By Kytja Weir

Globe Correspondent / April 27, 2008

While brushing their teeth, many people scrub too hard, damaging their gums. Or, they don’t brush long enough, missing the nooks where cavities grow.

WATERPIK SENSONIC PROFESSIONAL $79.99

Pros: This model offers two speeds.

Cons: It’s sold only at dentists’ offices or online.

Final word: It works by using a vibrating brush head. It’s the best value, skipping some of the extras that drive up cost.

CYBERSONIC $59.95

Pros: There are free replacement heads by mail, but shipping is not included.

Cons: Worst feature: Doesn’t have much power or any setting options. Doesn’t shut off automatically.

Final word: It uses “harmonic resonance,” which the makers claim makes it the world’s fastest toothbrush. It’s a cheap model that doesn’t have much juice.

ORAL-B TRIUMPH WITH SMARTGUIDE $149.99

Pros: This model has a helpful battery-level indicator.

Cons: It’s the hardest to assemble because of its SmartGuide screen, which cues when you brush too hard. It also doesn’t turn off automatically.

Final word: The round head spins and oscillates like a polisher in a dentist office. Great brush, but do you really need a smiley face to reinforce when you brush right? The separate SmartGuide screen also seems to add unnecessary cost.

ULTREO $169.99

Pros: It chimes a tune when it’s time to switch to a different part of the mouth. This model is gentle and quiet.

Cons: It has the most expensive replacement heads, about $20 each. And they are fragile. Ours shattered after only a short tumble from the edge of the sink into the basin.

Final word: This model uses sonic vibrations and ultrasound, which shoots out from a bump in the brush middle called a “waveguide.” It’s good for those who find other models too intense. But it’s a pricey model with pricey parts.

PHILIPS SONICARE FLEXCARE $179

Pros: It has the slimmest brush and offers options for quick, long, and massage brushing.

Cons: It has the most intense tickling feeling, even before it ramps up to full force after the first 14 uses.

Final word: It uses a sonic vibrating brush head. It has a great brush, but the attached UV sanitizer unit to clean brush heads doesn’t seem necessary since the heads need to be replaced anyway. A cheaper model might be better.

more stories like this
Enter the power toothbrush, which does all the work for you.

The Globe tested five of the top toothbrush brands – Waterpik, Ultreo, Philips Sonicare, Oral-B, and Cybersonic – to determine which performs the best. The devices, which range in price from $59.95 to $179, feature technologies ranging from rotating bristles like those used in the dentist’s office to “harmonic resonance” and “ultrasound waves.” Each is competing for a slice of the $5 billion toothbrush market.

None of the models the Globe tested has received – or even sought – the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Clifford Whall, who directs the program, said companies pulled out because the ADA requires specific scientific data and limits the claims they can make about their products – and their competition.

Each brand claims to be better than the next, sometimes to the objection of rivals. In fact, Oral-B’s parent company, Procter & Gamble, is suing Ultreo over its advertising that claims its ultrasonic waves help the brush clean beyond its bristles.

Whall said, “There’s nothing to show power brushes are better than manual.”

They also can be an expensive habit, because as with razors or printers, the cost of replacement parts increases the overall expense. Brush head replacements can go for up to $20 a pop. The units also require electricity, an economic and environmental cost.

The biggest benefit of power brushes is that they can help users clean their teeth for two full minutes, which is what Whall calls a good guideline for proper dental care yet is longer than most people brush manually. All models tested remind users when to switch to a different section of the mouth. And they all left teeth feeling clean and smooth. So, the main difference we found was cost.

The Oral-B Triumph, which costs $149.99, spins its round head like those at a dentist’s office. It also comes with a separate but redundant “SmartGuide” screen, which Oral-B spokeswoman Elizabeth Ming said helps brushers learn visually. It times the brushing, cues when to switch to a different area of the mouth, and beeps if the brusher bears down too hard. But the brush already marks 30-second intervals on its own and the screen’s smiley face at the end seems condescending.

The Sonicare FlexCare boasts the most bells and whistles, and the biggest price tag at $179. The brush runs a standard two-minute cycle but can be set for shorter, longer, or a massage setting. Still, it is the trimmest model, which makes it good for travel. It also has the most intense, tickling vibrations. But the accompanying UV sanitizer to clean the brush heads seems an unnecessary expense since it doesn’t save buyers from needing replacement heads every three months.

The Waterpik Sensonic Professional, which retails for $79, wins our vote for best value as it boasts few frills with just two settings but remains easy to use.

Or you could just save some cash, buy a two-minute egg timer and stick with the old-fashioned nylon-bristled brush. Just don’t brush too hard, no matter which kind you use.

Document Type and Number:
United States Patent 5247716
Link to this page:
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/5247716.html
Abstract:
A removable brush-head for an ultrasonic toothbrush for daily dental hygiene purposes, including a plurality of bristle clusters, a substantially tubular body constructed of a flexible material and tensioning means securing the brush-head to the ultrasonic device, providing for the efficient transmission of ultrasonic frequency vibrations from the device via the brush-head to the teeth and gums of the user to loosen and remove soft plaque therefrom.

Inventors:
Bock, Robert T. (R.D. 6 Drovers La., Brewster, NY, 10509)

Application Number:
07/911489
Filing Date:
07/10/1992
Publication Date:
09/28/1993
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Export Citation:
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Assignee:
Bock, Robert T. (US)

Primary Class:
15/22.100
Other Classes:
15/176.600, 15/167.100
International Classes:
A46B7/04; A61C17/20; A46B7/00; A61C17/16
Field of Search:
15/22.1, 15/22.2, 15/167.1, 15/167.2, 15/176.1, 15/176.4, 15/176.5, 15/176.6, 15/188
US Patent References:
1963389 June, 1934 Vardeman 15/188 Toothbrush
2219753 October, 1940 Sequin 15/188 Toothbrush
3879139 April, 1975 Dahl et al. 151/766 Disposable toothbrush assembly
4333197 June, 1982 Kuris 15/221 Ultrasonic toothbrush

Primary Examiner:
Roberts, Edward L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
Watson, Cole, Grindle & Watson

Parent Case Data:
RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/674,123, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,138,733, filed Mar. 25, 1991 entitled “Ultrasonic Toothbrush”.

Claims:
I claim:

1. A brush device for use in personal dental hygiene care as a replaceable member of a dental hygiene device comprising:
a plurality of bristle clusters for carrying dentifrice;

a substantially tubular body constructed with flexible walls with means securing said bristle clusters within one of the said flexible walls forming a tight fit to the said dental hygiene device, at least one abutment extending from at least one of the walls toward the center forming a tight fit into a receptacle formed in the said dental hygiene device while the other walls are forming a fit with substantial clearance over said dental hygiene device.

2. The brush device of claim 1 including means of deflecting said flexible walls with said substantial clearance over said dental hygiene device inward causing the other one or more said flexible walls comprising said tight fitting abutment to move outward unlocking said brush device from said dental hygiene device.

3. A brush device for use in personal dental hygiene care as a replaceable member of an ultrasonic dental hygiene device having a mating part therefor comprising:
a plurality of bristle clusters for carrying dentifrice;

a substantially tubular body having an open end for receiving the dental hygiene device, and including top and bottom walls diverging from each other in the direction of the open end, and side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls defining a tapered cavity smaller than the mating part of said dental hygiene device, said tubular body to be forced to fit onto the larger mating part of the said dental hygiene device, said walls being flexible with means securing said bristle clusters within one of said top and bottom walls and having at least one inner surface portion in the cavity opposite the bristle clusters for forcibly engaging a corresponding surface of the mating part when fit thereon, other said flexible walls including tensioning means to forcibly pull said flexible wall containing said bristle clusters into intimate contact against said dental hygiene device to conduct vibrations to ultrasonic frequency from said dental hygiene device to the surface within said tubular body and to said bristle clusters, the said tubular body and said bristle clusters to be received within the human mouth for conducting said vibrations to the said dentifrice to loosen soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and the gums and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces for dislodging the loosened soft plaque therefrom.

4. The brush device of claim 3 wherein at least one of the said flexible walls includes means operated by the tensioning of said flexible walls to retain said brush device on the said dental hygiene device against the forces generated by the friction between said bristle clusters and the teeth of the user, the said brush device being removable by an application of an axial force.

5. The brush device of claim 3 wherein at least the flexible wall opposite to the said flexible wall containing said bristle clusters includes a slot to allow the tensions generated by the expanding side walls to pull the flexible end portion of said flexible wall into a grove in the handle of said dental hygiene device to retain said brush device on the said dental hygiene device against the forces generated by the friction between said bristle clusters and the teeth of the user, the said brush device being removable by an application of an axial force.

6. The brush device of claim 3 wherein one of the said flexible walls is constructed to form a gap between the said brush device and the said dental hygiene device, the said gap being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the said brush device to receive means to disengage said brush device from said dental hygiene device.

7. The brush device of claim 3 wherein the dental hygiene device is a subsonic device.

8. The brush device of claim 3 wherein the dental hygiene device operates in the audible sound frequency range.

9. The brush device of claim 3, wherein the at least one inner surface portion in the cavity comprises a planar surface slated relative to a longitudinal axis of the mating part, said cavity having a relatively narrow inner portion and a relatively wide open end.

10. The brush device of claim 9, wherein the slated surface acts as an inclined plane opposite a corresponding surface on the mating part.

11. A brush device for use in personal dental hygiene care as a replaceable member of an ultrasonic dental hygiene device having a mating part and a vibratory working surface comprising:
a plurality of bristle clusters for carrying dentifrice; having an open end for receiving the dental hygine device, and including top and bottom walls diverging from each other in the direction of the open end, and side walls interconnecting the top and bottom walls

a substantially tubular body defining a tapered cavity adapted to be smaller than a mating part of the said dental hygiene device, to be forced to fit onto said larger mating part of the said dental hygiene device, said walls being flexible including means securing said bristle clusters within one of said top and bottom walls and an inner wall portion within the cavity opposite the bristle clusters for engaging the vibratory working surface of the mating part, said flexible walls exerting tensioning force on said larger mating part to secure the inner wall portion of said flexible wall containing said bristle clusters against vibratory working surface of the mating part of said dental hygiene device to conduct vibrations of ultrasonic frequency from said dental hygiene device to the said tubular body and said bristle clusters, the said tubular body and said bristle clusters to be received within the human mouth for conducting said vibrations to the said dentifrice to loosen soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and the gums and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces for dislodging the loosened soft plaque therefrom.

12. A brush device for use in personal dental hygiene care as a replaceable member of an ultrasonic dental hygiene device comprising:
a plurality of bristle clusters for carrying dentifrice;

a substantially tubular body containing a tapered cavity adapted to be smaller than the mating part of said dental hygiene device, to be forced onto the larger mating part of the said dental hygiene device, constructed with flexible walls with means securing said bristle clusters within one of said flexible walls, other said flexible walls containing tensioning means to pull and hold said flexible wall containing said bristle clusters against said dental hygiene device to conduct vibrations to ultrasonic frequency from said dental hygiene device to the said tubular body and said bristle clusters, the said tubular body and said bristle clusters to be received within the human mouth for conducting said vibrations to the said dentifrice to loosen soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and the gums and moved across tooth and gingival surfaces for dislodging the loosened soft plaque therefrom, a flexible wall opposite said wall containing said bristle clusters includes a slot to allow the tensions generated by the expanding side walls to pull the flexible end portion of said flexible wall into a groove in the handle of said dental hygiene device to retain said brush device on the said dental hygiene device against the forces generated by the friction between said bristle clusters and the teeth of the user, the said brush device being removable by an application of an axial force.

Description:
BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to toothbrushes. More particularly the invention is concerned with an apparatus facilitating the use of ultrasonic energy to assist an otherwise manual toothbrush in loosening and removing soft plaque from the teeth of the user on a substantially dialy basis. A specific concern of the invention is an apparatus that carries the bristle clusters, which is readily replaceable as wear of the bristles occur.

2. Description of Prior Art

Numerous attempts have been made to develop an apparatus to remove plaque or tartar from the surface of the teeth. Some of the devices utilized sonic and/or ultrasonic energy. The devices utilizing sonic or ultrasonic energy can be grouped into three distinct categories.

One approach is the utilization of only fluids as a medium of energy transmission and plaque removal by placing an ultrasonic transducer into the middle of the mouth. This approach is impractical and physiologically dangerous due to the high energy levels it requires to be effective in absence of any mechanical scrub bing, and the uncontrolled, variable, user dependent distance between the transducer and the teeth. A typical example is U.S. Pat. No. 3,760,799.

The second approach is the application of ultrasonic energy to vibrate the toothbrush. While these teachings are aged, no application to data has demonstrated the practical feasibility of carrying out the science in this manner. The significant drawback of some these proposals is that the toothbrush or applicator is solidly attached, otherwise fixed to the transducer, making replacement of the brush difficult and expensive, taking the device out of the economically affordable daily dental hygiene device category for the general population. Examples of these devices can be found in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,192,035 and 4,333,197 and 4,787,847.

The third and only theory reduced to practice to data is to remove hardened or calcified plaque colonies from the surface of the teeth on infrequent periodical basis. This art has been made available to professional dentists in the form of a high energy device that couples the ultrasonic energy to the teeth by a metal probe. While safe in the hands of the highly skilled and professionally trained dentists or hygienists, these devices are not suitable for daily use by the general population. Such devices could cause damage to the surface of the teeth and the surrounding tissue when utilized by un-trained novice consumers. What has occurred to date is that notwithstanding the teachings of the prior art, the ability to utilize ultrasonic energy to assist the consumer in the daily maintenance of oral hygiene in a safe and effective manner has remained unsolved.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

Responding to the above described unsolved needs, this invention provides an ultrasonic toothbrush that is safe and effective to assist the consumer in the daily maintenance of oral hygiene. The invention attains this goal by positioning a piezoelectric transducer in the head section of an otherwise manual toothbrush. The piezoelectric crystal, resonating at or about its resonant frequency, emits ultrasonic waves between the bristles and couples the energy to the surface of the teeth via the dentifrice in the users mouth.

An object of the present invention is to provide a safe ultrasonic energy coupling mechanism to the user’s teeth to dislodge and remove soft plaque.

An other object of the invention is to provide an effective cleaning device while reducing the ultrasonic energy level to the point where the daily application in the hands of an un-trained novice will not harm the surface of the teeth or the surrounding soft tissue.

A further object is to provide an inexpensive removable brush component, independent from the sealed ultrasonic energy emitter, that can be easily replaced by the consumer. The brush component must provide for adequate interface between the surfaces of the main body containing the piezoelectric transducer, and the surfaces of the brush component, for efficient transmission of the ultrasonic energy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross section of the invention in the replaceable brush-head configuration, including a battery powered driving circuitry.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the lock-in attachment methodology of the brush-head to the handle of the ultrasonic device, in a cross sectional view.

FIG.4 and FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the brush-head unlocking tool and the removal methodology of the brush-head from the main body of the device.

FIGS. 6A-6E show an embodiment of the attachment and removal method-ology of the brush-head to and from the handle of the device.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention where the replaceable brush element includes the piezoelectric crystal.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring in detail to the drawings, the reference numerals herein refer to the like numbered parts in the drawings. In the following discussion, unless otherwise qualified, the term “ultrasonic” refers to either subsonic, sonic, or ultrasonic frequencies.

An ultrasonic toothbrush 20, in accordance with the present invention, is shown in FIG. 1. The toothbrush comprises of a handle 22 constructed of a rigid material, a battery pack 24, an electronics driving module 26, a piezoelectric transducer 28, connecting wiring 30, and a removable brush-head 32 made of a flexible material that encompasses a plurality of bristle clusters 34. The toothbrush is shown in a typical cleaning position, the bristle clusters 34 in contact with the teeth 36 in the oral cavity 38. The low voltage DC energy supplied by the battery pack 24 is converted to an ultrasonic frequency DC current by the electronics driving module 26, which is connected to the piezoelectric transducer 28 by the connecting wiring 30. The piezoelectric crystal resonates, expands and contracts volumetrically, in tune with the frequency supplied by the electronics driving module 26 and thereby converts the electronic energy into sound-wave energy. The sound-waves driving the dentifrices in the mouth of the user against the teeth 36 causing mild cavitation within the dentifrices at the junction with the teeth, resulting in a loosening effect on the soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and in the periodontal pockets formed in the gums around the neck of the teeth. The loosened soft plaque is then dislodged by the bristle clusters 34 of the toothbrush 20 by the normal brushing movements of the user.

The length of the bristle clusters 34 is selected to space the transducer 28 within an effective and controlled optimum distance to the teeth, allowing the reduction of the sound energy to biologically safe levels for routine daily application without causing harm to the surface or root structure of the teeth, and the surrounding soft tissue.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrates the lock-in attachment methodology of the brush-head 32 to the handle 22. To achieve a firm attachment, the brush-head 32 incorporates a tapered tongue section 40 and the handle incorporates a matching groove 42. To install a replacement brush-head 32, the user engages the rigid nose 44 section of the handle 22 with the flexible mouth 46 section of the brush-head 32. Upon engagement, the user forces the brush-head 32 upon the handle 22 until the movement is stopped by the lower mating surfaces 48 and 50 of the brush-head 32 and handle 22 respectively, and the tongue 40 snaps into the groove 42.

FIGS. 4, 5, and 6 illustrate the un-locking methodology of an other configuration brush-head 32 from the handle 22. The brush-head 32 incorporates a tapered abutment 52 on each side that increases in size toward its mouth 46. The internal cavity of the mouth 46 is tapered 54, and increasing in size toward the abutments 52, forming a gap between the brush-head 32 and the handle 22 adjacent to the abutments 52. A removal tool 56 constructed of a material with superior strength and rigidity to the flexible brush-head 32 material, comprises a cavity that matches the lower and straight side dimensions of the brush-head 32 but larger than the brush-head 32 in the vertical dimension. As the user slides the rigid removal tool 56 upon the flexible brush-head 32, the sides with the abutments 52 of the brush-head 32 deform inwardly, causing the top section of the brush head 32 with the tongue 40 to flex into the gap 47, out of the groove 42 of the handle 22, thereby un-locking the brush-head 32 from the handle 22.

FIGS. 6A-6E show an embodiment of the attachment and removal methodology of the brush-head to and from the handle of the device.

FIG. 6A shows the preferred brush-head 72 constructed of a flexible material with varying wall thicknesses, incorporating a cavity 73 having a flat bottom surface 74 adjacent to the bristle clusters 34 and a tapered upper surface 78 opposite to the bristle clusters 34. The wall opposite to the bristle clusters 34 incorporates a slot 76 for the purpose of locking the brush-head 72 into place on the handle 22 and to secure it against accidental removal. The handle 22 constructed of a rigid material, incorporates a flat bottom surface 84 and a tapered upper surface 80, wherein the angle 81 of the tapered upper surface 80 is larger than the angle 79 of the tapered upper inside surface 78 of the brush-head 72 cavity 73. The handle 22 also comprises a groove 42 adapted to receive the flexible end portion 82 of the brush-head 72. The dimension 86 of the handle 22 is approximately the same as the dimension 88 of the brush-head 72, while the dimension 90 of the handle 22 is significantly larger than the dimension 88 of the brush-head 72.

FIG. 6B shows the installation process of the brush-head 72 onto the handle 22. The user aligns the flat inside surface 74 of the brush-head 72 with the flat outer surface 84 of the handle 22, then proceeds to push the brush-head 72 onto the handle 22.

During the installation process, as shown in FIG. 6C and 6C’, the larger angle 81 of the handle 22 expands the walls 94 and 96 of the brush-head 72 which is constructed with a smaller angle 79. The vertical wall thickness 92 of the brush-head 72 is designed to be substantially thinner than the bottom section 98 to assure that the expansion and the accompanying deformation of the brush-head 72 takes place within the side walls 94 and 96. The thickness of the bottom section 98 is calculated to assure that the inside flat surface 74 adjacent to the bristle clusters 34 of the brush-head 72 remains flat and not deformed by the expansion forces, and remains in intimate contact with the surface 84 of the handle 22.

FIG. 6D describes the ultrasonic energy transmission methodology from the piezoelectric transducer 28 through the brush-head 72. When the brush-head 72 is pushed fully onto the handle 22, and the side walls 94 and 96 are expanded, the entire inside surface 74 of the brush-head 72 is forced into a tight and intimate contact with the outside surface 84 of the handle 22 by the tensional forces generated in the side walls 94 and 96 of the brush-head 72. This feature of matching surfaces in intimate contact is important for the efficient transmission of the ultrasonic energy from the piezoelectric crystal 28 through the handle 22 to the brush-head 72 and the bristle clusters 34. The volumetric expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric transducer 28 indicated by the double headed arrows generates the sound waves indicated by the curved lines, that are transmitted to the handle 22 and in turn to the brush-head 72 external surfaces and to the bristle clusters 34. The thickness 92 of the side walls 94 and 96 are also calculated to assure that the stress generated by the expansion force does not exceeds the yield strength of the side walls 94 and 96. When designed in this manner, the stress generated in the side walls 94 and 96 will provide a force to maintain intimate contact between the surface 74 of the brush-head 72 and the surface 84 of the handle 22 throughout the life cycle of the brush-head 72.

FIG. 6E shows the locking methodology of the brush-head 72 to the handle 22. As the end portion 82 of the brush-head 72 next to the slot 76 passes over the thickest dimension 90 of the handle 22, it is positioned directly above the groove 42 of the handle 22. The tensional forces in the side walls 94 and 96 pull the flexible end portion 82 of the brush-head 72 into the groove 42 of the handle 22, thereby locking the brush-head 72 into position on the handle 22. The angularity of surface 100 is designed to prevent movement of the brush-head 72 by the forces generated of the bristle clusters 34 as they are rubbed against the teeth of the user, but to allow the removal of the brush-head 72 from the handle 22 when a significant axial pulling force is applied by the user.

FIG. 6E further shows the removal methodology of the brush-head 72 from the handle 22. The user presses a wedge 104 into a gap 102 formed between the brush-head 72 and the handle 22, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle 22. As the wedge penetrates, it widens the gap 102 and forces the brush-head 72 away from the handle in an axial motion, while the flexible end portion 82 of the brush-head 72 rides up on the angle 100 of the handle 22, releasing the brush-head 72. In practice, numerous other tools could replace the wedge 104 in the action of widening the gap. A screwdriver or a coin being twisted in the gap could fulfill the same function.

FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the invention, where the ultrasonic toothbrush 70 comprises of an AC line connector 66, a handle 64, an electronics module 26, a low voltage high frequency DC connector 58, and a replaceable brush element 62 that is further comprised of a plurality of bristle clusters 34, a piezoelectric transducer 28, connecting wiring 30, and an other connector 60. The electronics module is energized by conventional AC house current through the line connector 66. The AC house current is converted to a low voltage, ultrasonic frequency DC current by the electronics module 26, which is connected to the piezoelectric transducer 28 by the connecting wiring 30 through the connectors 58 and 60. The piezoelectric crystal resonates, expands and contracts volumetrically, in tune with the frequency supplied by the electronics driving module 26 and thereby converts the electronic energy into sound-wave energy. The sound-waves driving the dentifrices in the mouth of the user against the teeth 36 causing mild cavitation within the dentifrices at the junction with the teeth, resulting in a loosening effect on the soft plaque on the surface of the teeth and in the periodontal pockets formed in the gums around the neck of the teeth. The loosened soft plaque is then dislodged by the bristle clusters 34 of the toothbrush 70 by the normal brushing movements of the user.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS AND SCOPE OF THE INVENTION
It can be seen that the invention provides a safe and effective ultrasonic toothbrush that can be utilized by any novice in the daily maintenance of oral hygiene. The fluid coupled ultrasonic energy, where metallic contact with the teeth has been eliminated, and the relatively low level but effective energy provides outstanding safety for both the teeth and the surrounding soft tissue. The reduced energy requirement is made possible by the controlled distance between the piezoelectric transducer and the teeth, that is established by the length of the bristle clusters. In particular, the removable toothbrush head allows for frequent replacement of the bristle clusters as appropriate.

While the preceding description contain many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of a preferred and additional embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. Skilled artisans will readily be able to change dimensions, shapes and construction materials of the various components described in the embodiments and adopt the invention to all types of sonic energy applications, from the subsonic range through sonic and to the ultrasonic range. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

 

by Jeannie Choe, posted Feb 24th 2007 at 5:45PM

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 
Electric toothbrush, made by Braun.An electric toothbrush is a toothbrush that uses electric power to move the brush head, normally in an oscillating pattern, though electric toothbrushes are often called ‘rotary’ toothbrushes.

History

 Dr. Scott’s ‘electric’ toothbrush
In the late 1800s in the USA, a man named Dr. George A. Scott claimed to invent an “electric” toothbrush.[1] However, unlike actual electronically-powered bristle brushes, Dr. Scott’s brush merely sent a strong electrical current through the brush to whoever was using it at the time. The shock was apparently (according to lore of the time) supposed to “promote good health”.
 Evolution of the modern toothbrush
Although a true electric toothbrush was first conceived in 1880[2] and reliably sold in 1939 (in Switzerland), it took almost 30 years for the invention to be produced in the USA; the Broxodent, was a rotating electric toothbrush introduced by Squibb Pharmaceutical at the centennial of the American Dental Association in 1960. These were initially created for patients with limited motor skills, as well orthodontic patients (such as those with braces). Claims have been made that these are more effective than manual toothbrushes, as it leaves less room for patients to brush incorrectly.

Electric toothbrushes such as those made by Braun, have become increasingly cheap. However, part of this is offset by the (relatively) high retail cost of the disposable brush heads.[citation needed]
 Charging
The electronic compartments in most of the electronic toothbrushes are completely sealed to prevent water damage. There are no metal contacts. These toothbrushes charge using a technique called inductive charging. In the brush unit is one half of a transformer, and in the charge-unit is the other part of the transformer. When brought together, a varying magnetic field in one coil induces a current in the other coil, thereby allowing for the charging of a battery.

Other electric toothbrushes use replaceable batteries, disposable or rechargeable, storing them in the bottom, generally thicker than a normal toothbrush.
 Effectiveness
Independent research finds that most electric toothbrushes are no more effective than the manual variety.[3] [4]. The exception is the “rotation-oscillation”-models, including many of the electrical brushes in Braun’s Oral B-series[5][6][7], but even this brush performs only marginally better than a regular manual brush. The research done indicates that the way the brushing is performed is of a higher importance than the choice of brush.

The miswak, a Muslim’s natural toothbrush, was found to be smooth, safe and purgative to clean the mouth with, according to research conducted by Abdul Al Shareif, Saudi Ministry of Agriculture.

The miswak is widely used in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in accordance with the strong recommendation by Islamic Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

In his research, Al Shareif explained Miswaks contain anti mouth ulcer substances, and anti sceptics, which have similar effects to penicillin.

In addition to the miswak’s substances that prevent teeth carries, gum bleeding, mouth cancer and putrefaction, it has another substance that strengthens the gum, and prevents the teeth from coloring.

It also contains smell scents, painkiller substances and sodium bicarbonate, which is a preferable formula in the manufacture of toothpaste.

The miswak is easy to carry and keep clean and can be used anytime ofthe day, as some Muslims like to clean their mouth with it before salaah (prayers).

It reaches inside the mouth, and gets in to gaps between the teeth without hurting the gum.

“God likes us to be clean all the time, as it says in the Qur’an. And I think those who brush their teeth before prayers like to get clean, before praying” said Ahmed Omrah, Imam of one of Jeddah’s mosques.

In his study, Dr Al Shareif also clarified that the miswak is best used while it’s fresh and soft. Its used end must be removed daily. The miswak must be always be kept clean from dust. The miswak tree, which is from the family of Salvadoraceae, is planted in the warm climate of many places of Saudi Arabia. Most of its farming is in the south coast.

The miswak tree, which is relatively short, 1-4 meters in height is permanently green around the year. Miswak can be taken from miswak tree branches or from the roots of the miswak tree. The later one is more effective and preferable to users. A reasonable size for use is about 15 to 25cm and it is finger shaped, the research pointed out.

Miswak have a big market in Saudi Arabia and users can find them in stores that sell Islamic books and cassettes, close to mosques. Muhammed Sufiani, a retired 65 year old teacher, who has never visited dentist in his life, explained how he maintained his strong teeth.

“I always carry my miswak. After eating i immediately clean my mouth, usually it takes me seconds. I also keep misawaks in my house and have taught my children and grand children to use miswak.” said Sufiani.

According to Ibrahim Al Hedraiti, who has a Miswak farm in Shaqah, a little village about 190km south of Jeddah, miswaks sell the best during the month of Ramadaan. Shaqah is famous for planting the highest quality of miswaks in the region. There are two varieties that are cultivated: Nasham is always green and the other, Rak, has a spicey taste and its outer layer is brown.

“Most famers here plant miswaks. It has always been good business, as our farms supply the Kingdom’s demand” Al hedaraiti added in his statement.

Because our bodies today are the same as in the past, it is critical to eat, drink, and live the same as in years past – centuries past. But modern societies are adopting one of the most unnatural lifestyles known to mankind. Do I believe in detox? Well, most of it is plain simple commonsense – proper diet, judicious supplementation, adequate rest, exercise, stress-relieving techniques.

It is also important to understand that detoxification do not work in isolation. It requires careful understanding of the different substances that will help the body recuperate and fight back diseases.

A large portion of the heavy metal detoxification work we do centers around the oral cavity, mercury and other heavy metals that are stored in our patients mouths. We are proud to point out that all of our biological dentists have been doing mercury free dentistry for the majority of their careers.

People with addiction work hard to resolve them, and with the support of family members and friends they are able to recover on their own. However in most cases, people they usually cannot stop drinking or using drugs by willpower alone. A lot of them require outside help, mostly from Alcohol Rehab or Drug Rehab.

Another aspect of toothbrush history that should be taken into account is toothpaste and other whiteners. These are usually used with the toothbrush in order to make certain that the teeth and breath were acceptable. The concept of toothpaste and mouth washes is pretty old – almost as old as the Egyptians toothbrush. The earliest known toothpaste was created by the Egyptians.

It was said to contain a drachma of rock salt, two drachmas of mint, one drachma of dried iris flowers and 20 grains of pepper. This was then crushed and mixed together to form a powder. When mixed with saliva and applied to the teeth, it would help whiten and clean your teeth. When experimented with by an Australian dentist, the mixture worked far better than anything else created until the twenty first century. The only downside was the fact that it caused his gums to bleed.

In the 18th Century, the next recorded version of toothpaste occurred. This mixture called for dragon’s blood, cinnamon and burn alum. This mixture tends to be more of an amusement for many scientists, as there is no proof that “dragon’s” existed. What may have really been considered to be dragon’s blood is unknown.

The 19th Century saw a lot of innovations to toothpaste, although many of them would be repulsive compared to what we are used to today. Charcoal, for example, was used to clean teeth. Most of the toothpastes of this time were powders that became a paste when introduced to saliva. A lot of these different toothpastes were designed to both clean teeth and give the user better breath.

This is where the modern idea for toothpaste came of, and one of the turn points in the history of toothpaste. The combination of these pastes and the toothbrush worked to ensure that there was a higher chance of cleaner and healthier teeth and gums. It wasn’t until the 1900s that toothpastes evolved to be more modern. Colgate, and many other toothpaste companies, worked to design toothpastes that tasted good while providing the means to clean teeth while not causing gums to bleed. Many ingredients are now used in toothpastes, with Fluoride being one of the most common.

There are a wide variety of “herbal” toothpastes as well, which do not contain this component. Each of these types are designed to fit the needs and wants of every type of person out there. This high level of choice is the primary evolution of toothpastes. While only a few were available as early as the Egyptian days, now there is something for everyone.

The combination of the toothpaste and modern toothbrush gives everyone the oral hygiene and dental health that they need to be able to have the sparkling teeth that is desired by so many. This combination also helps prevent the loss of your teeth later in life, so that dentures are not required as early.

The history of the toothbrush and toothpaste shouldn’t be looked down upon, as the options used back then were no where near as pleasant as the types available today.

In fact, so many people are having to deal with some sort of drug and alcohol rehab in their personal lives that a new reality show called ¡°Intervention¡± is being shown to educate people on how difficult living with an addict can be and the way to direct a person toward rehabilitation.

When we found this tasty recipe for a warming, detoxifying ginger- turmeric tea, we were thrilled: after the holiday season, we figured we could use some detoxing and healing!

The dangerous problem of heavy metal toxicity can be facilitated by eliminating the source of the toxicity and utilizing Heavy Metal Detox.

Massages and spa treatments basically also do the same thing. Spirit, mind & body must be in alignment for total well-being, a concept that’s only recently recognised in the West, but has been acknowledged in India and China for millennia. Alcohol detox refers to the ability of the human body to rid itself of harmful toxins.

This would mean cutting back foods that are chemically and commercially packed such as instant meals, canned foods, and preserved items.