Abstract: An oral care implement having an arrangement of different types of cleaning elements. Specifically, in one embodiment the oral care implement includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements. The tooth cleaning elements include a plurality of inclined bristle tufts that are circumferentially arranged about a reference ring. The inclined bristle tufts extend from the head so as to converge towards a reference axis with increasing distance from the head. The tooth cleaning elements also include an elastomeric member extending from the head within the reference ring. The elastomeric member may be conical in shape and have an inclined outer surface. In some embodiments the elastomeric member may include two components that are separated by a gap, and a central cleaning element may be located within the gap.

Abstract: A head (14) for an oral care implement (10) has a mounting surface (20) comprising at least one tuft of a first type (16) and at least one tuft of a second type (18), the at least one tuft of the first type (16) and the at least one tuft of the second type (18) each having a cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis. The cross-sectional area of the tuft of the first type (16) is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the tuft of the second type. The at least one tuft of the first type (16) comprises filaments having a substantially circular cross-sectional area extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and having an end-rounded free end, and the at least one tuft of the second type (18) comprises flagged filaments having split free ends.

Abstract: A brush head for an electric toothbrush comprises an attachable housing and a carrier having a mounting side and mounted for driven oscillatory rotational motion around a rotation axis that extends through a center point on the carrier's mounting side. Each of the tufts has a tufting area of at least about 2.0 mm2. Filaments in each of the tufts have a cross-sectional area perpendicular to their length extension direction that corresponds to a circular cross sectional area having a diameter in the range of between 140 ?m and 102 ?m, wherein the brush head comprises only tufts of the defined type.

Abstract: The disclosure herein includes a brush assembly, which brush assembly may include: a motor capable of generating vibration; a head coupled to the motor, wherein the head may be capable of receiving vibration generated by the motor; a face removably coupled to the head; and a tuft slidably coupled to the face, wherein a surface of the head may be capable of pushing an end of the tuft a distance away from the surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush head having a bristle surface with tufts of bristles extending therefrom comprising: first tufts of a mixture of co-extruded bristles and unitary bristles located adjacent to the distal end of the bristle surface; second tufts comprising a mixture of co-extruded bristles and unitary bristles located adjacent to the proximal end of the bristle surface; third tufts comprising tapered bristles located adjacent to the widthways opposite sides of the bristle surface; and fourth tufts comprising a mixture of co-extruded bristles and tapered bristles longer than the co-extruded bristles located as a cluster of fourth tufts widthways between the third tufts and longitudinally between the first and second tufts.

Abstract: The brush head of the toothbrush has filaments that are pointed at one end and led through clearances in the bristle carrier. These filaments have a length of about 10-20 mm. The tips of the pointed filaments produce a height profile other than that of a plane and the ends of the pointed filaments that are remote from the tips are melted.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a plurality of rows of bristle tufts that project through a perforated top shell of a hollow toothbrush head. Ends of individual bristles are held in buckets to form the tufts and the bristle ends opposite the bucketed ends are free (where the opposite ends contact the toothbrush user's teeth). The bucketed ends of the bristle tufts are captured within the internal space within the head but are not fixedly attached to any other toothbrush component or structure. This non-fixed attachment feature enables the bristle tufts to have multiple degrees of freedom (DoF) of motion with respect to the perforations in the top shell and can rotate, move axially, and tilt.

Abstract: An oral care implement including a handle and a replacement head that is detachably coupled to the handle. The replacement head may include a head portion and a sleeve portion. The head portion may have a front surface with tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom. The sleeve portion may have a cavity configured to receive a stem of the handle and a proximal edge defining an opening into the cavity. Furthermore, the sleeve portion may be formed from a first component formed of a rigid material and a second component formed of a resilient material. The first component of the sleeve portion may include a locking element that is configured to mate with a locking feature of the stem to couple the replacement head to the handle. A portion of the second component may cover the locking element so that no portion of the locking element is exposed.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a bristle having a cross-sectional profile with a major axis and a minor axis. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head; a handle; and at least one bristle extending from a face of the head, the bristle having a longitudinal axis and a transverse cross-sectional profile having a major axis and a minor axis, the major axis being longer than the minor axis.

