WO2014137223A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2013/000032
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryan Earl PAUSINA
Original assignee: Pausina Ryan Earl
Priority date: 2013-03-08
Filing date: 2013-03-08
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

A toothbrush is disclosed including a chewing portion (7) fabricated from a material that includes a silicon rubber. The chewing portion has a Shore A hardness of 23 to 33 and a tear strength of 28 to 40 N/mm. In one embodiment the chewing portion (7) is located on the handle (6) of the toothbrush. A method of using such a toothbrush is also disclosed.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN ORAL HEALTH CARE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for improving oral health care. The invention has particular application to the cleaning of teeth.

BACKGROUND ART

The most widely used apparatus for cleaning the human teeth is the toothbrush, in combination with toothpaste. The toothpaste is manipulated by the bristles of the toothbrush so that the paste acts as an abrasive to remove dental plaque and food detritus from the teeth.

This cleaning is important for the longevity of the teeth as plaque and food detritus can affect the enamel coating of the teeth as well as causing halitosis and tooth or gum disease.

Toothpaste contains a number of chemical ingredients such as aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, silicas and zeolites. Other common ingredients include fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate and various artificial flavorings.

Many individuals dislike the introduction of such chemicals into their bodies due to the potential health risks associated with some chemical compounds, particularly fluoride. Other individuals may in fact be allergic to one or more compounds that are used in toothpaste, and thus cannot use many brands of toothpaste.

Such individuals may opt to use the body's natural defense mechanism against tooth or gum disease, saliva. Saliva is a natural secretion in most animals and has been found to have many beneficial properties for oral hygiene. james & wens \ ζ \ iww υ

For example, saliva contains antimicrobial enzymes, to kill bacteria, as well as enzymes that aid in the breakdown of some foods. Saliva can also contain proline-rich proteins that help in formation of tooth enamel. These proteins can also have antimicrobial activity.

There needs to be some mechanical action to assist in the cleaning of the teeth, hence the use of a toothbrush as well as toothpaste. Most toothpaste includes a surfactant, which acts as a foaming agent to assist in the dispersal of the paste in cleaning.

Saliva lacks a natural surfactant, so a copious amount is required to sufficiently coat and lubricate the teeth when brushing. However, it is difficult to generate saliva in sufficient quantities in order for it to be effective in cleaning teeth. Having insufficient lubricant (in the form of saliva) means that the mechanical action of the bristles of the toothbrush can be quite abrasive and damaging to the teeth in the long term.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

3 Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers Or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by Way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus when used to assist in oral health care, wherein the apparatus includes a chewing surface characterised in that the material for fabrication of the chewing surface of the apparatus is selected from a range of silicone rubbers of: a hardness of Shore 23 to 40, and a tear strength of 28 to 40 N mm.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of using an apparatus substantially as described above to assist in oral health care, the method including the steps of: a) placing the apparatus in the mouth of a user, and b) chewing the apparatus.

The present invention provides an apparatus to assist in oral health care and a method of its use. The apparatus is formed from silicone rubber and is placed in the mouth and chewed by the user.

The chewing action of the user generates production of saliva, which contains a number of natural chemicals (for example, antimicrobial enzymes and proline- rich proteins) that are beneficial to good oral health care.

Also, the material itself acts as an abrasive to provide some mechanical action to assist in the cleaning of teeth. It can also be used to relieve inflammation or other conditions associated with the gums due to the beneficial effect of applying pressure to the affected area.

The apparatus may be a block of silicone rubber and used in a manner similar to chewing gum, or may be integrated into or onto substantially any secondary apparatus such as the handle of a toothbrush.

Further advantages will become apparent with the ensuing description.

Oral health care should be understood to mean the care of the mouth, including cleaning and/or maintenance of the teeth and gums.

The material selected for fabrication of the apparatus is silicone rubber. Silicone rubber is soft and resilient, and is able to return to its original shape if temporarily deformed.

Surprisingly, not all silicone rubbers are suitable for use in the present invention.

It is important that the rubber has sufficient longevity to withstand the repeated deformation caused by chewing, but it also needs to retain its original shape after the chewing action ceases.

If the rubber is too hard, it may be difficult to chew and potentially may damage the teeth through formation of microscopic cracks, particularly in the front teeth. The jaw may also not be articulated sufficiently.

