Abstract: A method of identifying a toothbrush user from among a plurality of different toothbrush users comprises obtaining data indicative of toothbrush motion relative to at least two axes of the toothbrush and filtering the motion data to extract motion data over a predetermined frequency range, such as within a predetermined frequency passband. A motion component distribution of the filtered motion data is determined, and the motion component distribution is compared with a plurality of user-specific motion component distributions to establish the data as indicative of one of said plurality of users. Toothbrushing data captured by a multi-user toothbrush motion tracking system can thereby be ascribed to a correct user within a cohort of users of the system.

Abstract: The invention provides a system suitable for monitoring the usage of a toothbrush, the system comprising: (a) a toothbrush; (b) a sound sensor which is located in or on the toothbrush; (c) a programmable data logger which is located in or on the toothbrush, the data logger incorporating a motion sensor and a data store for the logging of data; (d) switching means for triggering the operation of the sound sensor in response to initial signals of toothbrush motion generated by the motion sensor, and (e) a data analysis device which is adapted to analyze data transmitted or acquired from the system to provide information about tooth brushing behavior; in which the duration of data logging is controllable in response to the combined signals received from the sound sensor and the motion sensor respectively.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tooth brushing comprising: receiving a position signal from a position sensor (601) disposed on a toothbrush (21) comprising a handle and a head (22); receiving a force signal from a force sensor (602) disposed on the toothbrush (21); and calculating a position of the head of the toothbrush using the position signal in combination with the force signal.

Abstract: The invention provides a system suitable for monitoring the usage of a toothbrush, the system comprising: (a) a toothbrush; (b) a sound sensor which is located in or on the toothbrush; (c) a programmable data logger which is located in or on the toothbrush, the data logger incorporating a motion sensor and a data store for the logging of data; (d) switching means for triggering the operation of the sound sensor in response to initial signals of toothbrush motion generated by the motion sensor, and (e) a data analysis device which is adapted to analyse data transmitted or acquired from the system to provide information about tooth brushing behaviour; in which the duration of data logging is controllable in response to the combined signals received from the sound sensor and the motion sensor respectively.

Abstract: A method of monitoring tooth brushing comprising: receiving a position signal from a position sensor (601) disposed on a toothbrush (21) comprising a handle and a head (22); receiving a force signal from a force sensor (602) disposed on the toothbrush (21); and calculating a position of the head of the toothbrush using the position signal in combination with the force signal.

Abstract: A method is proposed for analysing the usage of a toothbrush made by a subject. The position of the toothbrush is monitored using a position sensor on the brush, and the position of the teeth is monitored by a position sensor mounted in a known fixed relation to the teeth. The resultant data is used to find the relative positions of the toothbrush and teeth over time. Statistical analysis of this data permits the identification of habitual brushing failures by subjects of the toothbrush. The toothbrush may transmit the output of its position sensor to a data analysis unit as a wireless signal. The toothbrush may also be provided with further sensors, such as pH and pressure sensors, the output of which is used in the statistical analysis to enrich the results.

Abstract: A method is proposed for analysing the usage of a toothbrush made by a subject. The position of the toothbrush is monitored using a position sensor on the brush, and the position of the teeth is monitored by a position sensor mounted in a known fixed relation to the teeth. The resultant data is used to find the relative positions of the toothbrush and teeth over time. Statistical analysis of this data permits the identification of habitual brushing failures by subjects of the toothbrush. The toothbrush may transmit the output of its position sensor to a data analysis unit as a wireless signal. The toothbrush may also be provided with further sensors, such as pH and pressure sensors, the output of which is used in the statistical analysis to enrich the results.

Abstract: A toothbrush incorporates an indicator comprising a pressure indicating material which provides an optical signal without the provision of a power supply and wherein the signal is provided when the correct brushing pressure is being applied. Preferably, the pressure sensitive material is a piezochromic material, such as a liquid crystal cholesterol ester.

Abstract: A toothbrush incorporating an indicator comprising a pressure indicating material which provides an optical signal without the provision of a power supply.

Abstract: A toothbrush incorporating an indicator comprising a pressure indicating material which provides an optical signal without the provision of a power supply. Preferably, the pressure sensitive material is a piezochromic material, such as a liquid crystal cholesterol ester.

Abstract: A toothbrush having filaments which comprise poly(trimethylene terephthalate).

Abstract: A toothbrush having a handle at one end thereof and a bristle bearing head, the head having a skeleton, a resilient member mounted on at least one side of the skeleton, tuft mounts in the skeleton and/or resilient member for receiving bristles, the resilient member bristle tufts being capable of toggling movement, the resilient member tuft mounts having an array of rigid receptacles or wells attached to the skeleton by a bridge hinge, characterised in that the bridge hinges are broken.

Abstract: A brush having a handle at one end thereof and a bristle bearing head characterised in that the bristles are anchored in an elastomeric bridge disposed between the bristles and the head, the bridge forming a bond between the bristles and the head.