Abstract: An oral care implement having movable and fixed tooth cleaning elements. The oral care implement may include a handle and a head coupled to the handle. The head may include a base that is coupled to the handle and a resilient bridge coupled to the base. The resilient bridge may be flexible between a normal state in which a portion of the resilient bridge is spaced from the base by a gap and a flexed state in which a portion of the resilient bridge is moved toward the base. Tooth cleaning elements may be coupled to the resilient bridge. Furthermore, the resilient bridge may include one or more apertures through which tooth cleaning elements that are fixed to the base may extend.

Abstract: A brush head having a distal end, including: an elastomeric matrix including a first surface, and a plurality of retention rings disposed in the elastomeric matrix, each of which includes a first end, a second end positioned closer to the first surface of the elastomeric matrix than the first end, an interior wall with a central longitudinal axis, and an exterior wall. The interior wall of at least a first retention ring is generally circular in shape; the interior wall of at least a second retention ring is generally non-circular in shape; the exterior wall is generally non-circular in shape; and at least one of the interior wall or the exterior wall includes a taper. The brush head can also include a plurality of bristle tufts, each of which is inserted into one of the plurality of retaining rings.

Abstract: A brush head (100), including: an elastomeric matrix (30) including a first surface (32); a plurality of retention rings (50) disposed in the elastomeric matrix, each of which includes a first end (51), a second end (53) positioned closer to the first surface of the elastomeric matrix than the first end, an interior wall (55) forming an interior space (59) with a central longitudinal axis (111), and an exterior wall (57). At least one of the interior wall and the exterior wall of at least a first retention ring of the plurality of retention rings (50) includes a taper (61, 67, 73, 63, 69, 71). A plurality of bristle tufts (21), each of which comprises a plurality of bristle strands, having a proximal end (23) and a free end (25), is retained at its proximal end within the interior space of one of the plurality of retention rings.

Abstract: A tooth brush device having bristle touch-points composed of a polymer material (e.g., silicone) provides improved biofilm removal from teeth. The tooth brush device comprises a head with an apex, a base opposite the apex, a front surface, and a back surface opposite the front surface. The front surface of the head includes bristle touch-points arranged along rows. The rows are arranged orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the head extending from the apex of the head to the base of the head. Each of a plurality of the bristle touch-points is a single solid elongate structure extending from the head and is composed of a polymer material. The device further includes a neck coupled to the base of the head and a handle coupled to the head via the neck.

Abstract: A method for insert molding a product which includes providing an insert having a plurality of elements that are loosely linked together; applying a bonding agent to at least two of the elements to temporarily link those to elements in substantially locked mutually fixed relationship; supporting the at least two elements within a mold; injecting molding material within the mold whereby a molded part surrounding the at least two elements is formed; and flexing the molded part to substantially unlock the elements disposed in substantially locked mutually fixed relationship.

Abstract: An oral care implement having electrodes thereon. In one aspect, the oral care implement may include a handle and a head, the head having an outer surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the head. At least one oral care agent dispenser is located on the head. A first electrode and a second electrode are located on the head and operably coupled to a power source to have opposite electrical charges. In some embodiments at least one of the first and second electrodes may be a sacrificial electrode. The oral care agent dispenser may be an outlet that is coupled to an oral care fluid in a reservoir and/or a solid release polymer that releases an oral care agent over time during use of the oral care implement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush handle and an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush handle comprises: a shell in the inner cavity of which at least one light emitting element is arranged; and a display interface arranged on the outer side of the shell and covering the light emitting element; wherein the display interface is provided with a mark in a set shape at a position corresponding to each light emitting element; the light of the light emitting element is capable of penetrating through the display interface so that the mark is visible. With the mark formed on the display interface, the machining process of the electric toothbrush handle is simplified, and the electric toothbrush with the electric toothbrush handle can effectively prevent water ingress.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes an elongate body having a handle and a head formed with bristle assemblies each including elastic upper and lower boots on either side of an intermediate layer, an elastic collar extends through the intermediate layer from the lower boot to the upper boot, a tuft of bristles bound by a coupling, the tuft of bristles extends from the coupling in the lower boot through the collar and through the upper boot and therebeyond to a brushing extremity, the upper boot provides lateral elastic compliance between the upper boot and the tuft of bristles through the upper boot, the lower boot provides lateral elastic compliance between the lower boot and the coupling in the lower boot, and the intermediate layer pinches the collar against the tuft of bristles through the collar elastically retaining the tuft of bristles through the elastic collar to the elastic collar.