If the rubber is too soft, opposing teeth in the upper and lower jaw may make contact with each other unexpectedly, which may also lead to damage to the teeth. Furthermore, soft rubbers will form splits and can become unhygienic as detritus and bacteria build up in resulting crevices.

|n preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus formed from non toxic silicone rubber. Such rubbers are hypoallergenic and meet relevant health and safety standards. In contrast to some other types of silicone rubbers, it does not release chemicals as it breaks down, as non toxic rubbers are free of plasticisers.

Silicone rubber can have a hardness of Shore 10 to 90, when measured on the "A" Durometer scale. Hardness should be understood to mean the silicone rubber's resistance to permanent indentation. Essentially, the lower the Shore value, the softer the silicone rubber.

The selected silicone rubber has a hardness of Shore 23 to 40, hen measured on the "A" Durometer scale. The selected range of Shore 23 to 40 allows for the production of the apparatus in silicone rubber blocks of soft, medium and hard grade, depending on the preference of the user and the application of the apparatus.

The inventor has found that in these embodiments of the present invention, a suitable soft grade has a hardness of Shore 23 to 24 (suitable for children and/or elderly persons), while a suitable medium grade has a hardness of Shore 25 to 26. A suitable hard grade has a hardness of Shore 27 to 28 (When measured on the "A" Durometer scale). A particularly preferred overall Shore rating is between 23 to 33.

The advantages of this more preferred Shore rating range are considered to be improved comfort in the mouth, avoidance of damage to the mouth/teeth, providing a palatable feel and chewing sensation, production of aerobic action for jaw muscles, and production of increased levels of saliva. The inventor found that this range provided an optimal level of rebound elasticity to obtain improved aerobic work from the jaw muscles. The inventor also identified that preferably, the Shore rating may be selected depending on the thickness of the silicon chewable portion. For instance if the silicon is quite thick, then it may provide certain advantages, yet it may become too bulky and difficult to chew in the mouth. By having a lower Shore rating in a thicker chewable portion, this may help to allow easier chewing while maintaining other advantages.

It should be appreciated that an overall Shore rating greater than 40 is Undesirable as the resulting block becomes too hard for comfortable use. There may also be a loss of rebound elasticity.

An ideal rebound elasticity for the present invention is around 50%. Rebound elasticity should be understood to mean the capacity of the rubber to dissipate mechanical energy. A rebound elasticity of 50% means approximately 50% of the energy applied is absorbed by the rubber.

Of course, the selection of the hardness of the invention may well be derived from the User's personal preference. For example, some people prefer very soft mechanical action on their teeth, while others prefer harder action. The selected hardness range for the present invention, from Shore 23 to 40, (preferably 23 to 33) provides sufficient variety to cater for most preferences.

The rubber blocks may be solid, in which case softer grades of silicone rubber may be used. A solid silicone block can provide a consistent feeling for the user when chewing. A more consistent compression and elastic rebound may be observed, and allows the user to better gauge the quality of the cleansing action of the invention.

However, in some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone rubber is a hollow block of silicone rubber, with an air bubble at its centre or an aperture passing through the block. This may allow the use of silicone rubbers with higher shore ratings on an outer surface, yet still provide an overall shore rating of between 23 to 40, due to the internal cavity (air bubble). Such embodiments, and others, should be considered within the scope of the invention. This reflects that the invention is limited to the overall shore rating of the silicon rubber, which may be a combination and result of different layers (or cores).

Generally, speaking, the harder the silicone rubber, the less curing time is required, and this simplifies manufacture of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the hollow space within the invention may help to enhance the rebound elasticity be reducing the bulge that occurs as the block is compressed, which may help minimise wear on the teeth of the user.

In such an embodiment, it is not outside the scope of the present invention that the selected silicone rubber has a hardness of above Shore 40. In such embodiments, the overall Shore rating between 23 to 40 may be derived from the air space of the hollow portion of the block, or a softer inner core as per the alternative discussed above.

The Shore rating for the hollow embodiment of the present will vary according to a number of factors, which include the size of the hollow as well as the thickness of the walls of the block. An additional advantage of forming a block with an air bubble or aperture in it is that the same grade of silicone rubber may be used to manufacture soft, medium and hard grades of the present invention, simply by varying the dimensions of the hollow portion of the block and/or the walls of the block.

