U.S. patent application number 11/488204 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for illuminated electric toothbrushes and methods of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to John Geoffrey Chan, Chanchal Kumar Ghosh, Satyanarayana Majeti, Aleksey Mikhailovich Pinyayev, Alan David Willey.
Application Number | 20060257822 11/488204 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34280267 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060257822 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ghosh; Chanchal Kumar ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Illuminated electric toothbrushes and methods of use
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for providing an oral care benefit by
combining the use of an oral care composition with an electric
toothbrush having an electrically powered element disposed thereon.
In particular methods are described for using an electric
toothbrush comprising a light emitting element, with oral care
compositions to provide tooth whitening and stain removal.
Inventors: |
Ghosh; Chanchal Kumar; (West
Chester, OH) ; Majeti; Satyanarayana; (Middletown,
OH) ; Pinyayev; Aleksey Mikhailovich; (West Chester,
OH) ; Chan; John Geoffrey; (Loveland, OH) ;
Willey; Alan David; (Cincinnati, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DIVISION
WINTON HILL BUSINESS CENTER - BOX 161
6110 CENTER HILL AVENUE
CINCINNATI
OH
45224
US
|
Assignee: |
The Procter & Gamble
Company
|
Family ID: |
34280267 |
Appl. No.: |
11/488204 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
11488204 |
Jul 18, 2006 |
|
|
|
10832168 |
Apr 26, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10842302 |
May 10, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10847429 |
May 17, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887644 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10888206 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
10887667 |
Jul 9, 2004 |
|
|
|
60501266 |
Sep 9, 2003 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
433/215 ;
433/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 17/349 20130101;
A61C 1/088 20130101; A61C 17/222 20130101; H01L 2224/48247
20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; A61N 2005/0651 20130101; A46B
15/0002 20130101; H01L 2224/48091 20130101; A46B 15/0036 20130101;
A61C 19/066 20130101; H01L 2224/49113 20130101; A61C 17/3436
20130101; A61C 17/22 20130101; A61C 19/063 20130101; A61N 2005/0606
20130101; A61N 5/062 20130101; A61N 5/0601 20130101; H01L
2924/00014 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/215 ;
433/029 |
International
Class: |
A61C 5/00 20060101
A61C005/00 |
Claims
1. A method of providing an oral care benefit comprising: (a)
applying a uniform coating of an oral care substance onto a
delivery device; (b) applying said delivery device with said
substance disposed thereon to surfaces of a plurality of teeth such
that said substance contacts said surfaces, said substance
providing an active onto said plurality of teeth; (c) removing said
delivery device from said teeth, and releasing at least a portion
of said oral care substance from said delivery device onto said
plurality of teeth; (d) brushing said plurality of teeth with an
electric toothbrush comprising a head, a handle, a movable bristle
holder, and an electrically powered element, wherein said
electrically powered element is disposed on and emits energy from
said head of said toothbrush.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said electrically powered element
is a light emitting element.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said light emitting from said
head of said toothbrush has a wavelength of about 420 to about 470
nm.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein said light emitting from said
head of said toothbrush has a flux density of about 20 mW/cm.sup.2
to about 300 mW/cm.sup.2.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein said electrically powered element
is a light emitting diode.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein said oral care substance
comprises an active selected from the group consisting of tooth
whitening substances, tooth stain removal substances, phosphates,
fluoride ion sources, antimicrobial agents, anti-inflammatory
agents, nutrients, enzymes, mouth and throat products,
antioxidants, H-2 antagonists and mixtures thereof.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein said tooth whitening and stain
removal substances comprise an active selected from the group
consisting of polymers, solvents, chelants, surfactants, and
enzymes and mixtures thereof.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein said tooth whitening and stain
removing substances comprise a photosensitizer activated by light
having a wavelength of from about 380 to about 700 nm.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein said photosensitizer is Zn
phthalocyanine.
10. The method of claim 6, wherein said tooth whitening substance
comprises an active selected from the group consisting of hydrogen
peroxide, urea peroxide, peroxyacids, peroxyacids precursors,
diacylperoxides, and mixtures thereof.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said tooth whitening substance
is present in an amount from about 3% to about 60%.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said tooth whitening substance
is present in an amount from about 3% to about 15%.
13. The method of claim 6, wherein said tooth whitening substance
comprises two or more separate phases.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising rinsing the oral
cavity with a rinse comprising an oral care substance.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein said delivery device is selected
from the group consisting of a strip of material and a tray.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said delivery device remains on
said teeth for about 2 to about 60 minutes.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein said teeth are brushed for about
30 seconds to about 8 minutes.
18. A method of tooth whitening comprising: (a) rinsing the mouth
with a tooth whitening rinse, wherein said rinse comprises a
polymer and a tooth whitening substance; and (b) brushing the teeth
with an electric toothbrush comprising a head, a handle, a movable
bristle holder, a drive shaft and an electrically powered element,
wherein said electrically powered element is disposed on and emits
energy from said head of said toothbrush.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said polymer is a dicarboxy
functionalized polyorganosiloxane.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said mouth is rinsed for about
10 seconds to about 5 minutes.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
10/887,667 filed on Jul. 9, 2004, which is continuation in part of
application Ser. No. 10/832,168 filed on Apr. 26, 2004, and
application Ser. No. 10/842,302 filed on May 10, 2004, and
application Ser. No. 10/847,429 filed on May 17, 2004 and
application Ser. No. 10/887,644 filed on Jul. 9, 2004 and
application Ser. No. 10/888,206 filed Jul. 9, 2004, and claims the
benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/501,266 filed
on Sep. 9, 2003, all of which are herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to illuminated electric
toothbrushes that utilize a light emitting element. More
particularly, the present invention relates to the use of an
electric toothbrush comprising an electrically powered element in
combination with a substance which can be used to treat the
surfaces of the oral cavity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Plaque, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and discoloration
of the teeth are all undesirable conditions that affect many
people. In particular white teeth have long been considered
cosmetically desirable. Unfortunately, due to the presence of
chromogenic substances in the food, beverages, tobacco, and
salivary fluid, in addition to internal sources such as blood,
amalgam restoratives, and antibiotics such as tetracycline, teeth
often become discolored. Many of the existing strategies available
for removing or destroying teeth stains include hydrogen peroxide
in order to attack the chromogen molecules in such a way as to
render them colorless, water-soluble or both. Additionally, some
whitening procedures include the use of light and/or lasers in
combination with certain chemical substances. However, the use of
light of sufficient intensity to deliver an oral care benefit such
as whitening has previously required the consumer to seek a
professional in-office procedure. Currently available outside the
office treatments include the use of lower concentrations of
hydrogen peroxide on trays and/or strips. However, the majority of
the outside of the office treatments do not use a light, in
particular a light the majority of the outside of the office
treatments do not use a light, in particular a light of sufficient
intensity to result in the desired oral care benefit. Therefore, a
recognized consumer need is a low cost commercial oral care system
utilizing light that can deliver light of a quality and quantity
that can in turn deliver the desired oral care benefit when used by
the consumer at home.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a method of providing an oral
care benefit comprising: applying a uniform coating of an oral care
substance onto a delivery device; applying the delivery device with
the substance disposed thereon to the plurality of teeth such that
the substance contacts the surface, the substance providing an
active onto the plurality of teeth; removing the delivery device
from the teeth, and releasing at least a portion of the oral care
substance from the delivery device onto the teeth; brushing the
teeth with an electric toothbrush comprising a head, a handle, a
movable bristle holder, and an electrically powered element,
wherein the electrically powered element is disposed on and emits
energy from the head of the toothbrush.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and
arrangements of parts, embodiments of which will be described in
detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying
drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric toothbrush in
accordance with the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a top planar view of the electric toothbrush of
FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 2a is a top planar view of the electric toothbrush of
FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the
electric toothbrush of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 Is a cross-sectional side view of a head and neck of
an embodiment of an electric toothbrush made according to the
present invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of another embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is a partial front elevational view of a head and
neck of still another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
illuminated electric toothbrush of the present invention in which
the toothbrush includes a head and neck that can be separated from
the handle.
[0018] FIG. 14 is a schematic of an electrical configuration
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 15 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a
variety of colors for light-emitting elements that are suitable for
use with the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a graph of the spectral distribution for a
light-emitting element that emits a white light that is suitable
for use with the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 17 is a graph illustrating a light radiation pattern
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a substantially flat strip
of material having rounded corners.
[0023] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
present invention, disclosing the flat strip of FIG. 18 coated with
an oral care substance.
[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view disclosing the flat strip
having a substance disposed thereon.
[0025] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view showing adjacent teeth
having the strip of material of FIG. 20 conforming and attached to
the teeth.
[0026] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the strip of
material of FIG. 20 attached to a single tooth.
[0027] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a tray delivery device.
[0028] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing the tray of FIG.
