Abstract: An oral care implement includes a handle, a head mounted to one end of the handle that includes a first face having a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom and a second face, a store of dentifrice retained at the head, and a film matrix retained at the head containing at least one rapidly releasable agent. A soft tissue cleaner can be included on the second face. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the film matrix. In addition, dentifrice can be provided to the first and/or second faces during use from the store of dentifrice. The at least one rapidly releasable agent can include, for example, a flavoring agent, a dentifrice, or a therapeutic agent. The toothbrush can be small in size and lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleanser for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleanser. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleanser. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleanser.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a releasable sensory material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, an element is provided that is visually indicative of the sensory response. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.

Abstract: An oral care implement or toothbrush 100 includes a head 104, a tooth cleaning element region 116 and a tissue cleaning element region 114. The tissue cleaning element region 114 includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections 120. The projections 120 are configured to flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth. The projections 120 are also configured to flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region 114 is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections 120 may be used in conjunction with rigid projections 122 having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material positioned within the receiving cavity, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a base surface that is flush with the second face of the head and a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: An oral car implement (100) having a decorative member (150) recessed in a handle (120) of the oral care implement and having at least a portion thereof exposed via an aperture (140), and a method of forming the same. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement (120) comprising: a handle having a longitudinal axis and a head (110) connected to the handle; the handle comprising a first transverse section (122) and a second transverse section (121), the first transverse section coupled to the second transverse section; a decorative member disposed between the first transverse section and the second transverse section; and an aperture extending through the first transverse section that exposes at least a portion of the decorative member.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a releasable sensory material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, an element is provided that is visually indicative of the sensory response. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a handle includes a head with a releasable material (e.g., an oral medicament) and a tissue cleaner for cleaning the soft tissues and removing odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed on the surface of the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is disposed behind the tissue cleaner. In one arrangement, the releasable material is incorporated in the composition of the tissue cleaner.

Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head, a tooth cleaning element region and a tissue cleaning element region. The tissue cleaning element region includes a plurality of flexible, angled projections. The projections are configured to (1) flex from an at-rest position to a substantially flat position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pushed into the mouth, and (2) flex to a substantially upright position when the tissue cleaning element region is in contact with the tongue and is pulled out of the mouth. This arrangement aids in preventing debris from being pushed into the mouth and in removing debris from the mouth and tongue. The flexible projections may be used in conjunction with rigid projections having a generally vertical configuration to aid in removing debris from the mouth and in engaging the cheek to improve saliva production during brushing.

Abstract: An oral care implement with a soft tissue cleanser is provided to effectively cleanse the soft tissue of the mouth with comfort and a reduced risk of injury to the user. In one construction, a projection is formed of a combination of a hard material and a soft material. The rigid material provides stability for cleaning debris from the tongue or other tissue while the soft material provides comfort and a reduced risk of injury.

Abstract: An oral care implement comprising tooth cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a head and a handle; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from a first face of the head; a receiving cavity formed into a second face of the head opposite the first face; and a soft tissue cleanser formed of an elastomeric material that is injection molded into the receiving cavity to bond the soft tissue cleanser to the head, the soft tissue cleanser comprising a plurality of projections extending beyond the second face of the head.

Abstract: Toothbrushes comprising components with light transmitting and structural characteristics provide enhanced visual and other sensory effects. The components in combination are generally chemically compatible and function to provide areas of varying visibility of features and optionally varying scent release.

Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care material dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush is preferably made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

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 includes a material that invokes a sensory response when in contact with tissues or surfaces of a mouth of a user. In one embodiment, the material is provided in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape indicative of visually communicating the response to the user. The oral care implement may also include a soft tissue cleaner provided with the sensory material.

Abstract: Toothbrushes comprising components with light transmitting and structural characteristics provide enhanced visual and other sensory effects. The components in combination are generally chemically compatible and function to provide areas of varying visibility of features. At least one of the components may include a scenting agent.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a head and a plurality of cleaning elements for enhanced cleaning of the teeth and soft tissue of the oral cavity. One tooth cleaning element has a plurality of bristles adapted to clean teeth. Another cleaning element is connected to the head and has structure defining a channel. The channel is configured to direct fluid in contact with the head toward an edge of the head when the implement is moved. The head also defines a reservoir that is configured to receive a dentifrice therein.

Abstract: An oral care toothbrush includes a head mounted to one end of the handle containing a plurality of oral care elements. An oral care accessory is mounted to the opposite end of the handle. An oral care dispenser is mounted in the head within the cleaning field defined by the oral care elements. The oral care dispenser may be held in place by a plurality of prongs located in the field defined by the oral care elements. The toothbrush may be made of small size and of lightweight so as to be readily portable for use away from the home.

Abstract: A method of cleaning teeth by providing a device for generating a chemical agent in situ on an as-needed basis via the application of an electrical potential across a pair of conductors in communication with an electrolyte. The chemical agents may include ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peroxide, chlorine and/or hypochlorite. The device may include a voltage source and a first set of electrodes for applying an electrical potential to the electrolyte. The device may also include a second set of electrodes disposed about an anode of the first set of electrodes. The first and second sets of anodes cooperate to produce ions, peroxides, ozone and/or other chemical agents via the application of electrical potential to the electrolyte.