The silicone rubber has a tear strength of 28 to 40 N mm.

Tear strength should be understood to mean the maximum stress that an object or material can withstand without tearing. Tear strength can be measured in newtons per millimetre (N/mm).

The inventor has found that silicone rubbers having a tear strength of between 28 to 40 N mm (inclusive) are relatively durable and provides longevity despite any breaks in the surface of the silicone rubber that may occur in use.

For example in some instances, the user's teeth may damage the rubber. However, having the preferred tear strength means that it takes a relatively high degree of force before the break gets bigger. This helps prolong the life of the silicone rubber before it has to be replaced.

The selected silicone rubber allows for the production of an apparatus with a chewing surface.

The apparatus can be produced |n blocks (solid and hollow) with soft, medium and hard grades as identified in Table 1 (below) with the preferred characteristics.

Table 1 : Soft, medium and hard grades of the present invention and associated characteristics

In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone rubber has some additional properties that are preferred.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the silicone rubber has an elongation at break of 500% to 1000%.

Elongation at break should be understood to mean the point at which the silicone rubber will break when stretched.

The elongation at break may vary depending on the grades of silicone rubber. For example, the inventor has determined that an ideal elongation at break for a soft grade (Shore 23-24) is from 750% to 950%.

Preferably, the elongation at break is 750% for a medium grade block of shore 26 to 27. Other elongation at break values for specific grades are provided in Table 2 below.

The inventor has found that silicone rubbers with an elongation at break of between 500% to 1000% are soft enough to easily chewed, but hard enough to stimulate the gums to excrete saliva, strengthen the jaw and provide the desired mechanical action to act as an abrasive to assist in cleaning the teeth.

The silicone rubber may have a number of other characteristics, which are optional, but may enhance the use of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the selected silicone rubber may have a tensile strength of between approximately 4 N/m² to 10N/m².

Tensile strength should be understood to mean the maximum stress that an object or material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before the cross- section of the object starts to significantly contract.

Tensile strength can be measured in newtons per square metre (N/m²) or in pascals (Pa).

Essentially, the lower its tensile strength, the weaker the silicone rubber.

The preferred range of tensile strength better allows for the production of the apparatus in silicone rubber blocks of soft, medium and hard grade, depending on the preference of the user and the application of the apparatus.

Preferably, the tensile strength of the selected silicone rubber is 6.5 N/m _;

As discussed above, in one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus is a solid block or cube of silicone rubber.

In this embodiment, the block would have the characteristics as identified in Table 2 below. Grade/Characteristics Shore Value (A) Tear strength (N Elongation at

rrtm). Break {9¾)

Soft 23 - 24 28 - 40 750 - 950

Medium 25 - 26 28 - 40 650 - 850

Hard 27 - 28 28 - 40 550 - 750

Table 2: Soft, medium and hard grades of the present invention (solid block) and associated characteristics

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the block is in the shape of a cube. However, this is not limiting, and persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be in spherical, rectangular, or pyramidal shapes. It will be appreciated that the exterior surfaces of the block are the chewing surfaces.

As discussed above, in some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus could be a hollow block or cube of silicone rubber. In general, the following considerations apply to both solid and hollow versions of the present invention.

It will be appreciated that preferably the edges of the apparatus are rounded for user comfort. This will be important if the edges of the block contact the soft tissues of the mouth cavity.

In such embodiments, the approximate dimensions of the block range from one cubic centimetre to about three cubic centimetres, or at least one to three centimetres thick: However, this is not meant to be limiting. For example, the inventor prefers a block of 0.3 centimetres thick, as a block of this thickness is less intrusive, and allows the user to more easily participate in a conversation.

However, if the apparatus is any larger than three centimetres, then it may be uncomfortable to chew due to the displacement of the jaw that is required.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may be elongate in one or more dimensions. The inventor has found that having the elongate dimension of the apparatus curved (such that in a plan view the block resembles a banana) allows for the block to better fit in the mouth and align with the curvature of the jaw line.

This will allow the user to manipulate the block within their mouth such that the block is in contact with several teeth at once, and thus is able to contact more teeth at the same time.

