Dentistry – Apparatus – Having heater or electrode
Patent
1991-10-17
1994-12-13
Hirsch, Paul J.
Dentistry
Apparatus
Having heater or electrode
151671, 604 20, 132321, A61C 300, A61C 1900, A46B 904
Patent
active
053725018
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a dental aid.
It is known to provide toothbrushes which include means for applying a DC current which passes from the bristles portion of the brush, through the mouth and body of the user to the handle of the brush. U.S. Pat. No. 4,691,718 describes a toothbrush with an ion-eluting ceramic head which aims to deposit flourine ions on the teeth and also help remove tartar.
Aside from the teeth themselves it is important to take care of the gums or gingival region of the mouth.
According to the present invention there is provided a dental aid arranged to apply bi-polar electrical signals to the gingival region of the mouth having a sinusoidal, square or sawtooth waveform.
The dental aid may comprise a toothbrush having a first electrode in the region of the brush for making electrical contact with the mouth of a user, and a second electrode for making electrical contact with the hand of the user. The second electrode may be mounted on a head of the tooth brush for making electrical contact with the mouth of the user.
Preferably there is no direct physical contact between the first electrode and the mouth. Bristles can be provided in the region of the first electrode, may be electrically conductive and may be electrically connected to the first electrode. Contact will normally be made through saliva, toothpaste, etc., in the mouth, and in-particular will be made with the gingival region of the mouth.
Preferably electronic circuitry for applying a voltage, normally restricted to a maximum mean value of about 3 volts, across the electrodes is housed in a body of the dental aid. A power supply, such as a Lithium cell, may also be housed in the body. The circuitry may be arranged to be powered from a mains supply via a cable and isolating transformer. Very preferably, the circuitry includes means for limiting the current flow between the electrodes. Typically, the current is limited to, say, 4 milliamps or 150 microamps.
Preferably the frequency of the bipolar signal is between about 30 and 70 H.sub.z, and more particularly between about 40 and 60 H.sub.z.
It has also been found that the body may be more conducive to a higher frequency signal, and so a higher frequency may also be preferred, between about 2,000 and 4,000 H.sub.z , and preferably about 2,800 H.sub.z . A frequency of about 60 KH.sub.z may also be used.
It is known that an electrical signal can be applied to the body at certain points to achieve a therapeutic effect. It has been found that application of the electrical signal to the mouth region, and particularly the gingival region, can improve oral hygiene, reduce cavity generation, plaque and gum disease and generally have a beneficial therapeutic effect. The fluctuating electrical signal may be effective to destroy anerobic bacteria, for example.
Means may be provided for indicating audibly or visibly to the user that the electrical signal is being applied. A timer may be incorporated to indicate that when the signal has been applied for a predetermined period; typically such a period will be about three minutes.
The dental aid may be in the form of a tooth pick, a floss holder, and a water pick, for example.
Other preferred features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying claims.
The invention will be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a toothbrush forming a first embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-section through the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary longitudinal cross-section through the toothbrush of FIG 1;
FIG. 4 is an underneath view of a head of the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a diagram of circuitry housed in the toothbrush of FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a toothbrush forming second embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the toothbrush of FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a side view of part one form of tooth pick forming a third embodiment of the invention;
FIG.
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Hirsch Paul J.
Lucchesi Nicholas D.
Solar Wide Industrial Ltd.
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