23 attached to a single tooth.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0029] Generally, the present invention relates to an oral care
substance used in combination with an oral care implement having
one or more electrically powered elements disposed on the head
including, but not limited to, light emitting diodes,
light-emitting elements using incandescent elements, laser
elements, halogen elements, neon elements, fluorescent elements,
plasma elements, xenon elements, flossing elements, massaging
elements, scraping elements, heat emitting elements, sonic wave
emitting elements, ultra-sound emitting element, electric current
emitting elements, substance emitting elements and/or any
combination thereof. Such oral care implements can include, but are
not limited to, electric toothbrushes, powered flossers, tooth
polishers, gum massagers, etc. The oral care substance contains an
active at a level where upon directed use, promotes the benefit
desired by the user without detriment to the oral surfaces it is
applied to. Examples of oral conditions these actives can address
include, but are not limited to, appearance and structural change
to teeth, whitening, stain bleaching, stain removal, plaque
removal, tartar removal, cavity prevention and treatment, inflamed
and/or bleeding gums, mucosal wounds, lesions, ulcers, aphthous
ulcers, cold sores, and tooth abcesses.
[0030] As used herein the term electrically powered element
includes any electrically powered element that can convert
electrical energy at the place where the element is disposed. For
example, a light emitting element can convert electrical energy
into light at the location where the element is disposed; such as
on the head of an electric toothbrush. For simplicity's sake,
hereinafter the present invention will be discussed as embodied in
an electric toothbrush having a head, on which a light emitting
element is disposed. Such electric toothbrushes can be used in
personal hygiene to clean one's teeth and gums using a motorized
movement, while the electrically powered element is activated. The
present invention also relates to an electric toothbrush having a
replaceable or removable head and/or neck. Furthermore, the present
invention relates to methods for delivering an oral care benefit,
such as whitening, by using the toothbrush and substances of the
present invention. Light can improve the whitening of teeth by
making the teeth more susceptible to bleaching and/or activating a
chemical in the oral care substance, thereby increasing the oral
care benefit gained from the oral care substance alone. Examples of
desired oral care benefits include, but are not limited to,
whitening, stain bleaching, stain removal, remineralization, plaque
removal, and tartar removal. Additionally, the electric toothbrush
made according to the present invention can be sold in a kit
comprising oral care substances. Different oral care substances can
be included in the kits, including, but not limited to, tooth
whitening, stain removing and/or plaque removing.
A. Oral Care Implement
[0031] The oral care implement of the present invention has one or
more electrically powered elements disposed on the head including,
but not limited to, light emitting diodes, light-emitting elements
using incandescent elements, laser elements, halogen elements, neon
elements, fluorescent elements, plasma elements, xenon elements,
flossing elements, massaging elements, scraping elements, heat
emitting elements, sonic wave emitting elements, ultra-sound
emitting element, electric current emitting elements, substance
emitting elements and/or any combination thereof. Such oral care
implements can include, but are not limited to, electric
toothbrushes, powered flossers, tooth polishers, gum massagers,
etc. For simplicity's sake the invention shall be referred to as an
electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting element.
[0032] As used herein, the term "light" is intended to encompass
the spectrum of both visible and non-visible (e.g., ultraviolet and
infra-red) light. In one embodiment of the toothbrush of the
present invention the light emitted from the light emitting element
can be from about 370, 390, 410, 430, 450, 470, 490, 510, 530, 550,
570, 590, 610, 630, 650, 670, 690, 710 nm and/or less than about
770, 750, 730, 710, 690, 670, 650, 630, 610, 500, 400 nm. In
another embodiment the light emitted can have a wavelength of
greater than about 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, and/or 490 nm
and/or less than about 490, 480, 470, 460, 450, 440, 430 run. In
yet another embodiment the light emitted can have a wave length
from about 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470 nm and/or less than about
470, 460, 450, 430 nm. It will be appreciated that the particular
range of wavelengths selected can depend upon the desired color of
the light. In one embodiment the light emitted can be a blue
color.
[0033] The oral care implement can also emit light of a particular
intensity. Intensity can be either luminous intensity measured in
candelas (or lumens/steradian), or flux density measured in
Watts/meter. In one embodiment the flux density of the inventive
illuminated electric toothbrush is from about 20, 30, 35, 40, 45,
50, 55, 60, 70, 100, 200, 250 mW/cm.sup.2 and/or less than about
300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30 mW/cm.sup.2 or any
combination of these.
[0034] In one embodiment, the electric toothbrush includes an
elongated body portion or handle, a head, and a neck extending
between the head and the handle. One or more light-emitting
elements can be provided on the head, adjacent to, on, or in one or
more static or moving bristle holders having a plurality of
bristles thereon. The bristles may be formed into one or more
groups or tufts. In certain embodiments, a light-emitting element
can be positioned at the center or at the axis of movement of an
oscillating bristle holder. Additionally, the light emitting
element can act as the pin which serves as the axis and/or center
of rotation for the movable bristle holder. The light-emitting
element can be stationary, or it can be secured to the movable
bristle holder so that the element moves with the bristle holder.
The bristle holder can, in certain embodiments, feature a region,
such as an aperture, which promotes the passage of light there
through. That region may be formed from a transparent or
translucent material, or alternatively, the region can be an
aperture or other open area substantially free of bristles thereby
permitting the passage of light. This region can be provided at any
portion of the head of the toothbrush, including the center of a
movable bristle holder.
[0035] The head includes a longitudinal axis, one or more moving
bristle holders or carriers and, optionally, one or more static or
fixed bristle holders. The moving bristle holders may rotate,
swivel, gyrate, oscillate, linearly reciprocate, or undergo any
combination of motions. The type of motion provided by the electric
toothbrushes of the present invention can be widely varied. The
static bristle holders and the arrangement of the static bristles
disposed thereon can also be widely varied. For example, the static
bristles might partially or wholly circumscribe the moving bristle
holders or may be disposed in a gap between the moving bristle
holders. Examples of some bristle holder motions and bristle
arrangements suitable for use with the present invention are
described in US 20030126699; US 20030084525; US 20030084524; US
20030084526; and WO 03/063723; and WO 03/063722. The bristles can
be made from conventional non-elastomeric materials, such as
polyethylene, or can be made from elastomeric materials such as
natural or synthetic rubbers, polyolefins, polyetheramides,
polyesters, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, etc., or a
combination of materials.
[0036] The handle has a hollow portion with a motor disposed
therein that is operably connected to the moving bristle holders. A
shaft extends from the motor through the neck and into at least a
portion of the head. The shaft may rotate, oscillate, linearly
reciprocate, gyrate, orbit, or move in a conical fashion when
driven by the motor in order to impart one or more motions to the
moving bristle holders. A gearing arrangement can be provided
between the motor and the shaft or between the shaft and the moving
bristle holders in order to impart motion thereto. Exemplary shaft
and/or gearing arrangements are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,360,395
and 5,617,601, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2003/0134567 and
2003/0163881 as well as in other patents and patent publications
referenced herein. The handle also has a power source, such as one
or more batteries, disposed therein for powering the motor and the
light-emitting elements. Alternatively, the electric toothbrush may
be connected to an external power source for powering the motor. A
switch is disposed on the handle for activating the motor and/or
light-emitting elements. The switch includes an actuator button and
a metal contact. The switch is manually depressed by pressing a
molded actuator button down, which presses against a metal contact,
completing the circuit, as in a conventional momentary switch. The
switch allows continuous operation, through a ramp design, by
depressing and sliding the actuator button forward as in a
conventional continuous switch. By combining these two functions in
one switch, the consumer can try the unit and see its operation
prior to purchase, and still operate it continuously once out of
the package. The switch can also activate one or more light
emitting elements. The light emitting elements are energized
whenever the motor is activated, however, the electric toothbrush
can also have a switch designated to activate the light emitting
element.
[0037] Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for
the purposes of illustrating the embodiments of the invention only
and not for purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows an illuminated
electric toothbrush 10 according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The electric toothbrush can be used for personal hygiene
such as brushing one's teeth and gums. As shown in FIG. 1, the
electric toothbrush includes a handle 12 and a neck 14 attached to
the handle 12. A head 16 is attached to neck 14. Typically, the
head is larger than the neck 14, which is also typically smaller
than the handle 12.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, the head 16 further is defined by a
longitudinal axis 19, and comprises a moving bristle holder 20 and
one or more optional static bristle holders 22. In this embodiment
the static bristle holders 22 are located on opposite sides of the
moving bristle holder 20. The moving bristle holder 20 in this
embodiment is located at the center of the head 16. The moving
bristle holder 20 includes a plurality of bristles 24 supported and
retained on the holder 20. The moving bristle holder can oscillate
or rotate about an axis of motion approximately normal to the
longitudinal axis 19 of the head 16, although other motions may be
provided as previously described. As described in greater detail
herein, disposed along this axis of motion of the moving bristle
holder, is an electrically powered element 74. In a particular
embodiment (as shown in FIG. 2a), the electrically powered element
is a light-emitting element 75 such as a light emitting diode
positioned on the head of the toothbrush and generally below or
under where the surface of the light emitting element does not
extend beyond the bristle bearing surface of the moving bristle
holder (as shown in FIG. 22). This embodiment of the toothbrush
also has gripping portions 70 and 72. As shown in FIG. 3, the
handle 12 further includes a hollow portion 30 which houses a motor
32, and has a longitudinal axis 34. The motor 32 powers the moving
bristle holder 20 through a rotatable shaft 44. A gearing
arrangement is operatively interconnected between the shaft 44 and
the motor 32. The gearing arrangement includes a worm gear 40 and a
pair of step gears 42, 43. The motor 32 is operatively connected to
the worm gear 40. Step gear 42 is operatively connected to step
gear 43 and the worm gear 40. A light emitting element 75 is
provided that is disposed in the interior of the moving bristle
holder 20. As used herein, the term "light-emitting" element is
intended to refer to an element that converts electrical energy
into light, as opposed to an element that merely conducts or
transmits light, such as a fiber optic cable or wire. In one
embodiment the light-emitting element of the present invention is a
light emitting diode or LED. For light emitting diodes, the
dominant or central wavelength can determined by the equations:
.lamda. c = .intg. .lamda.min .lamda.max .times. I .function. (
.lamda. ) .lamda. .times. d l / .intg. .lamda.min .lamda.max
.times. I .function. ( .lamda. ) .times. d .lamda. ##EQU1## For
continuous spectrums, and .lamda. c = i .times. .times. I i .times.
.lamda. i / i .times. .times. I i ##EQU2## For discrete spectrums.
Wherein I is illumination intensity and .lamda. is wavelength.
[0039] These equations are further described in CIE 127 (1997)
entitled "Measurement of LEDs", which is published by the
International Commission of Illumination. These equations and
methodology can be also be applied to light-emitting elements other
than LEDs, or other methodologies and equations known in the art
can be utilized to determine the dominant or central wavelength of
a light-emitting element. The spectral (e.g., peak wavelength),
photometric (e.g., luminous intensity), radiometric (e.g., radiant
intensity), and colormetric (e.g., dominant wavelength)
characteristics of the light-emitting elements can be measured
using devices known in the art, such as OL 730CV
Radiometer/Photometer manufactured by Optronic Laboratories, Inc.
of Orlando, Fla. Some light may not have a dominant or central
wavelength (e.g., white light).
[0040] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the toothbrush having a
stationary light emitting element 75 that is connected to and/or
disposed within a pillar 91 that is stationary and fixed to the
head 95 at point 93 of the toothbrush. In this embodiment the
moving bristle holder 97 oscillates or rotates around the
stationary light emitting element 75 disposed within pillar 91.
This light emitting element 75 disposed within the pillar 91 serves
as the axis of rotation for the moving bristle holder 97 on the
head 95 of the toothbrush. The positive lead 87 and the negative
lead 89 can run from the light emitting element 75 through the
pillar 91 and then down the length of the head 95 and neck (not
shown) of the toothbrush to the power source (not shown).
[0041] In another embodiment, the light-emitting element 75 is
disposed within an aperture or hole 88 that extends through the
moving bristle holder 320, as best seen in FIG. 5, so that the
light-emitting element is stationary and the moving bristle holder
320 oscillates or rotates about the stationary light-emitting
element 75. In this embodiment, the light-emitting element 75 is
fixedly secured to the head 316. The light-emitting element 75
might extend partially through the hole 88 or it may be disposed
below the lower surface of the moving bristle holder 320 so that it
is completely contained within the head 316. The centerline or axis
of the light-emitting element 75 may also be the axis of rotation
or oscillation for the moving bristle holder 320. In some of the
above-described embodiments, particularly where the light-emitting
element is disposed below the movable bristle holder 320, the
moving bristle holder can be formed from a transparent or
translucent material. When the light-emitting element is disposed
within the head, the light-emitting element may be placed so that
it is between bristle holders and not aligned with an axis of
rotation/oscillation of a moving bristle holder, as shown by way of
example in FIG. 6, wherein the bristles have been deleted for
clarity. FIG. 6 illustrates a head 416, a neck 414, a movable
bristle holder 420, static bristle holder 422 and 423, and a light
emitting element 75 disposed underneath the movable bristle holder
420 and the static bristle holder 423. In this embodiment, the top
surface of the head and the bristle holders may be formed from a
transparent or translucent material.
[0042] A variety of materials may be used for forming a transparent
or translucent bristle holder and/or head. Examples of such
materials include, but are not limited to, polystyrene (PS),
polycarbonate (PC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene
terephthalate glycol (PETG) (commercially available under the
designation Eastoman BR003), cellulose acetate propylate (CAP), and
combinations thereof. It is contemplated that one or more thermal
treatments may be employed to facilitate processing of these
materials.
[0043] The light-emitting elements can be arranged so that the
principle direction of light emission is generally perpendicular to
the top surface of the bristle holders and/or generally parallel to
the direction of the bristles of the bristle holder. In other
words, the light-emitting element can be arranged so that the
centerline 90 of the light-emitting element is generally
perpendicular to the top surface of the head and/or bristle holder,
as best seen in FIG. 4. The centerline 90 typically passes through
the lens 92 or aperture of the light-emitting element. When the
light-emitting element is disposed within, on, or below a moving
and/or static bristle holder, a cylindrical region or volume about
the centerline 90 of the light-emitting element can be devoid of
bristles so that light is transmitted to the brushing surface
without interference from the bristles. In one embodiment the
diameter of the cylindrical volume that is devoid of bristles is
between about 2 mm and about 8 mm, in another embodiment between
about 3 mm and about 6 mm. The moving bristle holder still,
however, can have at least one ring of bristles that encircle the
light-emitting element, as shown by way of example in FIG. 5.
Additional bristle tufts or an inner ring of bristle tufts might,
however, be provided.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 3, a switch 50 is provided to
control operation of the illuminated electric toothbrush and is
operatively connected to the motor 32. The switch 50 is also
configured to operate the one or more lighting elements of the
toothbrush. Such operation can be momentary or continuous. When the
switch 50 is closed, a circuit is completed between a battery 60
provided within the hollow portion 30 of the handle 10 and the
motor 32 and lighting element 75.
[0045] FIGS. 7-10 illustrate other head, bristle holder and bristle
configurations for illuminated electric toothbrushes, all of which
contain one or more lighting emitting elements. FIG. 7 illustrates
a head 516 and a neck 514. It will be appreciated that the neck 514
extends between the head 516 and a handle of the toothbrush (not
shown). Disposed on the head 516 is a single moving bristle holder
520 having a plurality of bristles tufts 532 disposed thereon.
Disposed on a second bristle holder 522 is a light-emitting element
575. FIG. 8 depicts another head 616 and neck 614 in accordance
with the present invention. The head 616 comprises a single bristle
holder 620 comprising bristles 632, and having a light-emitting
element 675 disposed therein. FIG. 9 depicts yet another head 716
having a single bristle holder 720 disposed thereon and a neck 714.
A light-emitting element 775 is disposed adjacent the bristle
holder 720 on the head 716. The light-emitting element 775,
however, is not disposed on bristle holder. FIG. 10 depicts still
another head 816 having a first bristle holder 820 that moves, a
second bristle holder 822 that is fixed or stationary, and a neck
814 connected to the head 816. Both bristle holders have
light-emitting elements 875 disposed thereon. The first bristle
holder 820 has a plurality of bristle tufts 832 that encircle the
light-emitting element 875 disposed thereon, and the second bristle
holder 822 has a plurality of bristle tufts 834 that encircle the
light-emitting element 874 disposed thereon.
[0046] Another embodiment of an electric toothbrush made according
to the present invention is shown in FIG. 11, having a head 1016,
neck 1014, and a handle 1012. Disposed on the head 1016 is a
light-emitting element 1075. The neck and handle are releasably
connected at 1015 and contain corresponding structures for their
physical engagement and for establishing electrical communication
between the lighting-emitting element and the power source. This
embodiment of the invention also comprises a gripping portion
1019.
[0047] A wide variety of light-emitting elements may be used with
the present invention. In one embodiment the lighting-emitting
element is a small, low power consumption, light emitting diode
(LED) such as those commercially available under the designation
Luxeon.TM. manufactured by Lumileds Lighting, LLC of San Jose
Calif. Other commercially available lighting units include those
from American Opto Plus LED Corporation. The LED can operate from a
relatively low voltage DC power supply, such as in one embodiment
between about 0.5 volt and about 5 volts, an in another embodiment
between about 1 volt and 3 volts, and in another embodiment between
about 1.6 to about 2.4 volts.
[0048] The various embodiment toothbrushes described herein may
utilize lighting-emitting elements having a variety of
characteristics. The electric toothbrushes described herein can
emit light having a central wave length between about 10 nm and
about 10.sup.6 nm, and in one embodiment from about 390 nm to about
770 nm, and in another embodiment from about 420 nm to about 490
nm, and for a blue light between about 420 nm and about 470 nm.
[0049] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic of an electrical
configuration for the present invention. In this configuration, the
light-emitting element 75 and the motor 32 are powered or activated
concurrently with one another by switch 50. When the light-emitting
element 75 is an LED, it may be desirable to include a voltage or
current driver 94 which provides a constant voltage or current
output to the LED despite changes to the input voltage or current,
especially as the voltage or current output from a battery tends to
decrease over time. A voltage or current driver suitable for use
with the present invention is the ZXSC310 Single or Multi Cell LED
Driver manufactured by Zetex Semiconductors, Oldham, UK. Other
embodiments of the invention include, for example, separate
switches can be provided to separately active the light-emitting
element and the motor. Additionally, more than one light-emitting
element might be provided. Light-emitting elements having different
spectral, photometric, radiometric, and colormeteric
characteristics (e.g., different dominant wavelengths, peak
wavelengths, radiometric power, etc.) might be provided to
accommodate multiple uses in a single electric toothbrush.
[0050] FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate spectral distributions for
various colors of commercially available LED lighting unit used in
the electric toothbrushes described herein. These spectral
distribution graphs are for Luxeon.TM. 1-watt emitter lighting
elements, however these distribution patterns may be achieved with
other lighting units. Specifically, FIG. 15 is a graph of the
relative spectral power distribution for various colors light
emitting elements. FIG. 15 illustrates the colors of royal blue,
blue, cyan, green, amber, red-orange, and red. FIG. 16 is the
relative spectral power distribution for a white color lighting
element.
[0051] It is often desirable to utilize a light emitting element
that provides a generally or substantially uniform distribution of
light so that each tooth receives about the same amount of light
over the tooth surface. Therefore, lambertian or bell-shaped light
patters such as shown by way of example in FIG. 17 can be used. As
discussed above, however, the light emitting element may provide a
wide variety of light radiation patterns in accordance with the
present invention.
B. Substances For Use in Combination with the Oral Care
Implement
[0052] Teeth are composite biological structures. For the purposes
of stain removal, the important part of the tooth structure is the
crown. The outer layer of the crown consists of enamel, which is a
calcified structure that varies from translucent to yellow-gray in
color. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, and then a central core
chamber of pulp. Both the enamel and dentin layers are porous.
Stain may migrate in these pores by diffusion due to the dynamic
environment in the oral cavity from the secretions of the salivary
glands.
[0053] Tooth discoloration that consumers experience in teeth is
largely due to color bodies in the tooth structure itself and
secondarily due to accumulated extrinsic stains from dietary
tannins, which are often trapped in calculas as well. Discoloration
of teeth occurs in both the enamel and dentin layers. The apparent
color of the enamel-covered crowns is in part, the result of the
color of the underlying dentin. Discoloration may also arise from
calculus, which is the mineralized bacterial dental plaque on
enamel surfaces. Tooth stains are normally due to porpyrin
compounds (derivatives of porphin) originating from dietary habit
and food components. They may be generated by mouth bacteria and
may be accumulated under the enamel. Removal of extrinsic and
intrinsic stains is important for achieving a high degree of
whitening that is clinically measurable and consumer
noticeable.
[0054] When the light emitted by the device is directly absorbed by
the colored bodies present on and/or inside the tooth structure,
the colored bodies ("chromophores") enter an excited state. When in
their excited state these chromophores undergo chemical reactions
resulting in loss of color and/or ease of their removal.
Alternatively, the photoreactive pathways may be initiated by
having a photosensitizer which is able to absorb the incident light
energy and in its excited state transfer energy to the chromophores
of the tooth structure and/or to oxygen. The activated
choromophores may react with other chemical reactants or the active
oxygen generated may react with the chromophores in their ground
state causing them to be less chromogenic. Depending on the
conditions employed, the active oxygen species can be singlet
oxygen, superoxide, hydroxyl radical, hydroperoxyl radical,
endoperoxide or a mixture of the above. The presence of amines or
amides, in particular, can enhance the generation of superoxide.
Additionally, a range of photosensitizers are known to promote
active oxygen chemistry.
[0055] Additionally, light can activate stain choromophores
(undergo electronic transition), and reduce the activation energy
barrier making them more susceptible to peroxide bleaching as well
as other cleaning and whitening agents. The activation of
chromophores by the light may therefore, enhance the oral care
benefit such as tooth bleaching and/or whitening. Similarly, stain
chromophores can become more susceptible to abrasive whitening
because of light treatment which results in faster and better
whitening.
[0056] A wide variety of tooth whitening substances may be used in
combination with the electric toothbrush described herein,
particularly an electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting
element. The tooth whitening substances may contain a bleaching
agent, an abrasive agent, pH modifiers, chelants, surfactants,
enzymes, solvents, polymers and photo-sensitizers or any other
agent that acts upon chromophores of the teeth by mechanical or
chemical action or a combination thereof. The tooth whitening
substance can be provided in the form of a solution, paste, gel,
viscous liquid, rinse, solid or other suitable form.
1. Bleaching Agents
[0057] Bleaching agents include metal ion free peroxides, organic
peroxides, and metal ion containing peroxides that generate
bleaching actives such as an oxygen radical. Examples of bleaching
agents include, but are not limited to, peroxides, metal chlorites,
perborates, percarbonates, peroxyacids, persulfates, compounds that
form the preceding compounds in situ, and combinations thereof.
Examples of peroxide compounds include, but are not limited to,
hydrogen peroxide, calcium peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and
mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the bleaching agent is
carbamide peroxide. Metal chlorites include, but are not limited
to, calcium chlorite, barium chlorite, magnesium chlorite, lithium
chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite, and mixtures
thereof. Additional bleaching agents include hypochlorite and
chlorine dioxide. In one embodiment the bleaching agent is selected
from the group consisting of sodium chlorite, peroxide, sodium
percarbonate, oxones, and mixtures thereof. The starting bleach can
be aqueous or solid material. Peroxides, for example, penetrate
into the pores in enamel and dentin, thereby degrading and removing
both intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
[0058] The amount of bleaching agent in the whitening or bleaching
substance may vary. For example, the bleaching agent could be
present in an amount of about 3 to about 60 weight percent, based
on the total amount of the tooth whitening substance. If hydrogen
peroxide is the bleaching agent, according to one particular
embodiment, it may be present in an amount from about 3, 5, 7, 10,
12, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and/or less than about 60, 50, 40, 30,
20, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5 weight percent, and in another embodiment from
about 7 to about 15 weight percent, based on the total amount of
the tooth whitening substance. If carbamide peroxide is the
bleaching agent, according to one particular embodiment, it may be
present in an amount from about 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30, 40,
50, 60 and/or less than about 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 12, 10, 7, 5
weight percent, based on the total amount of tooth whitening
substance. The radiant energy from the light-emitting element can
be applied while the substance is in contact with the tooth,
however, the light emitting from the light emitting element may
also be applied prior to or after application of the tooth
whitening substance.
[0059] In another embodiment, the whitening substance may be in the
form of a multi-component system. For example, the whitening
substance may be sold or supplied as a two-part system. This
enables the components to be separated from each other prior to use
and may promote increased bleaching efficacy and longer storage
times.
[0060] In this particular embodiment, the two components, referred
to herein as Part 1 and Part 2, can be mixed shortly or immediately
before application. It is to be understood that this embodiment is
intended to cover formulations comprising more than two components.
The whitening substance may still be used more than 30 minutes
after mixing, but, due to peroxide decomposition, some or most of
its whitening effectiveness may be absent.
[0061] The first component, Part 1, can be of a gel or paste
consistency. Thickeners and/or fillers may be added to achieve this
consistency. Part 1 can comprises one or more metal peroxides, in
particular those of monovalent or divalent metals. Examples of
peroxides include calcium peroxide, zinc peroxide, and sodium
peroxide, with other peroxides including, but not limited to, those
of potassium, magnesium, and strontium also being suitable for use.
In one embodiment the peroxide is suspended or dispersed in a
medium to form a mixture which is from about 5% to about 40% metal
peroxide by weight. In another embodiment the peroxide is from
about 15 to about 30% peroxide by weight, and in another embodiment
the peroxide is about 20%. In an alternative embodiment, the
mixture is from about 2% to about 16% peroxide by weight, and in
another embodiment the peroxide is from about 6% to about 10%
peroxide by weight. The component may further comprise one or more
additives to modify rheology, texture, flavor, fragrance, color, or
other properties. Examples of additive components for use in Part 1
include glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene and/or
polypropylene glycols, water, and mixtures of the foregoing. In
some embodiments alcohol is added to the media.
[0062] In an alternate embodiment, the first component, the metal
peroxide of Part 1, is suspended or dispersed in a liquid to form a
mixture which can be from about 8% to about 25% by weight of
peroxide, and in another embodiment from about 8% to about 15% by
weight of peroxide.
[0063] Part 2 comprises a solution of one or more acids in water or
aqueous solution which may be modified to achieve a desired
consistency, such as that of a gel or paste, by the addition of
thickeners and/or fillers. Acids suitable for use in the present
invention include organic acids including acetic acid, tartaric
acid, phosphoric acid, and citric acid. The total acid
concentration in Part 2 can be from about 30% to about 100% of the
stoichiometric requirement to convert metal peroxides to their
salts and hydrogen peroxide, and in another embodiment from about
50% to about 80% of the stoichiometric requirement. Examples of
thickening agents include xanthan gum, polyacrylic acid, and
cellulose derivatives (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose) and examples of
fillers include silica, diatomaceous earth, alumina, and powdered
polyethylene or polypropylene or other polymers. The thickeners
and/or fillers are added in a quantity sufficient to achieve the
desired consistency. These same thickeners and fillers may also be
used as additives in Part 1. Additives to modify rheology, texture,
flavor, fragrance, and color may also be present in Part 2. In
addition, alcohol or other water miscible solvents may be added to
Part 2.
[0064] Parts 1 and 2 can be mixed in equal proportions to form the
whitening formulation, although the ratio may vary from 1:1
depending upon the concentrations of the peroxide and the acid.
[0065] Once combined, the peroxide of Part 1 reacts with the
aqueous acid of Part 2 to generate hydrogen peroxide in situ. The
whitening substance utilized in conjunction with the illuminated
toothbrushes described herein may also contain other appropriate
additives such as stabilizing agents, boosters, alkalinizing
agents, solvents, aromatizing agents, sweeteners, thickeners,
adhesives and moisteners. By way of example, alkalinizing agents
suitable for use include sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine,
although the alkalinizing power may be modified by varying the
amount of potassium salt, xylitol, sweeteners such as saccharine or
derivatives of cyclamic acid, thickeners such as derivatives of
starch, xanthan gum, colloidal silicas and similar substances, and
moisteners, such as glycerine. Each one of the alkalinizing
additives, aromatizing agents, sweeteners and thickeners can be
present in the substance of gel in an amount between about 0 and
about 6% by weight with respect to the total of the substance,
while the moistener may be present in an amount between about 40
and about 80% by weight with respect to the total of the substance.
The pH of light-activated substances of the present invention may
be between about 4.5 and about 9.5, in another embodiment between
about 5 and about 8, in another embodiment between about 5 and
about 7 and in another embodiment between about 5 and about 6.
[0066] The light-activated compositions herein may comprise a
thickening agent. In one embodiment the thickening agent (or
viscosity modifier) can also function to increase retention of the
composition on the teeth. The viscosity modifier may further
function to inhibit settling and separation of components or
control settling in a manner that facilitates re-dispersion and may
control flow properties of the composition. A viscosity modifier is
particularly useful to keep bleach agents or other oral care active
agents that are in particulate form, suspended within the
compositions of the present invention. The viscosity modifier is
present at a level of from about 0.01% to about 20%, in one
embodiment from about 0.1% to about 10%, and in another embodiment
from about 1% to about 3%, and in yet another embodiment from about
0.4% to about 5%, by weight of the composition. Suitable viscosity
modifiers herein include natural and synthetic polymers and gums
such as cellulose derivatives (e.g. methylcellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,
hydroxypropylcellulose etc), carbomer polymers (e.g. polyacrylic
acid copolymer or homopolymer and copolymers of acrylic acid cross
linked with a polyalkenyl polyether), karaya gum, guar gum,
gelatin, algin, sodium alginate, chitosan, polyethylene oxide,
acrylamide polymers, polyvinyl alcohol, polyamines, polyquarternary
compounds, ethylene oxide polymers, polyvinylpyrrolidone, cationic
polyacrylamide polymers and mixtures thereof. In one embodiment the
thickening agent is selected from carbomers, e.g. the class of
homopolymers of acrylic acid crosslinked with an alkyl ether of
pentaerythritol or an alkyl ether of sucrose. Carbomers are
commercially available from B,F. Goodrich as the Carbopol series.
In one embodiment the carbopols are Carbopol 934, 940, 941, 956,
and mixtures thereof. In another embodiment the viscosity modifier
is a hydrophobically modified carbomer. Hydrophobically modified
carbomers can increase the retention of compositions herein and/or
integral carriers on tooth surfaces and slow the erosion of the
compositions once applied on the tooth surfaces. Suitable
hydrophobically modified carbomers include acrylate/C10-C30 alkyl
acrylate crosspolymer such as Carbopol 1382, Carbopol 1342,
Carbopol 1392, and Carbopol ETD 2020, all available from BF
Goodrich, and acrylates/C10-C30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer such as
Pemulen TR-1 and Pemulen TR-2 both available from B.F. Goodrich. In
one embodiment mixtures of hydrophobically modified carbomers with
carbomers can be used. In another embodiment carboxy functional
silicones (diacid, monoacid) are used to increase retention of
bleaching agents on teeth.
[0067] The present invention may be used in conjunction with nearly
any tooth whitening substance and/or substance, such as, but not
limited to, the substances described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,488,914;
5,851,514; 4,980,152; 3,657,413; 4,983,380; 5,084,268; 5,171,564;
5,376,006; 5,645,428; 5,713,738; RE 34,196; 5,122,365; 6,558,654;
6,555,020; 6,536,628; 6,533,582; 6,521,215; 6,514,543; 6,479,037;
6,447,757; 5,891,453; 6,555,020; and 6,419,905 and Application Nos.
WO 03/007680, and U.S. Ser. No. 10/154,020. It is not necessary
that the substance exhibit an enhanced whitening function upon
exposure to light. Benefits may result simply from exposure of the
tooth surface to light from the electrical toothbrush prior to
application of the whitening substance. Furthermore, additional
benefits may stem from greater brushing or cleaning efficacy
resulting from illuminating the brushing area.
2. Non-Bleach Tooth Whitening and Stain Removal Agents
[0068] Additional actives which provide an oral care benefit, such
as whitening and/or stain removal, to the teeth include polymers,
solvents, chelants, surfactants, and/or enzymes and mixtures
thereof. These actives can activate the chromophores, and when used
in combination with light emitting from the head of an electric
toothbrush, can result in whitening and/or stain removal.
Additionally, some of the actives, such as polymers, can serve as
oral care carriers to deliver an active to the surfaces of the oral
cavity. Examples of polymers include polyvinylpyrrolidone, vinyl
pyrrolidone/vinyl acetate copolymer ("PVP-VA"), Carbopol, Polyox
resin, and/or silicones and mixtures thereof. The polymers can be
added to the tooth whitening and/or stain removing substances in an
amount from about 0, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and/or
less than about 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 weight
percent, based upon the total amount of tooth whitening substance.
Examples of solvents include but are not limited to:
hexamethyldisilozane ("HMDS"); ethyl acetate ("EtAC"); acetone;
poly dimethyl siloxane("PDMS"); hexane; and isododecane and
mixtures thereof. Solvents can be added to the tooth whitening
and/or stain removing substances in an amount from about 0, 5, 10,
30, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and/or less than about 90, 80, 70,
60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 weight percent, based upon the total
amount of tooth whitening substance. Examples of chelants include,
but are not limited to: pyrophosphates, including tetrasodium
pyrophosphate ("TSPP") and tetrapotassium pyrophosphate ("TKPP");
glycine ("Gl-H"); ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid ("EDTA"); ethane
hydroxy diphosphonate ("EHDP"); and/or nitrilotriacetic acid
("NTA") and mixtures thereof. Chelants can be added to the tooth
whitening and/or stain removing substances in an amount from about
0, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30 and/or less than about 30, 20, 10, 5 weight
percent, based upon the total amount of tooth whitening substance.
Examples of surfactants include, but are not limited to: sodium
lauryl sulfate ("SLS"); pluronics; polyethyleneoxide; quaternary
ammonium; and/or zwitterionics and mixtures thereof. Surfactants
can be added to the tooth whitening and/or stain removing
substances in an amount from about 0.1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50
and/or less than about 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 weight percent, based
upon the total amount of tooth whitening substance. Examples of
enzymes include, but are not limited: to proteases; carbohydrates;
laccase; glucox; and/or papain and mixtures thereof. Enzymes can be
added to the tooth whitening and/or stain removing substances in an
amount from about 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and/or less than about 5, 4, 3,
2, 1, 0.5 weight percent, based upon the total amount of tooth
whitening substance.
3. Photosensitizers
[0069] Boosters which facilitate or accelerate the action of a
bleaching agent can include abrasives, metal catalysts and
photosensitizers. These boosters can be added to the tooth
whitening and/or stain removing substance in an amount from about
0, 2, 3, 5, 10, 30, 30, 40, 50, 60 and/or less than about 60, 50,
40, 30, 20, 10, 5 weight percent, based upon the total amount of
tooth whitening substance. Suitable abrasives include silica,
sodium carbonate, calcium phosphate and mixtures thereof. Metal
catalysts include Copper, Iron, Manganese and other transition
metal ions. A range of photosensitizers are known to produce active
oxygen chemistry. These photosensitizers can absorb and can be
activated by light in the wavelength of from about 380 to about 700
nm. Photosensitizers or their precursors are selected from the
group consisting of: chlorophyll, in particular chlorophyll a &
b, and bacterial chlorophyll; rose bengal; methylene blue; Zn
phthalocyanine; porphyrin, in particular hematoporphyrin,
uroporphyrin, and tetraphenylporphyrins and their complexes of Zn,
Al, Si, Sn, phthalocyanines and their complexes with Zn, Al, Si, Sn
and Curcumin; chlorins, in particular bacterialchlorins;
riboflavin; bilirubin; curcumin; EDTA; diethylenetriamine
pentacetic acid (DEPTA); NTA; EHDP; ethylenediamine
tetra(methylenephosphonic acid); and diethylenetriamine
penta(methylenephosphonic acid). Photosensitizers can be added to
the tooth whitening substance in an amount from about 0.1, 0.5, 1,
2, 3, 5, 7, 10 and/or less than about 10, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.1
weight percent, based upon the total amount of tooth whitening
substance. Superoxide may be generated using any of the above
sensitizers in combination with an electron donor such as amines
and amides--EDTA, DTPA, diethylene triamine pentaphosphonic acid,
triethanolamine, triethylamine, tryptophan, tyrosine or
acetanilide. In another embodiment nanometer scale zinc diode and
titanium dioxide may be used as photosensitizers.
[0070] In some embodiments, it may be desirable that the
illuminated toothbrush and whitening substance be "matched." That
is, it is desirable that if the whitening substance exhibits
enhanced or accelerated whitening function upon exposure to light
of a certain wavelength or range of wavelengths, i.e. a band, then
the wavelength of light emitted from the lighting unit of the
toothbrushes described herein is the same or substantially so as
that certain wavelength. For example, if a particular whitening
substance is identified for use with the illuminated toothbrushes
described herein, and if that substance exhibits enhanced effects
upon exposure to light of a peak wavelength of 430 nm to 470 nm,
then the toothbrush to be used in conjunction with that substance
can emit light having a wavelength within the range of 430 nm to
470 nm.
4. Additional Oral Care Actives
[0071] Other oral care actives that can be used with the present
invention to provide an oral care benefit include, but are not
limited to: stannous ion; anti-microbial agents; anti-plaque
agents; anti-inflammatory agents; nutrients such as minerals,
vitamins, oral nutritional supplements; antioxidants; anti-viral
agents; analgesic and anesthetic agents; H-2 antagonists; and
additional actives such as insulin, steroids, herbal and other
plant derived remedies, anti-neoplastics, and anti-gingivitis or
gum care agents. These oral care actives can be added to the oral
care substance in an amount from about 0.01, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40
and/or less than about 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 1, 0.5 weight percent
based on the total amount of the oral care substance.
5. Oral Care Carriers and Gelling agents
[0072] The oral care substances disclosed herein can comprise an
orally acceptable oral care carrier. Additionally, some of the
actives disclosed herein can also act as an oral care carrier. In
some embodiments an oral care active such as a polymer can be used
as a polymer oral care carrier to deliver improved substantivity of
the actives, to further adhere the oral care active to the desired
surface of the oral cavity and/or to improve delivery of an oral
care active to the desired surface of the oral cavity. For some of
the actives, the longer the active remains on the oral care
surface, the greater the oral benefit that can be delivered. In one
embodiment the oral care active is light activated, and therefore,
use of a polymer which increases substantivity of the active on the
oral surface allows for more exposure of the oral care active to
light. Increased exposure time to the light can result an increase
in the oral care benefit. An oral care carrier comprises one or
more compatible solid or liquid filler diluents or encapsulating
substances which are suitable for topical oral administration, and
can improve the delivery of oral care actives to the surfaces of
the oral cavity. The oral care carrier should be compatible with
the actives used in the substances; "compatible" as used herein,
means that the components of the substance are capable of being
commingled without interaction in a manner which would
substantially reduce the substance's stability and/or efficacy. In
particular the oral care carrier can include a polymer carrier,
such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,682,722 and 6,589,512
and U.S. application Ser. Nos. 10/424,640 and 10/430,617. Examples
of polymers suitable for use in the present invention include but
are not limited to: silicone gums and resins, in particular
silicone resins having a molecular weight of from about 1000 to
about 10,000; dicarboxy functionalized polyorganosiloxanes; water
soluble or water dispersible copolymers prepared by copolymerizing
one or a mixture of vinyl pyrrolidone monomers (in particular,
copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone with vinyl acetate, vinyl
propionate or vinyl butyrate) with one or mixture of C1-C19 alkyl
carboxylic acid C2-C12 alkenyl ester monomer; carbopol; Gantrez;
and/or polyvinylpyrrolidone.
[0073] In one embodiment of the present invention, the polymer
carrier comprises as an essential ingredient at least one siloxane
polymer functionalized with carboxylic acid groups, for application
to polar surfaces such as teeth, ceramics, skin, fabrics, hair,
glass and paper. The substances comprise at least about 0.1% of the
carboxy functionalized siloxane polymer in a formulation that
effectively deposits the polymer to the treated surface. The
present polymers comprise a hydrophobic siloxane backbone and
pendant anionic moieties containing carboxy groups and have the
ability to deposit onto surfaces from aqueous-based formulations
such as cleaning and detergent substances and from essentially
non-aqueous based formulations. When applied to a suitable surface,
the present substance comprising the carboxy functionalized
siloxane polymers forms a substantially hydrophobic coating on the
treated surface, the coating having prolonged retention
thereon.
[0074] The carboxy functionalized siloxane polymers useful in the
present invention are believed to attach themselves to polar
surfaces and to form a coating thereon by electrostatic
interaction, i.e., complex formation between the pendant carboxy
groups of the polymer with cations or some other positively charged
sites on the treated surface. For example, in the case of oral
application it is believed the carboxy groups will interact with
the calcium ions present in teeth. In the case of fabrics, the
interaction may be with calcium ions or cellulose groups; in the
case of hair or skin, with the protein residues; in the case of
glass or ceramics, with calcium and other metal ions. The carboxy
groups thus serve to anchor the siloxane polymer backbone onto a
surface thereby modifying it to be hydrophobic.
[0075] The functional group pendant from the polysiloxane main
chain comprises two carboxy groups, resulting in improved
deposition and retention of the polymer particularly on surfaces
such as teeth that contain positively charged calcium ions. The
interaction between the carboxy groups and the tooth surface is
electrostatic in nature in which the anionic carboxy groups form a
complex with the positively charged calcium ions.
[0076] Dicarboxy acid functionalized polyorganosiloxanes useful in
the present invention have the formula
X(R.sup.4R.sup.5SiO)p(R.sup.6ASiO)qY wherein the X end group
represents a triorganosiloxyl end group of formula
R.sup.1R.sup.2R.sup.3SiO--, or a Z end group wherein Z represents
--OH; the Y end group represents a triorganosilyl end group of
formula --SiR.sup.3R.sup.2R.sup.1 or a W end group wherein W
represents --H; R.sup.1 to R.sup.6, which may be identical or
different, each represents a linear or branched C1-C8 alkyl or
phenyl radical, preferably methyl; A represents a dicarboxy acid
radical of formula E-C(O)OM --B--CR'< C(O)OM [0077] wherein
[0078] B represents an alkylene residue having from 2 to 30 carbon
atoms, preferably from 3 to 8 carbon atoms, optionally substituted
by one or more alkyl radicals having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms,
[0079] R' represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical having
from 1 to 30 carbon atoms, [0080] E is nil or is an alkylene
residue having from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 3
carbon atoms, optionally substituted by one or more alkyl radicals
having from 1 to 30 carbon atoms; and [0081] M is H, a cation or an
alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms optionally
substituted with hydroxy or alkoxy groups; p is an average value
ranging from 0 to 1000, preferably from 0 to 500, more preferably
from 5 to 200; q is an average value ranging from 1 to 100,
preferably from 1 to 50; and the ratio of the number of Z and W end
groups to the total number of end groups X and Y ranges from 0/100
to 75/100, preferably from 0/100 to 30/100.
[0082] In one embodiment, the p/q ratio is from 1/3 to 99/1
(corresponding to 1-75% of pendant diacid groups relative to the
siloxyl units), in another embodiment the p/q ratio is from 1/1 to
10/1. The products where Z is --OH and/or Y is H, are
by-products.
[0083] The cation salts of the dicarboxy radical can be alkali
metal (sodium, potassium, lithium) salts, alkaline earth metal
(calcium, barium) salts, non-substituted or substituted ammonium
(methyl-, dimethyl-, trimethyl-, or tetramethylammonium,
dimethylpiperidinium) salts or can derive from an alkanolamine
(monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine).
[0084] In addition to the mono- or diester derivatives of the
dicarboxy radical (M=alkyl), the present invention includes the
amide and diamide derivatives. The present dicarboxy functionalized
siloxane polymers are generally prepared by a hydrosilylation
reaction of a polyalkylhydrogensiloxane and an alpha-olefinic
anhydride, the precursor of the dicarboxy A groups, with the aid of
an effective amount of a hydrosilylation metal catalyst (platinum),
as described for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,159,601; 3,159,662;
and 3,814,730, followed by hydrolysis of the anhydride groups.
[0085] In particular, with respect to bleach delivery from an oral
care substance such as dentifrice or mouth rinse, the present
polymers having a hydrophobic polysiloxane backbone and pendant
moieties containing dicarboxy groups are uniquely suited to
facilitate delivery and retention of the bleaching agent on teeth
for a period of time sufficient to provide a noticeable whitening
benefit, particularly with repeated use of the substances. The
present method of using a substantive polymer to deposit and retain
the bleaching agent for a prolonged contact time thus represents a
novel approach.
[0086] In another embodiment the polymer carrier is a vinyl
pyrrolidone (VP)/vinyl acetate (VA) copolymer having 60/40 weight
ratio of VP/VA and an average molecular weight ranging from about
1000 to about 1,000,000 available from BASF Corp and ISP.
Copolymers having a VP/VA ratio ranging from about 30/70 to about
90/10 are also suitable.
[0087] The oral care substance of the present invention can be in
many forms, including a gel, and in particular including an aqueous
gel. A gel is a high viscosity matrix formed from gelling agents.
If a gel form is used, a gelling can be used. The gelling agents
that can be used in the present invention are safe for oral use, do
not readily dissolve in saliva, and do not react with or inactivate
the oral care compounds incorporated into them. Generally the
gelling agent is a swellable polymer. Suitable gelling agents for
use in the present invention include carboxypolymethylene,
carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxypropyl cellulose, poloxamers,
carrageenan, Veegum, carboxyvinyl polymers, and natural gums such
as gum karaya, xanthan gum, Guar gum, gum Arabic, gum tragacanth,
and mixtures thereof. The gelling agent can be added to the oral
care substance, and in particular to a tooth whitening substance in
the form of a gel in an amount from about 0.1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10,
12, 15 and/or less than about 15, 12, 10, 8, 7, 5, 3, 2, 1, 0.5
weight percent based upon the total amount of the oral care
substance.
6. EXAMPLES
[0088] The following examples further illustrate the preferred
embodiments within the scope of the present invention. These
examples are given solely for the purpose of illustration and are
not to be construed as limitations of the present invention as many
variations of the invention are possible without departing from its
spirit or scope. Unless otherwise indicated, all ingredients are
expressed as a weight percentage of the composition.
Toothpaste/Dentifrice Examples
Dentifrice compositions according to the present invention are
shown below. These compositions are made using conventional
methods.
Example Set 1
[0089] TABLE-US-00001 Components 8A 8B 8C 8D 8E 8F Color FD&C
Blue#1 0.300 0.200 0.200 Carbomer 956 2.000 2.000 0.300 0.300
Citric Acid 0.180 Flavor 0.900 1.100 1.000 0.900 1.200 0.800
Saccharin 0.300 0.400 0.450 0.400 0.300 0.350 Glycerin 10.000
30.000 30.000 QS Monosodium Phosphate 0.500 0.590 0.500 Trisodium
Phosphate 1.450 1.400 Xanthan Gum 0.475 0.500 Na Hydroxide (50%
soln) 1.100 PEG 40 SDIS 1.240 Poloxamer 407, NF 15.000 15.000 5.000
Powdered Polyethylene 20.000 15.430 Silica 10.000 20.000 15.000
Sodium Stannate 0.090 Sodium Fluoride 0.243 0.243 0.243 0.243 0.243
0.243 Sorbitol (70% soln) 50.000 40.000 Sodium Alkyl Sulfate (28%
soln) 3.000 4.000 5.000 Propylsuccinic Acid 5.000 3.000 1.000
Polysiloxane Polymer Propylsuccinic Acid/ 3.000 2.000 4.000
Propylene Glycol ester Polysiloxane Polymer Urea Peroxide 10.000
4.000 Hydrogen Peroxide (35% 5.000 3.000 soln) Triclosan 0.300
0.300 Cetyl Pyridinium Chloride 0.530 Vitamin E 2.000 Water,
Purified USP QS QS QS QS QS
Example Set 2
[0090] TABLE-US-00002 Formula Formula Formula Formula Formula
Formula INGREDIENT Wt/Wt % Wt/Wt % Wt/Wt % Wt/Wt % Wt/Wt % Wt/Wt %
Saccharin Sodium 0.320 -- 0.50 0.70 0.50 0.50 USP (a) Trisodium
Phosphate 1.450 -- -- -- -- -- Xanthan Gum NF 0.475 6.00 -- -- --
-- Sodium Fluoride USP 0.243 -- -- -- -- -- Carbomer 0.300 2.00 --
-- -- -- 956/Pemulen Monosodium 0.590 -- -- -- -- -- Phosphate
Sorbitol Soln USP 62.242 -- -- -- -- -- (70%) (b) Silica Abrasive
USP 20.000 5.00 -- -- -- -- Purified Water, USP 8.980 -- 60.00
24.00 60.00 60.00 (b) Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 4.000 -- -- -- -- --
28% Soln Flavor -- -- 1.50 -- -- Dye, FD&C Blue No. 0.200 -- --
-- -- -- 1 Soln (c) Dimethicone (linear -- 80.00 -- PDMS) 10 cst
PDMS (SE 30) -- 7.00 -- -- -- -- Ethanol -- -- 32.50 -- -- --
Sodium -- -- 2.00 5.00 -- 5.00 Tripolyphosphate 60/40 PVP/VA -- --
5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Propylene Glycol -- -- -- 53.00 30.00 25.00
Sodium Benzoate -- -- -- 0.32 -- -- Bezoic acid -- -- -- 0.02 -- --
Poloxamer 407 -- -- -- 10.00 4.50 4.500 Papain (Enzyme) -- -- -- --
0.002 -- Glucose Oxidase -- -- -- -- -- 0.005 Total 100.00 100.00
100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00
Mouth Rinse Examples Mouth rinse compositions according to the
present invention are shown below. These compositions are made
using conventional methods.
Example 1
[0091] TABLE-US-00003 Ingredient Weight % Water 29.000 Propylene
Glycol 53.459 Sodium Benzoate 0.320 Benzoic Acid 0.021 Sodium
Saccharin 0.700 Propylsuccinic Acid Functionalized 5.000
Polysiloxane (AMW = 1700) Poloxamer 407 10.000 Flavor 1.500
Example 2
[0092] TABLE-US-00004 Ingredient Weight % Water 24.00 Propylene
Glycol 53.46 Sodium Tripolyphosphate 5.000 Sodium Benzoate 0.320
Benzoic Acid 0.020 Sodium Saccharin 0.700 60/40 PVP/VA 5.00
Poloxamer 407 10.00 Flavor 1.500
Example 3
[0093] TABLE-US-00005 Ingredient Weight % Purified Water 76.638
Glycerin 23.000 Flavor (Teaberry) 0.120 Saccharin 1.018 CPC 0.074
Poloxamer 407 0.050 FD&C Blue #1 0.100
Example 4
[0094] TABLE-US-00006 Ingredient Weight % Purified Water 49.568 3%
H2O2 25.000 CPC 0.053 Poloxamer 407 0.050 PVP/VA 0.200 Sucralose
0.010 Glycerin 25.000 Menthol 0.040 Methyl Salicylate 0.07 FD&C
Blue #1 0.009
Gel Examples Gel compositions according to the present invention
are shown below. These compositions are made using conventional
methods.
Example 1
[0095] TABLE-US-00007 Ingredient Weight % Dimethicone (linear PDMS)
10 cst 80 PDMS (SE30) 7 Xanthan Gum 6 Pemulen 2 Silicone Dioxide
Collodial 5
Example 2
[0096] TABLE-US-00008 Ingredient Weight % Ethanol 32.50 Water 60.00
Sodium Tripolyphosphate 2.00 Sodium Saccharin 0.50 60/40 PVP/VA
5.00
Example 3
[0097] TABLE-US-00009 Ingredient 8A 8B 8C 8D 8E 8F 8G Flavor 0.500
0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 0.500 Saccharin 0.100 0.100 0.100
0.100 0.100 0.100 0.100 Propylsuccinic 80.000 25.000 70.000 80.000
Acid Polysiloxane Polymer (AMW = 1700) Propylsuccinic 75.000 66.000
75.000 Acid Polysiloxane Polymer Urea Peroxide 10.000 15.000 20.000
15.000 15.000 Triclosan 3.000 Cetyl Pyridinium 1.00 Chloride PEG
600 QS QS QS QS QS QS QS
Example 4
[0098] TABLE-US-00010 Ingredient Weight % Glycerin 70
Carboxypolymethylene 5 Carbamide Peroxide 10 Water (pH 6.5) 15
C. Oral Care Substance Delivery Devices
[0099] A variety of devices exist for delivering an oral care
substance to the surfaces of the oral cavity including, but not
limited to, strips of material, trays, and/or paint-on applicators.
In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18, an oral care substance is
delivered to an oral surface by a delivery system 1100 comprising a
strip of material 1102 which is substantially flat prior to use.
Applied or coated onto the strip of material is an oral care
substance 1104 as shown in FIG. 19. The oral care substance 1104
can be uniform and continuously coated onto the strip of material
1102 as shown in FIG. 20. Alternatively, the oral care substance
1104 can be a laminate or separated layers of components, an
amorphous mixture of components, separate stripes or spots or other
patterns of different components, or a combination of these
structures including a continuous coating of oral care substance
along a longitudinal axis 1114 of a portion of the strip of
material 1102. FIGS. 21 and 22 show a delivery system 1106 applied
to a surface of a tooth 1110 and plurality of adjacent teeth 1108.
The tooth 1110 is shown embedded in adjacent soft tissue 1112.
Adjacent soft tissue is herein defined as soft tissue surfaces
surrounding the tooth structure including: papilla, marginal
gingival, gingival sulculus, inter dental gingival, gingival gum
structure on lingual and buccal surfaces up to and including
muco-gingival junction and the pallet. In both FIGS. 21 and 22 the
delivery system 1106 comprises a strip of material 1102 and further
comprises the oral care substance 1104 on the side of the strip of
material facing the adjacent plurality of teeth 1108 or single
tooth 1110. The oral care substance may be pre-applied to the tooth
and then covered by the strip of material, or the oral care
substance can be applied to the strip of material and the applied
to the teeth. The delivery system 1100 is used on the oral surface
for from 1 minute to about 8 hours. In another embodiment the strip
is used on the teeth for from about 1 minute to about 120 minutes.
In another embodiment the strip is used on the teeth for from about
30 minutes to about 60 minutes.
[0100] Examples of strips which are suitable for use in the
inventive method include, but are not limited to, the strips
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,096,328, 6,136.297, 6,045,811,
5,989,569, 5,894,017, 5,891,453, 5,879,691, 6,277,458, 6,287,120
and 6,343,932.
[0101] The oral care substance can also be provided to the oral
surfaces with a bleaching tray such as bleaching trays. A tray 1200
(as shown in FIG. 22-23) can be filled with an oral care substance
1202 and placed against the teeth 1204. Examples of trays suitable
for use in the inventive method include, but are not limited to,
those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,846,058, 5,816,802 and
5,895,218, and other pre-loaded devices such as those described in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,563.
[0102] Additionally, a applicator can be used to paint-on the oral
care substance to the desired surfaces of the oral cavity. The
delivery devices can comprise one for the upper teeth and one for
the lower teeth. The delivery devices can be disposable, or
reusable.
D. Methods for Delivering Oral care Benefit
[0103] The electric toothbrush of the present invention can be used
to deliver an oral benefit when used alone or in combination with
an oral substance. In some embodiments the teeth are pre-treated
with the oral care substance. This pre-treatments allows the oral
care substances to absorb further into the oral care surface, such
as the teeth, and therefore can increase the resulting oral care
benefit when the oral surfaces are exposed to light.
[0104] In one embodiment, the invention includes a method wherein a
uniform coating of an oral care substance can be applied onto a
delivery device and then the oral care substance with the delivery
device can be applied to the desired oral surface, such as a
plurality of adjacent teeth, the gums, and/or any other surface of
the oral cavity. The delivery device is then removed from the oral
surface, leaving behind some amount of the oral care substance on
the oral surface. The portion of the oral care substance that
remains on the teeth after the strip is removed can be from about
0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90% to about
100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5% of the tooth
whitening substance. The teeth are then brushed using the earlier
described oral care implement; exposing the surfaces of the oral
cavity to the emissions from the head of the oral care implement.
Additionally, a dentifrice can be used with the oral care implement
to clean the surfaces of the oral cavity. The surfaces of the oral
cavity can be cleaned with a dentifrice prior to and/or after the
application of the oral care substance if desired.
[0105] In another embodiment, the invention includes a method for
whitening the teeth. The method includes applying a tooth whitening
substance to a delivery device to and applying the substance via
the delivery device to a plurality of teeth, or alternatively,
applying the substance directly to the teeth and then, if desired,
placing a delivery device such as a tray and/or a strip of material
over the substance. The tooth whitening substance contains can
contain from about 5% to about 50% of a tooth whitening active, and
the substance is placed into contact with the teeth. The delivery
device can remain on the teeth for from about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15,
20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 to less than about 60, 55, 50,
45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 minutes. The delivery device is
then removed, and at least a portion of the tooth whitening
substance remains on the teeth. The portion of the tooth whitening
substance that remains on the teeth after the strip is removed can
be from about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70,
80, 90% to about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5% of
the tooth whitening substance.
[0106] In another embodiment the delivery device is a strip of
material with a uniform coating of a tooth whitening substance
disposed thereon. The strip of material is applied to the teeth and
the delivery device can remain on the teeth for from about 2, 4, 6,
8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 to less than about
60, 55, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10, 5 minutes. When the
strip of material is removed from the teeth, the strip releases
from about 0.1 to about 80% of the tooth whitening substance,
leaving a plurality of teeth with a coating of tooth whitening
substance disposed thereon. The teeth are then brushed with an
electric toothbrush comprising a head, a handle, a movable bristle
holder, and a light emitting element which is disposed on and emits
light from the head of the toothbrush. The teeth can be brushed
with the electric toothbrush for from about 30 seconds, 1 minute,
1.5 minutes, 2, minutes, 4, minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes and/or
less than about 8 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2
minutes, 1.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds. The light emitting
element can emit light having a wavelength of from about 420 to
about 470 nm. This method can be performed from about 1 to about 4
times a day, for about 1 to about 8 weeks. Additionally, this
method can be used to replace an every day oral care regimen, and
can be used continuously to reduce and prevent staining of the
teeth.
[0107] In another embodiment a uniform coating of the tooth
whitening substance is disposed on the teeth via a delivery device
or an applicator, and at least a portion of the tooth whitening
substance is allowed to remain on the teeth overnight. The teeth
can be brushed with a lighted electric toothbrush made according to
the present invention for from about 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1.5
minutes, 2, minutes, 4, minutes, 5 minutes, 8 minutes and/or less
than about 8 minutes, 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2 minutes,
1.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds.
[0108] In yet another embodiment a rinse is used to treat the
surfaces of the oral cavity either prior to and/or after the
exposure to the emissions from the electric toothbrush. The rinse
comprises a whitening active and a polymer which gives
substantivity to the tooth whitening active, and/or helps adhere
the tooth whitening active to the surfaces of the teeth. The teeth
are then brushed using the earlier described oral care implement;
exposing the surfaces of the oral cavity to the emissions from the
head of the oral care implement.
[0109] The aforementioned methods can be repeated from about 1, 2,
3, 4 to about 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 times a day for from about 1 day to
about 8 weeks. Additionally, the aforementioned methods can be used
indefinitely, for example in place of an every day oral care
regimen. In addition to removing stains, plaque and bacteria, if
the methods are used in place of an every day oral care regimen,
additional staining of teeth, plaque, and/or caries may be
prevented from forming.
E. Kits
[0110] The electric toothbrush can be packaged as a kit comprising
an oral care substance and/or one or more replaceable heads
containing a light-emitting element. The heads can thus be
replacements or individually assigned to different members of a
family. Color distinction is thus often a part of the different
heads in a kit. Although the handle is discussed as battery
powered, the invention also includes other well known power
supplies such as cords for outlet connection or rechargeable
batteries and an associated brush holder/charger (not shown). The
kit may further include one or more packaged, light-activated oral
substances, such as a packaged tooth whitening composition.
Additionally, the kit can include other non-light activated oral
care substances and toothbrush heads that do not comprise a light
emitting element.
[0111] All documents cited herein are, in relevant part,
incorporated herein by reference; the citation of any document is
not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with
respect to the present invention.
[0112] While particular embodiment of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *