Abstract: Gum compositions containing effective amounts of antimicrobial agents that are released to the oral cavity during chewing. In specific embodiments, the antimicrobial agents are released from the gum at different rates and times.

Abstract: A pump used in a power toothbrush for fluid delivery to the bristles. The pump moves fluid provided to it to a dispensing valve located in the brushhead. The pump includes a pump chamber with a piston ball located therein. The piston ball moves within the chamber in response to movement of the brushhead, moving fluid out a discharge end of the pump chamber under pressure. The pump includes a fluid exit channel which connects the discharge end of the pump chamber with an opening in the brushhead in which the dispensing valve is located.

Abstract: A brushhead for an acoustic powered toothbrush having a particular bristle configuration which includes a plurality of bristle portions arranged in four columns and eight rows, wherein the distal end two adjacent rows and the proximal end two adjacent rows both have longer bristles than the remaining bristle portions except for an intermediate row of bristle portions which are slightly longer than the longer bristle portions. The distal, intermediate and proximal bristle portions all have pointed bristle portion tips.

Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: A brushhead for a toothbrush having a particular bristle configuration which includes a plurality of bristle tufts arranged in three columns and nine rows, wherein the distal end two adjacent rows and the proximal end two adjacent rows and an intermediate row have longer bristles than the remaining bristle tuft rows. The distal, intermediate and proximal bristle tuft rows all have pointed tips (in the lateral direction) and beveled outside edges at the top portion thereof. The shorter bristle tuft rows also have beveled outside edges. The shorter bristle tuft rows between the distal and intermediate rows have angled top surfaces in addition to the beveled outside edges.

Abstract: Driving power for a vibrating device is provided at less than full level when the device is initially used. Power is gradually increased in successive steps after a selected number of uses in each step until full power is achieved. Also, a battery-energized driving signal for a vibrating device has a selected characteristic, such as duty cycle, which is set initially at less than an optimum value, when the battery is at full strength. As the battery discharges, the selected characteristic is adjusted toward optimum so as to compensate for reduction in the battery voltage and ensure full power output.

Abstract: A power toothbrush has a brushhead mounted at one end thereof, the brushhead including a base mounting element for bristles which extend from one surface thereof. Extending from the opposing surface of the base mounting element is a pressure contact member. A substantially rigid brushhead shield extends along and is adjacent to the opposing surface of the brushhead. The brushhead has a hinge-like portion which permits the brushhead to move or swivel in response to pressure being placed on the brushhead, while the brushhead is moving back and forth at its operating frequency of its normal brushing action at over 150 Hz. Thin electrical switch contacts, which are part of an electrical circuit, are positioned on the brush shield, spaced from the contact member on the brushhead.

Abstract: A coil insert for use with a secondary coil portion of a charging system for an electric toothbrush. The secondary coil is positioned within the handle of the toothbrush. The insert includes a first portion which is configured to fit in the central opening of the secondary coil and a base portion which extends out from the secondary coil. The insert has enough weight, approximately one ounce, to significantly dampen the vibrational effects caused by operation of the toothbrush. The steel peen is sufficiently small so as to not absorb any energy from the charging coil during operation of the charging system and to increase coupling efficiency between the primary and secondary charging coils.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush (10) with an adaptive load sensor (12) is disclosed. The toothbrush of this invention includes a brushhead (16) that is vibrated by a drive assembly (18). The load sensor monitors the current drawn by the drive assembly to determine the mechanical load to which the toothbrush is exposed. The load sensor assembly produces an adaptive threshold signal that represents the instantaneous maximum pressure load. If the sensed load voltage exceeds the adaptive threshold signal, the load sensor assembly deenergizes the drive assembly and generates an alarm signal so as to give the user a warning that the toothbrush has been excessively loaded.

Abstract: A vibrating toothbrush which includes a brushhead (18) mounted for vibrating movement, a reservoir (30) for containing dentifrice which is located in the handle (14) of the toothbrush, and fluid connecting means (32) connecting the reservoir (30) to the brushhead (18). The brushhead (18) includes either hollow bristles (80) or nozzles (87) in the brushhead (18) to permit egress of the dentifrice from the brushhead (18) in the area of the bristles. The brushhead (18) is driven so as to provide a scrubbing action for the teeth and to provide acoustical energy for acoustical cleansing as well. The action of the brushhead (18) and the load thereon will result in dentifrice being released out of the brushhead (18) or bristles (80) as needed, supporting cavitation and streaming for the acoustical energy, as well as providing the cleansing/therapeutic effect of the dentifrice.

Abstract: The brush element (10) includes a base (14), the base (14) including a connecting portion (18) at one end (16) thereof, which is capable of receiving the lever arm (15) of a vibrating toothbrush. Successive lateral rows of spaced bristles (19-27) are anchored in the brush base (14), in a pattern comprising two successive rows of full length bristles which are configured so that the tips of each two rows form a peak, followed by a third row of shorter bristle portions which are approximately 0.2 inch shorter than the full length bristles.