Abstract: A method of forming an oral care implement, a method of forming a head plate for an oral care implement, and an oral care implement or head plate formed therefrom. The head plate may have micro-sized or fine features. The method may include providing an amount of a first solid material upstream of a first mold cavity; prior to the first solid material entering the first mold cavity, applying ultrasonic energy to the first solid material to melt the first solid material into a first molten material; flowing the first molten material into the first mold cavity; allowing the first molten material to harden within the first mold cavity to form a head plate comprising micro-sized features; forming a body from a second material, the body including a handle portion and a head portion; and coupling the head plate to the head portion of the body.

Abstract: A method (200) for manufacturing a brush head (100). The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of polypropylene bristle tuft retention rings (50), and inserting a respective nylon bristle tuft (21) into each of the bristle tuft retention rings. Heat is applied to each bristle tuft proximal end (23) at a temperature sufficient to at least partially melt the bristle tuft proximal end and create a proximal head portion (26). The platen (42) of the brush head is positioned in relation to the retaining rings (50) and proximal head portions (26) to define a space (92) in relation to the proximal head portions for injection of a thermoplastic elastomer, and the thermoplastic elastomer is injected into the space to create an elastomeric matrix (30) that at least partially encompasses the neck and the proximal head portions.

Abstract: An oral care implement including at least one multi-component bristle. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement having a handle; a head coupled to the handle; at least one bristle tuft extending from the head, the at least one bristle tuft comprising at least one multi-component bristle comprising first and second components. The first component may include a first plastic and a first oral care additive and the second component may include a second plastic and a second oral care additive such that the first oral care additive is different than the second oral care additive.

Abstract: A toothbrush including a main member that includes a handle portion, a neck portion and a head portion. At least one brush member, which forms at least part of the brush head along with the head portion and is movable relative to the head portion, is disposed in the head portion. The at least one brush member can be moved under the effect of a cleaning movement manually exerted on the teeth.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric toothbrush handle and an electric toothbrush. The electric toothbrush handle comprises: a shell, in the inner cavity of which at least one light emitting element is arranged; and a shading part, comprising a light transmission plate arranged on the periphery of the at least one light emitting element, and a first coating arranged on the outer surface and/or the inner surface of the light transmission plate; wherein a light transmission area in a set shape is formed at a position corresponding to each light emitting element in the first coating; and the light of the light emitting element is capable of penetrating through the light transmission area so that the shape of the light transmission area is visible via the shell. The electric toothbrush handle can avoid damage and even failure of a display mark due to wear thereof.

Abstract: A toothbrush having a distal end and a proximal end. The toothbrush has a head portion located at the distal end. The toothbrush also has a plurality of bristles coupled to the head portion and extending outward in a ventral direction. The toothbrush also has a neck portion being coupled to the head portion at a neck portion distal end. The toothbrush also has a shoulder portion being coupled to the neck portion at a shoulder portion distal end and a neck portion proximal end, and the shoulder portion being curved toward the ventral direction. The toothbrush also has a base portion located at the proximal end, the base portion being coupled to the shoulder portion at a base portion distal end and a shoulder portion proximal end, the base portion being curved toward the ventral direction.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a conical tuft of bristles. In one embodiment, the invention is an oral care implement that includes a handle and a head coupled to the handle, the head having a front surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface of the head. The plurality of tooth cleaning elements include a conical tuft that has a bristle wall having an inner surface defining a cavity, the cavity having a transverse cross-sectional area that increases with distance from the front surface of the head. Furthermore, in some embodiments the bristle wall terminates in an annular top surface that is inclined relative to the front surface of the head. In some embodiments, the head includes more than one of the conical tufts, such as two of the conical tufts or four of the conical tufts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothbrush that is produced by AFT and has a head part and at least one carrier element connected thereto. A front surface of the head part is formed by the top surfaces of the at least one carrier element and has a non-planar three-dimensional configuration, or is capable of assuming such a configuration during intended use. The invention also relates to a process for producing such a toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a tuft hole with inclined walls. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head having a front surface and a rear surface; a tuft hole in the front surface of the head, the tuft hole extending along a central axis, the tuft hole comprising a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall, each of the first and second sidewalls comprising an inclined section that converges toward a central plane that comprises the central axis with decreasing distance from the front surface; and a bristle tuft formed by a plurality of bristles, each of the plurality of bristles having a first portion disposed within the tuft hole and a second portion protruding from the front surface of the head, the second portions of the plurality of bristles converging toward the central plane.

Abstract: A powered toothbrush includes a handle, a power source disposed in the handle, a head including a cavity disposed at a distal end of the handle, an electrically conducting element disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to the power source, and a movable cleaning element connected to the head and movable relative to the cavity. The movable cleaning element includes a tooth cleaning support member, a tooth cleaning element mounted on the support member, and a ferromagnetic member. Application of an electrical current to the electrically conducting element generates a magnetic field at the electrically conducting element. The magnetic field selectively at least one of attracts and repels the ferromagnetic member to move the movable cleaning element relative to the electrically conducting element.

Abstract: A new indication for the Warfarin family of drugs is described. In patients suffering from chronic periodontitis, continued systemic medication with Warfarin causes a significant reduction in their chronic periodontitis, including reduction in the frequency and severity of gingival inflammation occurrences, and significant decrease in the buildup of dental plaque and tartar. Delivery of Warfarin or its analogs directly to the oral fluid using toothpaste, mouthwash, chewing gum, dental floss, toothbrush, pill, and other forms are described to reduce chronic periodontitis, dental plaque, and dental tartar.

Abstract: A beauty apparatus according to the present disclosure includes a main body including a grip, and a brush part rotatably mounted to the main body. The brush part includes a first brush having a tuft of a plurality of bristles, and a second brush thicker than each of the plurality of bristles. A plurality of the second brushes disposed around a rotation center of the brush part is made greater in number than a plurality of the second brushes disposed along an outer circumference of the brush part. The beauty apparatus is capable of more uniform removal of dirt from skin.

Abstract: A composite head safety toothbrush is disclosed. The toothbrush apparatus detailed herein employs a composite head made from a rigid inner polymer material and a softer thermoplastic material surrounding the inner material. The softer material provides safety for prison toothbrush applications as well as elderly and patient care where care givers may brush the teeth of a patient. Innovative pin connectors in the inner toothbrush head assist in the composite formation. The toothbrush solution herein further importantly provides for a toothbrush having a flexible handle.

Abstract: A brush head for an electrically driven toothbrush includes a holding part (2) that provides at least one connecting element for mechanically coupling the brush head to the electric drive of the toothbrush, wherein the holding part (2) integrally forms a stud (4) defining a pivot axis (S) about which the brush head is pivotable, and a plate (6) which at its end facing away from the stud (4) carries at least one bristle bundle (8) which at its attachment-side end includes a thickening (14) formed by surface melting. For improving the brush head, a substantially disc-shaped bristle carrier (10) is connected to a holding part (2) and includes a bore that is penetrated by the bristle bundle (8).

Abstract: An oral care implement (100) including at least multi-component bristle. The oral care implement (100) comprises a handle (120); a head (110) coupled to the handle (120); at least one bristle tuft extending from the head, the at least one bristle tuft comprises at least one multi-component bristle (200) comprising coextruded core (210) and sheath components (220), the sheath component (220) surrounding a first portion (215) of the core component (210), and a second portion (216) of the core component (210) protruding from the sheath component (220) at a tip portion (230) of the multi-component bristle (200); the sheath component (220) comprises a first plastic and a first oral care additive; the core component (210) comprises a second plastic and a second oral care additive, wherein the first oral care additive is different than the second oral care additive.

Abstract: Included are embodiments of a system for monitoring device usage. The system may include a handheld device for performing an action, where the handheld device includes an engagement sensor and a computer that includes a processor and a memory component. The memory component stores logic that causes the computer to determine a minimum device engagement time of the handheld device. In some embodiments, the logic causes the computer to receive output data from the engagement sensor, where the output data includes an actual device engagement time, determine if the actual device engagement time is at least as long as the minimum device engagement time, and in response to determining that the actual device engagement time is at least as long as the minimum device engagement time, determine the action taken by the handheld device.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a handle and a head. Cleaning elements are coupled to the head and extend from the front surface of the head. At least one of the cleaning elements is a first type of cleaning element that extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis and has a polygonal transverse cross-sectional shape. The first type of cleaning element has an outer surface having a plurality of elongated faces and a plurality of elongated edges. The first type of cleaning element is formed from a first component and a second component, the first and second components being different in at least one characteristic. An interface of the first and second components is located along at least one of the elongated edges.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement has an outer rim and an inner portion. The head comprises at least one tuft of filaments of a first type and at least one tuft of filaments of a second type. The at least one tuft of the first type is arranged at the inner portion of the head and comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a longitudinal axis and a substantially circular cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The at least one tuft of the second type is arranged at the outer rim of the head and comprises a plurality of filaments, each filament having a longitudinal axis and a substantially cross-shaped cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the cross-shaped cross-sectional area having four projections and four channels, the projections and channels being arranged in an alternating manner.

Abstract: An oral care implement having a head that achieves an enhanced cleaning action during brushing. In one embodiment, the invention can be an oral care implement having a handle extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a head having a front surface and an opposite rear surface. The head includes a cantilever extending from the distal end of the handle, a rigid plate that is spaced from the cantilever, and a resilient material that fills in the space between the cantilever and the rigid plate. The resilient material may be in direct contact with an entirety of a front surface of the cantilever and an entirety of a rear surface of the rigid plate. Furthermore, the cantilever, the rigid plate, and the resilient material may collectively form an exposed side surface of the head.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser. The oral care implement may include a handle and a head, the head having a first surface and an opposite second surface. A first cleanser may be fixed to the first surface of the head such that the first cleanser has a hole through which a portion of the first surface of the head is exposed. Furthermore, a second cleanser may be fixed to the portion of the first surface of the head that is exposed through the hole of the first cleanser.

Abstract: A head for an oral-care implement having a longitudinal axis and comprises a bristle carrier having at least one tuft hole and at least one tuft being fixed in said tuft hole by an anchor. The at least one tuft comprises at least one filament having a longitudinal axis and a non-circular cross-sectional area extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The at least one filament is bent around the anchor so that a first limb and a second limb extend from the bristle carrier. The first limb comprises a first free end, and the second limb comprises a second free end. Each free end is twisted around the longitudinal axis by a twisting angle ? of about 80° to about 100°, preferably about 90°.

Abstract: A transfer station for bristle filaments that are fed to the transfer station in bristle bundles is provided. The bristle filaments are assembled in bundle form by at least one band and are transferred to a magazine in which the bristle filaments are stored. The transfer station has at least two pairs of gripping fingers spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the bundles, with the gripping fingers of the gripping-finger pairs being movable relative to one another in order to grip a bristle bundle by a distance between said gripping fingers being reduced. The gripping-finger pairs grip the bristle bundle such that the band of the bristle bundle is arranged between adjacent gripping-finger pairs. This makes it possible for the bristle filaments fed in bundle form to be transferred in an automated manner to the magazine arranged upstream of a stuffing tool of a brush-production machine.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning member includes a brush having a plurality of bristles, each of the plurality of bristles comprising a bristle shaft, the bristle shaft extending from a shaft base to a shaft tip, and formed to have a thickness and resiliency configured to clean interdental areas and areas interposing a tooth and gum tissue surrounding the tooth.

Abstract: A head for an oral care implement comprises a mounting surface having a maximum longitudinal extension and a longitudinal axis extending along the maximum longitudinal extension. At least one tuft extends from the mounting surface. The tuft has a longitudinal axis and a cross-sectional area extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross-sectional area has a shape substantially of a parallelogram with two pairs of substantially parallel sides forming four angles and a diagonal joining two non-consecutive angles of the parallelogram. The sides of the parallelogram have a length of at least 3.5 mm. The at least one tuft extends from the mounting surface so that the diagonal of the parallelogram is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mounting surface.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes a handle and a head mounted to the handle. In one aspect, the head may extend from a proximal end to a distal end along a longitudinal axis, the head having a base portion formed of a rigid plastic material and a flexible portion formed of an elastomeric material, a first longitudinal section of the flexible portion spaced apart from the base portion by a gap. The flexible portion of the head may have an upper surface and an opposing lower surface such that within the first longitudinal section of the flexible portion the upper surface and the lower surface are substantially planar and parallel to one another. Furthermore, tooth cleaning elements may be secured to the flexible portion of the head by in-molded technology to extend from the upper surface of the flexible portion.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a handle (120) and a head (100) with a front surface. A plurality of tooth cleaning elements extend from the front surface. In one embodiment the plurality of tooth cleaning elements include a conical tuft (130) that is formed by a wall of bristles. The tooth cleaning elements may also include first and/or second sets of peripheral tooth cleaning elements located adjacent to opposing lateral edges of the head. The peripheral tooth cleaning elements may include elastomeric sleeve portions (144, 154) and bristle tuft portions (145, 155). The elastomeric sleeve portions may be formed as a part of an integrally formed elastomeric component (170).

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a housing defining a cavity and configured for at least partial insertion into an oral cavity. An opening in the housing fluidly connects the cavity to an environment of the housing. First and second spaced electrodes are disposed in the cavity. An electrical connection electrically connects the first electrode and the second electrode to a power source. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode is a sacrificial electrode and passing a current through the electrical connection causes the sacrificial electrode to oxidize.

Abstract: Applicator (3) for applying a cosmetic, makeup or care product (P) to the skin, the lips or the eyelashes and/or eyebrows, comprising: a stem (8), and an applicator member (10) located at one end of the stem (8) and comprising: a solid core (11) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), formed with one or more protuberances (13) and comprising one or more cavities (16), in particular through-cavities, and an envelope (14) located on the core (11), carrying applicator elements (12) and/or defining an application surface (15).

Abstract: A toothbrush device includes one electric motor that provides the toothbrush with various frequencies of pulsations that are transmitted in a controlled fashion. The toothbrush device has a brush head with bristle touch-points, a handle, and a carrying case that extends from the head to the handle and holds the electric motor (e.g., a vibration motor). The electric motor generates vibration energy that travels through a shaft of the carrying case to the brush head in generally a single direction to vibrate the brush head. For example, the carrying case of the electric motor contacts the handle at a contact point, which is approximately at the center of the carrying case such that the majority of the vibrations generated by the electric motor are transmitted toward the brush head, while the vibrations towards other directions are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a glow in the dark staining agent for staining dental plaque includes a first plaque-disclosant comprising a fluorophore having an fluorescence emission after being exposed to a light source, wherein the fluorophore adheres to tooth plaque; and a second plaque-disclosant comprising a dye particle that adheres to tooth plaque and is visible.

Abstract: An oral care implement that includes a handle and a head. The head may include a support structure and a monolithic cleaning unit coupled thereto. The monolithic cleaning unit may include a base portion coupled to the support structure and a plurality of bristles extending therefrom. At least one, or each, of the plurality of bristles may comprise a body having an outer surface and a rib extending from the outer surface. The rib may be longitudinally elongated in some embodiments and it may be helical in other embodiments. Furthermore, there may be more than one rib extending from the outer surface of the body. The monolithic cleaning unit may be formed of an elastomeric material.

Abstract: The present invention provides oral instruments comprising a basic amino acid, to compositions for making such instruments, and to methods of making and using such instruments.

Abstract: An oral-care implement comprises a mounting surface having a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and a plurality of filaments outwardly extending from the mounting surface in at least one direction not parallel to either one of the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis, each filament having a free end terminating with a tip. At least some of the filaments possess at least one functional characteristic selected from the group consisting of filament's structure, composition, cross-sectional shape, tip geometry, and any combination thereof. A plurality of filament tips comprises a working surface that includes at least a first color and a second color different from the first color.