However, size considerations are such that the elongate dimension of the block is preferably between approximately two and six centimetres. A block with dimensions larger than this may be uncomfortable to chew due to its size.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the silicone rubber may be formed around a core of different material, such as food grade plastic or the like. This may be necessary to provide some density to the apparatus and limit the degree of resiliency.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the block may be configured into a specific shape designed to improve the mechanical action of chewing the block, and therefore potentially result in an improved clean.

For example, the block may take a C-shaped profile. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that this means the block can "wrap" around the teeth to a certain degree, working both the wear surfaces of the teeth as well as the side surfaces and gums. Other configurations that will fulfill this functionality are envisaged by the inventor. For example, the block may have an I-shaped profile which, when placed on its side, complements both the upper and lower teeth.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the chewing surfaces of the block may be provided with a rippled or undulating surface to provide additional frictional contact with the mouth, gums and teeth when being chewed. Essentially, this increases the mechanical action of the block when it is being chewed or otherwise manipulated in the mouth, and potentially will result in an improved clean.

It will be appreciated that the present invention does not need to be in the form of a block or cube of silicone rubber.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may be provided as an elongate device, potentially with one end being gripped by the user. The silicone rubber may be provided with an embedded handle (of food grade plastic or the like) for easy and hygienic use.

Such an embodiment may be useful if the user wants to focus their chewing action with a certain area of the mouth.

Alternatively, the present invention may be provided as part of the handle (or an extension of the handle) of a conventional toothbrush essentially to form a saliva production and agitating device.

Some conventional toothbrushes are provided with coated handles but these coatings are far too thin to be of any practical assistance in chewing. There is also the risk that the coating may partially break down, and the teeth may be damaged upon contact with the plastic core of the toothbrush.

Integrating the present invention into a toothbrush overcomes this problem. The end of the toothbrush handle may be provided with a peg or the like which can be inserted into a block of silicone rubber. The peg may only be partially embedded into the block, or may extend substantially all the way through the core. Other ways of integrating the present invention with a toothbrush will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

This embodiment of the invention, being integrated with a toothbrush, may be useful when travelling with a toiletries kit, as blocks of silicone rubber may be easily lost in transit. In the absence of toothpaste, it also allows the user to supplement the mechanical action of chewing with the mechanical action of the bristles of the toothbrush for an improved clean, using saliva that is generated from the chewing activity as a lubricant and cleansing agent. Therefore, the present invention even may be used to avoid the need for water which is often used to lubricate the toothbrush before use.

It should be appreciated that the present invention allows the user to produce saliva in the mouth by chewing the chewable portion. In having a brushing section on the same device, it allows the user to easily shift quickly to the next step of brushing the teeth without having to look down to choose a separate utensil, such as a toothbrush. Therefore the convenience of having the two components linked together provides a new result in avoiding loss of saliva produced during the chewing phase. The saliva then acts synergistically in the brushing action as discussed below.

The use of anti-microbial/antifungal neutral proteins that are found in saliva add to the effectiveness of the present invention, especially when linked to a toothbrush. For example, lysozyme is an antibacterial agent found in saliva. The present invention synergistically promotes the utilization of the body's own antibacterial systems. Saliva also includes digestive enzymes such as amylase which may help to break down food lodged between teeth and therefore aid in the tooth cleaning process.

Furthermore, the use of saliva is thought to maintain optimum pH levels that could otherwise be distorted by toothpaste or other chemicals. Saliva abundance is not considered to counter this pH level, and instead promotes maintenance of optimum pH.

The production of saliva adds extra lubricant which synergistically aids in the brushing process.

A further advantage is the consumer focus on reducing reliance on foreign chemicals such as toothpaste which may have adverse effects on health. Many also dislike the taste of toothpaste. Additionally, the present invention provides an alternative to using toothpaste, thereby saving consumer costs;

Therefore the present invention provides a system which moves away from the status quo of conventional tooth brushing using toothpaste, and relies on the body's own natural fluids to help maintain clean healthy teeth. Of course, the present invention may also be used with toothpaste if the user desired.

There is also the simplicity of convenience of cleaning using a single instrument. One end of the toothbrush is used first for Chewing and generating saliva, then it is reversed for the actual brushing of the teeth. Additionally, the selection of silicone rubber fulfilling the recited criteria offers a surprising number of advantages in oral health care. It may: • exercise jaw and facial muscles;

• strengthen and Clean the teeth;

• rejuvenate teeth through low wear chewing action, including teeth that don't otherwise receive much mechanical action;

• help in the massage of the gums as well as easing pain and discomfort as new teeth erupt from the gums;

• encourage production of saliva, which has natural chemicals that can assist in reducing inflammation and infections in the mouth, encourage antimicrobial activity, encourage formation of tooth enamel; and provide a more viscous lubricant (than water) and solvent to help with subsequent brushing of teeth;

• avoid the eed to use toothpaste for those individuals who do not wish to be exposed to the chemical compounds (or are allergic to one or more of these compounds) that can be found in toothpaste; and

• the invention can be used in any place at any time. There is no need for toothpaste or running water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figures 1(a) - 1(c) are perspective views of various embodiments of the present invention in the form of a block of silicone rubber; and

Figure 2 is a side view of the present invention forming part of a toothbrush.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

It will be appreciated from the preceding description that the present invention can be provided as a block of silicone rubber (1■).

The block can be a simple cube as represented by Figure 1(a), but also can be in the form of more complex shapes, such as those illustrated in Figures 1(b) and 1(c).

The embodiment of the invention (2) illustrated in Figures 1(b) is provided with a recess (3) to complement the profile of the human teeth (not shown).

Articulating the block (2) so that it wraps about the teeth during the chewing action of the mouth provides some mechanical assistance in the cleaning of teeth.

Biting down on the block generates saliva, which contains various natural agents that are beneficial of good oral health. Substantial contact is also made with the cheeks and gums, and this can also help generation of saliva. The resiliency of the block can provide some additional exercise for the jaw and associated muscles.

In Figure 1(c), the invention is a hollow block of silicone rubber (4). The air space (5) within the block provides some resiliency, and allows the use of slighter harder silicone rubbers.

An alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2, in which the lower portion of a tooth brush handle (6) is joined to a length of silicone rubber (7). The toothbrush handle (6) is provided with a peg (8) for insertion into a complementary recess (9) in the length of silicone rubber (7). The embodiment illustrated in Figure 2 is provided with a hollow (10) in the length of silicone rubber (7). However, in some embodiments of the present invention (not shown), the length of silicone rubber may be solid.

Prior to cleaning their teeth, or subsequent to cleaning their teeth, the user may chew upon the end (7) of the handle of the toothbrush (6) to assist in the generation of saliva.

As well as containing a number of natural compounds Conducive to good oral healthcare, the saliva acts as a lubricant or surfactant to assist in the cleaning of the teeth if the user is without toothpaste.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A toothbrush wherein the toothbrush includes a chewing portion, characterised in that the material for fabrication of the chewing portion of the toothbrush includes a silicon rubber; and wherein the chewing portion has: a hardness of Shore A 23 to 33, and a tear strength of 28 to 40 N/mm.

2. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 1 wherein the silicone rubber is nontoxic.

3. The toothbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 2 wherein the selected silicone rubber has a tensile strength of approximately 4 to 10 N/m².

4. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 3 wherein the selected silicone rubber has a tensile strength of approximately 6.5 N/m².

5. The toothbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the selected silicone rubber has an elongation of break of approximately 250 to 1000%.

6. The toothbrush as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elongation at break is approximately 750%.

7. The toothbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 whereiri the chewing portion is a solid block of silicone rubber.

8. The toothbrush as claimed in any One of claims 1 to 6 wherein the chewing portion is a hollow block of silicone rubber.

9. A toothbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the chewing portion is located on the handle of the toothbrush.

10. A toothbrush as claimed in claim 9 wherein the toothbrush handle is configured with a peg complementary to a recess in a silicone block.

11. A method of using a toothbrush as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 to assist in oral health care, the method including the steps of: a) placing the chewing portion of the toothbrush in the mouth of a user; and b) chewing on the chewing portion of the toothbrush.

12. A toothbrush when used to assist in oral health care substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying Figures.

13. A method of using a toothbrush when used to assist in oral health care substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying figures.