Abstract: An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A plurality of cleaning elements is attached to the base structure. One end of each of the plurality of cleaning elements is connected to one another. At least one of the plurality of cleaning elements is a spiral bristle.

Abstract: An oral care implement may include a tufted insert and a base configured to define a cavity for housing an active insert. The active insert may comprise an active agent. The head of the oral care implement may be configured so that the active insert can be in fluid communication with a membrane or an aperture.

Abstract: Described herein are light-based devices for use in the detection of plaque or delivery of a whitening effect; and, inter alia, toothpaste formulations containing ultraviolet brighteners that provide a whitening or bleaching effect when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: An oral care implement and method for forming the same is provided. The oral care implement comprises a handle and a head having a base structure. A unitary assembly comprising a top portion of a first pod, a top portion of a second pod, a third pod comprising a plurality of cleaning elements extending from the third pod, and at least one suspension member is formed. The unitary assembly is subsequently attached to the base structure of the handle to form the first pod extending from a first face of the base structure and the second pod extending from the first face of the base structure. The third pod is disposed between and supported above the first face by the first and second pods by the at least one suspension member so that a gap exists between a bottom surface of the third pod and the first face of the base structure.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head having a base structure. A pair of fixed pods extend from a first face of the base structure of the head and a movable pod is supported by and between the pair of fixed pods above the first face of the base structure by at least one suspension member. The movable pod comprises cleaning elements, thereby facilitating a greater degree of cleaning action during an oral care session.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth. The tooth cleaning elements include cleaning elements that define a loop arrangement for better retention of the dentifrice, a central cleaning element disposed within the loop, two opposing arcuate cleaning elements disposed on opposite sides of the loop, peripheral cleaning element with a stepped and tapered construction, elongate distal cleaning elements, and proximal cleaning elements.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head. The head is in the form of a peripheral frame having an open central area. A plurality of cleaning element carrying support members are mounted across the frame over the open central area to form an open lattice pattern having through holes to facilitate the cleaning of the head. The cleaning elements are bristles laser welded to the support members.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head platform having a plurality of faces with bristles extending therefrom. The oral care implement can have a pair of opposite bristled faces and the bristles can extend from the faces in opposite directions. The oral care implement can be formed by affixing a first AFT-tufted carrier plate to a first face of the head platform and affixing a second AFT-tufted carrier plate to the second face of the head platform. Optionally, the oral care implement can be formed by in-mold tufting bristles in the first face and affixing an AFT-tufted carrier plate to the second face of the head platform.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head. The head is in the form of a peripheral frame having an open central area. A plurality of cleaning element carrying support members are mounted across the frame over the open central area to form an open lattice pattern having through holes to facilitate the cleaning of the head. The cleaning elements are bristles laser welded to the support members.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head having a base structure. A pair of fixed pods extend from a first face of the base structure of the head and a movable pod is supported by and between the pair of fixed pods above the first face of the base structure by at least one suspension member. The movable pod comprises cleaning elements, thereby facilitating a greater degree of cleaning action during an oral care session.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.

Abstract: An oral care implement is provided having a handle and a head with tooth cleaning elements extending from fixed pods. Additional tooth cleaning elements extend from one or more central pods suspended between the fixed pods via a bridge. The bridge may be formed from an elastomer and permit the one or more central pods to move from an initial position toward the head during use. The central pods, the bridge and outer portions of the fixed pods may be formed as a unitary structure. When a single central pod is employed, a flexible section may be disposed in the middle of the central pod so that cleaning elements extending from either end of the central pod can move toward one another during use.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head. The head is in the form of a peripheral frame having an open central area. A plurality of cleaning element carrying support members are mounted across the frame over the open central area to form an open lattice pattern having through holes to facilitate the cleaning of the head. The cleaning elements are bristles laser welded to the support members.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head. The head is in the form of a peripheral frame having an open central area. A plurality of cleaning element carrying support members are mounted across the frame over the open central area to form an open lattice pattern having through holes to facilitate the cleaning of the head. The cleaning elements are bristles laser welded to the support members.

Abstract: An oral care instrument includes at least one oral care agent. In one embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided on one or more surfaces of the oral care instrument or included within cavities within the head or in one or more surfaces of a head. In other embodiment, the oral care agent can be provided in or on a thin slab subsequently bonded onto a surface, or applied as a stable coating. The oral care instrument can also be provided with a wear indicator. The oral care agents can be released during one use, during multiple uses, or throughout the life of the instrument. Water, oral secretions and/or chemicals within the mouth can activate the oral care agents.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprises a head with a plurality of cleaning elements, and a light source incorporated into or adjacent the head. The light source is incorporated prior to the attachment of the cleaning elements. For ease of manufacturing and a cost-effective assembly. The cleaning elements are preferably preformed and attached to the head after the incorporation of the light source so that the provision of the light source does not require any post-processing that might impair the integrity of the head or cleaning elements.

Abstract: An oral care implement may include a tufted insert and a base configured to define a cavity for housing an active insert. The active insert may comprise an active agent. The head of the oral care implement may be configured so that the active insert can be in fluid communication with a membrane or an aperture.