U.S. patent application number 11/906891 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-05 for transparent dentifrice for use with electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush system.
This patent application is currently assigned to BIOLASE Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Andrew I. Kimmel, Ioana M. Rizoiu.
Application Number | 20090031515 11/906891 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39143958 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090031515 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rizoiu; Ioana M. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2009 |
Transparent dentifrice for use with electromagnetic radiation
emitting toothbrush system
Abstract
A cleaning and whitening system for teeth having an
electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and a dentifrice with
a photosensitive agent is disclosed. The toothbrush has a cleaning
surface, such as bristles. The toothbrush is also adapted to direct
electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface. The
electromagnetic radiation may be monochromatic or polychromatic.
Further, the electromagnetic radiation may be substantially free of
ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the electromagnetic radiation
may consist essentially of wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750
nanometers. The photosensitive agent is dispersed throughout the
dentifrice. The dentifrice transmits the electromagnetic radiation
through a varying thickness disposed over a target surface during
use of the system. As a result, a significant portion of the
photosensitive agent reacts, resulting in whitening stains,
removing and/or disclosing undesired substances, and/or foaming.
The dentifrice may be clear and may have clear abrasive particles.
A method for tuning the cleaning and whitening system for teeth
includes formulating the dentifrice with photosensitive agents that
react to a range of electromagnetic radiation and providing a
toothbrush that emits that electromagnetic radiation range. Another
method of tuning the cleaning and whitening system includes
designing a toothbrush that emits a range of electromagnetic
radiation and formulating a dentifrice with photosensitive agents
that react to the electromagnetic radiation range.
Inventors: |
Rizoiu; Ioana M.; (Dana
Point, CA) ; Kimmel; Andrew I.; (San Clemente,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STOUT, UXA, BUYAN & MULLINS LLP
4 VENTURE, SUITE 300
IRVINE
CA
92618
US
|
Assignee: |
BIOLASE Technology, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
39143958 |
Appl. No.: |
11/906891 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11890047 |
Aug 3, 2007 |
|
|
|
11906891 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/167.1 ;
433/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 19/066 20130101;
A61N 5/0603 20130101; A46B 2200/1066 20130101; A46B 15/0002
20130101; A61N 2005/0606 20130101; A46B 15/0034 20130101; A61N
2005/0644 20130101; A61N 5/062 20130101; A61N 2005/0662 20130101;
A61N 5/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/167.1 ;
433/29 |
International
Class: |
A45B 9/04 20060101
A45B009/04; A61C 1/00 20060101 A61C001/00 |
Claims
1. A system comprising a dentifrice, the dentifrice including a
dispersed photosensitive agent, which is formulated to be reactive
to a predetermined range of wavelengths of polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation, the dispersed photosensitive agent being
distributed throughout the dentifrice in such a way that, when the
dentifrice is disposed in varying thicknesses over a target surface
during use, the dentifrice is transparent to and transmits the
predetermined range of wavelengths of polychromatic electromagnetic
radiation through its varying thicknesses, whereby during such use
a significant portion of the dispersed photosensitive agent,
throughout the varying thicknesses of the dentifrice, receives the
predetermined range of wavelengths of polychromatic electromagnetic
radiation thus enabling the significant portion of the dispersed
photosensitive agent to react to the predetermined range of
wavelengths of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises a peroxy compound.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the peroxy compound is hydrogen
peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises one or more salt compounds.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the dentifrice is aqueous and at
least a portion of the salt compound is dissolved in the
dentifrice.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the dentifrice comprises a clear
gel.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the clear gel comprises clear
abrasive particles.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the clear gel comprises abrasive
particles that are not clear.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises an anti-bacterial agent for removing bacteria in the
presence of the polychromatic electromagnetic radiation.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the anti-bacterial agent has an
affinity for bacteria, whereby, during use of the system, the
anti-bacterial agent becomes concentrated about areas of bacteria
on the target surface relative to other areas on the target
surface.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein: the photosensitive agent
comprises an anti-plaque agent for removing plaque in the presence
of the polychromatic electromagnetic radiation; and the anti-plaque
agent has an affinity for plaque, whereby, during use of the
system, the anti-plaque agent becomes concentrated about areas of
plaque on the target surface relative to other areas on the target
surface.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a disclosing agent
having an affinity for bacteria and/or plaque, wherein said
disclosing agent changes appearance when irradiated by the
polychromatic electromagnetic radiation, whereby, during use of the
system, the disclosing agent becomes concentrated about areas of
bacteria and/or plaque on the target surface relative to other
areas on the target surface, whereby the irradiated, disclosing
agent visually announces locations of bacteria and/or plaque on the
target surface.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises a foaming agent for generating foam in the presence of
the polychromatic electromagnetic radiation, whereby foam generated
during use of the system operates as a carrier that delivers
dentifrice to areas not reachable by a toothbrush cleaning
surface.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein the polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation is substantially free of ultraviolet
radiation.
15. A system comprising a dentifrice, the dentifrice including a
dispersed photosensitive agent that is formulated to be reactive to
a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, the
dispersed photosensitive agent being distributed throughout the
dentifrice in such a way that, when the dentifrice is disposed in
varying thicknesses over a target surface during use, the
dentifrice is transparent to and transmits the predetermined
wavelength of electromagnetic radiation through its varying
thicknesses, whereby during such use a significant portion of the
dispersed photosensitive agent, throughout the varying thicknesses
of the dentifrice, receives the predetermined wavelength of
electromagnetic radiation thus enabling the significant portion of
the dispersed photosensitive agent to react to the predetermined
wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises one or more of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide
peroxide.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises one or more salt compounds.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dentifrice is aqueous and
at least a portion of the salt compound is dissolved in the
dentifrice.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the dentifrice comprises a
clear gel.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the clear gel comprises clear
abrasive particles.
21. The system of claim 19, wherein the clear gel comprises
abrasive particles that are not clear.
22. The system of claim 19, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises an anti-bacterial agent for removing bacteria in the
presence of the electromagnetic radiation.
23. The system of claim 22, the anti-bacterial agent having an
affinity for bacteria, whereby, during use of the system, the
anti-bacterial agent is concentrated about areas of bacteria on the
target surface relative to other areas on the target surface.
24. The system of claim 19, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises an anti-plaque agent for removing plaque in the presence
of the electromagnetic radiation.
25. The system of claim 24, the anti-plaque agent having an
affinity for plaque, whereby, during use of the system, the
anti-plaque agent is concentrated about areas of plaque on the
target surface relative to other areas on the target surface.
26. The system of claim 19, further comprising a disclosing agent
having an affinity for bacteria and/or plaque, the disclosing agent
changing appearance when irradiated by the electromagnetic
radiation, whereby, during use of the system, the disclosing agent
becomes concentrated about areas of bacteria and/or plaque on the
target surface relative to other areas on the target surface,
whereby the irradiated, disclosing agent announces locations of
bacteria and/or plaque on the target surface.
27. The system of claim 19, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises a foaming agent for generating foam in the presence of
the electromagnetic radiation, whereby foam generated during use of
the system operates as a carrier that delivers dentifrice to areas
typically not reachable by a toothbrush cleaning surface.
28. The system of claim 15, wherein the predetermined wavelength of
electromagnetic radiation is exclusive of any wavelengths
corresponding to ultraviolet radiation.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein: the electromagnetic radiation
is monochromatic; and the photosensitive agent reacts when exposed
to the monochromatic electromagnetic radiation.
30. The system of claim 28, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises one or more of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide
peroxide.
31. The system of claim 28, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises one or more salt compounds.
32. The system of claim 31, wherein the dentifrice is aqueous and
at least a portion of the salt compound is dissolved in the
dentifrice.
33. The system of claim 28, wherein the dentifrice comprises a
clear gel.
34. The system of claim 33, wherein the clear gel comprises clear
abrasive particles.
35. The system of claim 33, wherein the clear gel comprises
abrasive particles that are not clear.
36. The system of claim 33, wherein: the electromagnetic radiation
is monochromatic; and the photosensitive agent comprises an
anti-bacterial agent for removing bacteria in the presence of the
monochromatic electromagnetic radiation.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein the anti-bacterial agent has an
affinity for bacteria, and, during use of the system, the
anti-bacterial agent is concentrated about areas of bacteria on the
target surface relative to other areas on the target surface.
38. The system of claim 36, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises an anti-plaque agent for removing plaque in the presence
of the monochromatic electromagnetic radiation.
39. The system of claim 33, wherein: the electromagnetic radiation
is monochromatic; the photosensitive agent comprises an anti-plaque
agent for removing plaque in the presence of the monochromatic
electromagnetic radiation and the anti-plaque agent has an affinity
for plaque, whereby, during use of the system, the anti-plaque
agent is concentrated about areas of plaque on the target surface
relative to other areas on the target surface.
40. The system of claim 33, further comprising a disclosing agent
having an affinity for bacteria and/or plaque, wherein said
disclosing agent changes appearance when irradiated by the
electromagnetic radiation, whereby, during use of the system, the
disclosing agent is concentrated about areas of bacteria and/or
plaque on the target surface relative to other areas on the target
surface, whereby the irradiated, disclosing agent announces
locations of bacteria and/or plaque on the target surface.
41. The system of claim 33, wherein the photosensitive agent
comprises a foaming agent for generating foam in the presence of
the electromagnetic radiation, whereby foam generated during use of
the system operates as a carrier that delivers dentifrice to areas
not reachable by a toothbrush cleaning surface.
42. The system of claim 41, wherein the electromagnetic radiation
is monochromatic electromagnetic radiation.
43. The system of claim 1, wherein the predetermined range of
wavelengths of polychromatic electromagnetic radiation has a lower
limit of approximately 350 nanometers and an upper limit of
approximately 700 nanometers.
44. The system of claim 1, wherein: the photosensitive agent has a
relatively high reaction rate when exposed to electromagnetic
radiation in a highly reactive portion of the predetermined range
compared to an average reaction rate when the photosensitive agent
is exposed to electromagnetic radiation over the predetermined
range; and the predetermined range of wavelengths of polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation is bound to wavelengths that are
substantially within the highly reactive portion of the
predetermined range.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/890,047, filed on Aug. 3, 2007 and entitled ELECTROMAGNETIC
RADIATION EMITTING TOOTHBRUSH AND TRANSPARENT TOOTHPASTE
COMBINATION, the contents of which are expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to generally to dental hygiene and,
more particularly, to toothbrush and brushing compound
combinations.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Proper dental hygiene is not only important for dental
health reasons, but for personal appearance considerations as well.
One of the many techniques people employ to improve their personal
appearance through dental hygiene is to have their teeth whitened.
Teeth whitening techniques vary in cost, convenience, and
effectiveness.
[0006] Dental health professionals use many techniques to whiten
teeth to improve their patients' personal appearance. High pressure
baking soda solutions are used to scour teeth in a process
analogous to sand-blasting. Chemical treatments abound for
bleaching the teeth. However, these treatments require the
inconvenience of visiting a dental health practice and the expense
involved in having the treatment performed by a dental health
professional.
[0007] Brushing with a dentifrice, whether a toothpaste, gel,
cream, or powder, has some effect in whitening teeth due to the
abrasive action of the dentifrice on the teeth. A relatively simple
method of whitening teeth comprises brushing them with a dentifrice
comprising whitening agents. Hydrogen peroxide, a common whitening
agent, is a component in many off-the-shelf toothpastes and tooth
gels. However, certain diets and activities, such as smoking, stain
the teeth beyond the ability of a dentifrice alone to sufficiently
whiten them.
[0008] The prior art discloses toothbrushes equipped with a light
source that can illuminate the brushing region and provide
beneficial radiation to the tooth surface. Examples of illuminating
toothbrushes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,306,143 entitled
DENTAL HYGIENE APPLIANCE; 5,160,194 entitled TOOTHBRUSH WITH
EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED BRISTLES; 5,030,090 entitled OPTICAL
TOOTHBRUSH AND METHOD OF USE; and 4,779,173 entitled ILLUMINATED
BRUSH DEVICE, all of which are expressed incorporated herein by
reference in their entireties.
[0009] A need exists for an improvement in whitening and cleaning
teeth which does not require visiting a dental health professional
and which improves the whitening of prior art dentifrices and
electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrushes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A cleaning and whitening system for teeth having an
electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrush and a dentifrice with
a photosensitive agent is disclosed. The toothbrush has a cleaning
surface, such as bristles. The toothbrush is also adapted to direct
electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface. The
electromagnetic radiation may be monochromatic or polychromatic.
Further, the electromagnetic radiation may be substantially free of
ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the electromagnetic radiation
may consist essentially of wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750
nanometers. The photosensitive agent is dispersed throughout the
dentifrice. The dentifrice transmits the electromagnetic radiation
through a varying thickness of dentifrice disposed over a target
surface during use of the system. As a result, a significant
portion of the photosensitive agent reacts, resulting in whitening
stains, removing and/or disclosing undesirable substances, and/or
foaming. The dentifrice may be clear and may have clear abrasive
particles.
[0011] In an aspect of the invention, the cleaning and whitening
system for teeth comprises a toothbrush having a cleaning surface,
the toothbrush being adapted to direct polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface, wherein the
polychromatic electromagnetic radiation consists essentially of
wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750 nanometers.
[0012] In an aspect of the invention, the teeth cleaning and
whitening system comprises a dentifrice that has a photosensitive
agent that reacts substantially only to electromagnetic radiation
within a predetermined range. The system further comprises a
toothbrush having a cleaning surface, the toothbrush being adapted
to direct electromagnetic radiation toward the cleaning surface,
wherein the electromagnetic radiation is bound to wavelengths that
are substantially within the predetermined range.
[0013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the photosensitive
agent has a relatively high reaction rate when exposed to
electromagnetic radiation in a highly reactive portion of the
predetermined range compared to an average reaction rate when the
photosensitive agent is exposed to electromagnetic radiation over
the predetermined range. Additionally, the polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation emitted by the toothbrush is bound to
wavelengths that are substantially within the highly reactive
portion of the predetermined range.
[0014] In an aspect of the invention, a method of tuning the
cleaning and whitening system for teeth includes a step of
formulating the dentifrice with photosensitive agents that react to
a range of electromagnetic radiation, and a step of providing a
toothbrush that emits that electromagnetic radiation range.
[0015] In another aspect of the invention, a method of tuning the
cleaning and whitening system includes a step of designing a
toothbrush that emits a range of electromagnetic radiation and
another step of formulating a dentifrice with a photosensitive
agent that reacts to the electromagnetic radiation range.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an electromagnetic radiation
emitting toothbrush and a container of brushing compound in a
package according to an embodiment of the invention; and
[0017] FIGS. 2-4 are schematic views of an electromagnetic
radiation emitting toothbrush according to another embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, an electromagnetic radiation
emitting toothbrush 1 and a container 31 of brushing compound are
shown disposed within a package 32. Other embodiments of the
invention have differing designs of the container 31. The package
32 is shown schematically and embodiments of the invention may use
any suitable package design and configuration.
[0019] The general structure of the toothbrush 1 is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,143 entitled DENTAL HYGIENE APPLIANCE to Levy,
the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
Modified embodiments of the invention may use other suitable
electromagnetic radiation emitting toothbrushes. The basic
components of the toothbrush 1 include a handle 4 and a brushing
head 5. The brushing head 5 is constituted by a body 6 having a
base surface 7 from which a set of tooth brushing bristles 8
project. The composition and form of the bristles 8, and the manner
in which the bristles 8 are secured to the body 6, conform to
conventional practice in the toothbrush art. The ends 9 of the
bristles 8 comprise a cleaning surface that is used for scouring
teeth and alike. Other embodiments of the invention may have other
types of cleaning surfaces, such as, for example, a sponge or other
type of foam.
[0020] The toothbrush 1 is further provided with means for
directing monochromatic radiation of a selected type from the body
6 in the direction of an arrow 10, which is generally parallel to
the direction in which the bristles 8 project from the body 6. The
radiation is emitted generally via the base surface 7 of the body
6. In modified embodiments of the invention, the radiation may be
emitted from the handle 4, guided by the bristles 8, or any other
suitable means for directing radiation to the ends 9 of the
bristles, which form the cleaning surface of the illustrated
embodiment of the invention.
[0021] The handle 4 is provided with a light-emitting device 14 for
generating the electromagnetic radiation. Embodiments of the
invention may use any suitable means for generating the
electromagnetic radiation, such a semiconductor laser that
generates monochromatic electromagnetic radiation or a light
emitting diode that emits polychromatic electromagnetic
radiation.
[0022] The brushing head 5 is shown having a lens 18, one or more
semitransparent mirrors 20 and a fully reflecting mirror 22. In the
illustrated embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic
radiation produced by light-emitting device 14 is in the form of a
small diameter collimated beam extended along an axis corresponding
to the longitudinal axis of the handle 4 and the head 5. The
mirrors 20 and 22 are oriented at an angle of 45.degree. to the
beam axis, and the lens 18 is constructed and arranged to give the
electromagnetic radiation beam a slightly diverging form such that
the beam will diverge to an area essentially coextensive with the
area occupied by the mirror 22. Modified embodiments of the
invention may use other arrangements for directing the
electromagnetic radiation generating means to the cleaning surface
of the brushing head 5.
[0023] The body 6 may itself be made of a plastic which is
transparent to the electromagnetic radiation so that portions of
the radiation are reflected in the direction 10 by the mirrors 20,
and the remaining radiation is reflected by the mirror 22. The
optical system constituted by the lens 18 and the mirrors 20, 22 is
arranged to cause radiation to traverse an area, which is at least
approximately coextensive with the area covered by the ends 9 of
the bristles 8. However, the radiation area may, depending on the
particular operations to be performed, extend over a smaller or
larger cleaning surface. Modified embodiments of the invention may
use other optical system arrangements.
[0024] A modified embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 2-4. The
mirrors 20, 22 are replaced with reflective surfaces. The
reflective surfaces can be formed on the interior surfaces of the
outer, stepped portion of the head of the toothbrush. The
reflective surfaces may comprise foil or foils, for example, which
are embedded into the plastic and wrapped, for example, around the
back and sides of the stepped portion of the head. Other materials
and/or types of reflective surfaces may be used to increase,
decrease, and/or change a distribution of radiation transmitted
through the bristles.
[0025] In FIG. 2, the head tapers from a diameter of 0.440 units,
to a diameter of 0.287 units just before the stepped portion. This
diameter, which is just before the stepped portion, can be
increased to facilitate greater transmission of radiation to the
stepped portion or, in other embodiments, can be decreased to
attenuate an amount of radiation transmitted to the stepped
portion. A width of the head, which is 0.430 units as shown in FIG.
4, may similarly be increased to facilitate greater transmission of
radiation through the bristles or, in other embodiments, may be
decreased to attenuate an amount of radiation transmitted through
the bristles. The number, angles, sizes, etc. of the steps forming
the reflective surfaces may be changed to increase, decrease,
and/or change a distribution of radiation through the bristles.
[0026] In other embodiments of the invention prior art toothbrushes
equipped with a light source, which illuminates the brushing region
and which provides beneficial radiation to the tooth surface, can
be used. Examples of illuminating toothbrushes are disclosed in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,306,143 entitled DENTAL HYGIENE APPLIANCE;
5,160,194 entitled TOOTHBRUSH WITH EXTERNALLY ILLUMINATED BRISTLES;
5,030,090 entitled OPTICAL TOOTHBRUSH AND METHOD OF USE; and
4,779,173 entitled ILLUMINATED BRUSH DEVICE, all of which are
expressed incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.
[0027] The handle 4 includes a power cord 30 which may be plugged
into a wall outlet in order to supply operating power to the
light-emitting device 14. Other embodiments of the invention may
have a replaceable or rechargeable battery in the handle 4 as the
power source for the light-emitting device 14. In addition, in the
illustrated embodiment, brushing head 5 is readily detachable from
handle 4. This allows for a plurality of brushing heads 5, each
used by a different individual, to be mounted on handle 4 for use.
Additionally, lens 18 may form a unit with handle 4, so that each
of the brushing heads 5 need not be provided with its own lens.
This configuration would reduce the cost associated with
manufacturing each head 5. Modified embodiments of the invention
may have the electromagnetic radiation supplied from a source
external to the toothbrush 1 via a fiber-optic cable, as is known
to those skilled in the art.
