Abstract: The pressure sensing system includes a hinged member that is fixedly attached to a brushhead body. An arm member is attached at one end to said hinged member and pivots about a hinge portion of the hinged invention. The pivoting arm member and the brushhead member nestle within the toothbrush body. The brushhead member includes a striking element portion that extends away from a rear surface of the brushhead. Mounted on the toothbrush body beneath the brushhead member is a collapsible, recoverable dome member, which provides an alarm indication by collapsing when excessive pressure is applied by the user on the brushhead against the teeth.

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.