[0028] In one embodiment, the toothbrush 1 emits polychromatic
electromagnetic radiation of a wavelength and an intensity for
facilitating the removal of undesired substances from a target
surface. Typical undesired substances include bacteria, plaque,
tartar, and calculus, all of which contribute to, or are precursors
of, tooth decay. In other embodiments of the invention
monochromatic electromagnetic radiation is emitted to accomplish
similar objectives.
[0029] The dentifrice is formulated in one embodiment to comprise
photosensitive agents that assist in removing undesired substances
from teeth, such as stains, bacteria, plaque, tartar, and calculus.
The photosensitive agents react to the emitted electromagnetic
radiation of the toothbrush during brushing to enhance removal of
the undesired substances.
[0030] The removal enhancement provided by the dentifrice may be
direct, such as when the photosensitive agent reacts to the
electromagnetic radiation and, in turn, reacts with the undesired
substance to remove it. Examples of materials that may comprise a
photosensitive agent include peroxy compounds, salt compounds,
anti-bacteria agents, and anti-plaque agents. The salt compounds
may or may not be dissolved in the dentifrice. The use of peroxide
compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, in
dentifrices is known in the art, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,990,089 entitle METHOD AND MATERIAL FOR BRIGHTENING TEETH, which
is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In accordance
with the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation emitted
by the toothbrush 1 during brushing enhances the whitening and
cleaning of the teeth when used in combination with the dentifrice
comprising a photosensitive agent. Other embodiments of the
invention comprise dentifrices used in connection with a
photosensitive agent comprising a foaming agent. The foaming agent
generates foam in the presence of the electromagnetic radiation.
The foam operates as a carrier that delivers dentifrice to areas
not reachable by the toothbrush cleaning surface, thus improving
the overall cleaning and whitening of the teeth. The foaming agent
may comprise a peroxy compound in one embodiment of the
invention.
[0031] In addition, when certain photosensitive agents are brought
into contact with one or more of the undesired substances, the
application of electromagnetic radiation having an appropriate
wavelength and energy content can render the substance or
substances visible.
[0032] By way of example, one of the purposes of tooth brushing is
to remove bacteria which have collected on tooth surfaces,
frequently in pits and fissures in the tooth enamel. It is known
that regardless of the care exercised and time spent in a brushing
session, some of the bacteria deposits may not be dislodged and
removed from the tooth surfaces. It is also known that there are
chemical products, known as disclosing solutions, which can make
any deposited bacteria visible. There are other photosensitive
agents, which may be preferable to the conventional disclosing
solutions, which will react with bacteria in such a manner as to
render the bacteria visible in the presence of radiation having a
certain wavelength or wavelengths. When such a dentifrice is
employed, the photosensitive agent comprises a disclosing agent
that renders any existing bacteria visible under the radiation
produced by the light-emitting device 14 by changing the color of
the disclosing agent. The disclosing agent has an affinity for
undesired substances, such as bacteria and/or plaque, resulting in
the disclosing agent being concentrated about the undesired
substances relative to other areas on the target surface. As a
result, the radiated, disclosing agent announces locations of
undesired substances on the teeth surface, so that brushing can be
continued until the user observes that all bacteria have been
removed from all visible tooth surfaces. While it would be more
difficult to carry out this procedure on lingual tooth surfaces,
this would be possible, if brushing were carried out while viewing
those surfaces with a mirror. The dentifrices of modified
embodiments of the invention may visually announce plaque and/or
other undesired substances during brushing as well.
[0033] According to one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
chemical product consists of or contains Black Shade No. 4625,
which can be obtained by Crompton & Knowles, Ingredient
Technology Division, of Reading, Pa. In this embodiment, the
radiation source produces radiation at a wavelength, or
wavelengths, of between 0.8 mm and 1 mm. As presently embodied, the
radiation source produces polychromatic electromagnetic radiation
of wavelengths ranging from 0.8 mm to 1 mm. In a modified
embodiment of the invention, the radiation source produces
polychromatic electromagnetic radiation of wavelengths comprising
at least a portion of the different wavelengths in the 0.8 mm to 1
mm range. In still another modified embodiment, the radiation
source produces electromagnetic radiation of a single wavelength in
the 0.8 mm to 1 mm range. The radiation source may comprise, for
example, a Nd:YAG laser.
[0034] The source is adjusted to emit radiation at an energy level
selected on the basis of the expected concentration of the Black
Shade No. 4625 in the material to be treated. The Black Shade No.
4625 will stain, for example, cariogenic bacteria or streptococcus
faecalis black so that this bacteria, or any other substance
absorbing Black Shade No. 4625, will readily absorb the laser
radiation. As an alternative to the Black Shade No. 4625 in the
example, any other substance for staining the bacteria, for
example, black can be used. Other photosensitive substances may be
used in addition to, or as an alternative to, black. Agents
comprising oranges, reds, browns, yellows, greens, blues, etc.,
supplied, for example, by Crompton & Knowles, Ingredient
Technology Division, of Reading, Pa., may be selected, along with
radiation sources having corresponding wavelengths. According to
one specific embodiment, the chemical product is sudan red as a
vital stain when the radiation source is an argon laser.
[0035] The radiation energy density can be made sufficiently high
to directly vaporize the stained substance. For example, in the
case where streptococcus faecalis is stained with Black Shade No.
4625 and irradiated by an Nd:YAG laser, this effect can be achieved
with an energy density of the order of 10 J/cm2.
[0036] To improve efficiency in accordance with the present
invention, the dentifrice transmits an optimum amount of
electromagnetic radiation therethrough. In an embodiment of the
invention, an optimum amount of transmission through the dentifrice
comprises transmitting electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths and
intensities thereof to facilitate reaction of the photosensitive
agent, and substantially no additional electromagnetic radiation
beyond that. Embodiments of the invention have the photosensitive
agents dispersed throughout the dentifrice. During brushing, the
dentifrice is dispersed in varying thicknesses over the target
surface, which comprises the teeth and gums. To be effective, the
electromagnetic radiation should penetrate through the dentifrice's
varying thickness, so that significant portions of the
photosensitive agent throughout the varying thicknesses are
irradiated and react. For this to occur, the dentifrice transmits
the radiation through the varying thicknesses, thereby enabling the
significant portions of the dispersed photosensitive agent
throughout the dentifrice to substantially absorb the radiation and
react. In modified embodiments of the invention, the dentifrice is
clear, translucent, tinted, opaque, or a combination thereof. The
term "clear" shall be understood to mean visually colorless and
transparent. In one embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice is
a clear gel comprising at least about 1.5 percent hydrogen peroxide
and a clear base.
[0037] In one exemplary embodiment, the base comprises water,
hydrogen peroxide, poloxamer 407, glycerine, flavor and sodium
saccharin. In another exemplary embodiment, the base comprises
fluoride, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrated silica. The clear gel
maximizes transmission of radiation therethrough, to thereby
maximize an interaction of the clear gel with the radiation
throughout the thickness of the clear gel.
[0038] In further modified embodiments of the invention, the
container may comprise compartments which hold a first portion of
the dentifrice in one compartment and a second portion of the
dentifrice in the other compartment (not shown). The separation of
the dentifrice portions may be to prevent components in the
separate portions from reacting prior to use. For example, a first
portion comprising baking soda can be separated from a second
portion comprising hydrogen peroxide.
[0039] In accordance with one embodiment, the active ingredient or
ingredients of the dentifrice are engineered to remain relatively
stable until the dentifrice is disposed on the tooth. In an
embodiment where the dentifrice comprises peroxide, for example,
the dentifrice is engineered to hold the peroxide in a relatively
stable condition both while in the tube and while initially on the
toothbursh.
[0040] In addition to engineering the dentifrice to remain stable
until placed on the tooth and agitated, a method of the invention
comprises a step of instructing the user to leave the source of the
toothbrush in an off mode until the toothbursh and dentifrice are
placed on the teeth. The user follows the instructions and inserts
the toothbrush, with the dentifrice thereon and with the source in
an off mode, into the mouth and onto the teeth of the user.
Subsequently, the user places the source into an on mode to thereby
initiate the emission of radiation from the toothbursh into the
dentifrice. The user can then move the bristles of the toothbrush
on the teeth to agitate and further activate the active the
ingredient or ingredients of the dentifrice. In selected
embodiments, the mere placement of the on a tooth, with or without
agitation, initiates activation of the ingredient or ingredients of
the dentifrice. For example, a stain comprising iron, disposed on a
tooth, can help to activate the peroxide of a dentifrice when the
dentifrice is placed into contact with the stain on the tooth. In
this example, the additional irradiation of the dentifrice can
enhance the activation. In other embodiments of the above examples,
the bristles of the toothbursh are placed only into close proximity
with the teeth.
[0041] In still other embodiments of the invention, the dentifrice
may comprise abrasives. The abrasives may be visible, an example of
which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,935,306 entitled TOOTHPASTE
FORMULATIONS, which is incorporated herein by reference. The
abrasives may be clear, an example of which is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 3,864,470 entitled VISUALLY CLEAR TOOTHPASTE CONTAINING
SYNTHETIC PRECIPITATED HYDRATED SILICA, which is incorporated
herein by reference. Clear abrasive particles enhance the
transmissibility of the dentifrice, as compared to opaque abrasive
particles.
[0042] In an embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic
radiation emitted from the toothbrush 1 is substantially free of
ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet radiation is a relatively high
energy wavelength range, compared to visible and infrared
wavelengths. Under some circumstances, directing ultraviolet
radiation into the mouth may result in cellular damage. Further, as
the ultraviolet radiation is higher energy, the toothbrush 1 may
consume less energy during operation as it does not emit the higher
energy ultraviolet wavelengths.
[0043] In an embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice and the
toothbrush 1 are tuned to be efficient. The dentifrice is
formulated with a photosensitive agent. The dentifrice is then
tested, using techniques known to those skilled in the art, to
determine wide-range reactive electromagnetic radiation wavelengths
that cause the photosensitive agents to react. The toothbrush 1 is
then designed such that it emits at least a portion of the
wide-range electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. Other embodiments
of the invention may comprise a toothbrush that emits
electromagnetic radiation wavelengths consisting essentially of
non-ultraviolet radiation, or, consisting essentially of
wavelengths within a range of 300 to 750 nanometers. Other
embodiments of the invention comprise a toothbrush that emits
electromagnetic radiation within the infrared or near-infrared
region. Compounds can be selected to react with this light
exclusively or in addition to other wavelengths.
[0044] The radiation from the source may comprise a single
wavelength in the infrared or near-infrared region, or may comprise
a plurality of wavelengths in the infrared or near-infrared region.
In one embodiment, the infrared or near-infrared region is selected
to comprise a range of wavelengths from about 700 nm to about 990
nm. In another embodiment, the infrared or near-infrared region is
selected to comprise visible light, as well, for a combined range
of wavelengths from about 300 nm to about 990 nm, or to about 1
mm.
[0045] Other embodiments of the invention may comprise determining
a narrow-range of electromagnetic radiation wavelengths, wherein
the photosensitive agent has a relatively high reaction rate when
exposed to the narrow-range reactive electromagnetic radiation
wavelengths compared to an average reaction rate when the
photosensitive agent is exposed to the wide-range reactive
electromagnetic radiation wavelengths. The toothbrush 1 is designed
to provide electromagnetic radiation, which is substantially in the
narrow-range reactive electromagnetic radiation wavelengths.
[0046] In another embodiment of the invention, the dentifrice and
the toothbrush 1 are tuned to be efficient in a different process
than described above. The dentifrice is formulated to react to the
electromagnetic radiation emitted from the toothbrush 1.
Embodiments of the invention may have a toothbrush that emits
electromagnetic radiation wavelengths consisting essentially of
non-ultraviolet radiation or consisting essentially of wavelengths
within a range of 300 to 750 nanometers.
[0047] While the description above refers to particular embodiments
of the present invention, it will be understood that many
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
thereof. For example, embodiments of the invention may have a
toothbrush emitting either polychromatic or monochromatic
electromagnetic radiation. Additionally, the electromagnetic
radiation may be coherent or non-coherent. Further, aspects of the
invention may have combinations of the above-described embodiments
although these combinations may not be explicitly described. The
accompanying claims are intended to cover such embodiments as would
fall within the true scope and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *