Abstract: Described herein are oral care compositions comprising—in relevant part—an effective amount of inulin. Methods of making and using these compositions are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to various systems and methods related to preventative laser-based treatment of a dental tissue; for example, to prevent a patient from forming cavities. In some instances, a laser-based treatment system can generate a laser beam pulse with a fluence profile at a treatment site that results in either an increase in acid resistance of the tissue or removal of carbonate from the tissue, without melting or ablating the tissue. In some instances, the laser-based treatment system can direct the laser beam to various locations within a treatment site according to a temporal and/or spatial pattern, that results in either an increase in acid resistance of the tissue or removal of carbonate from the tissue, without melting or ablating the tissue. Many other systems and techniques for preventative and other laser-based treatment are also described.

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 digital promotion processing system may include user devices each associated with a respective different user and a promotion processing server. The promotion processing server may be configured to store historical purchase data for durable good products purchased by the users. The historical purchase data may include a replacement lifespan and a purchase date. The promotion processing server may also be configured to determine an expected product replacement date for a given durable good product from among the durable good products based upon an elapsed time from the purchase date relative to the replacement lifespan, and upon reaching the expected product replacement date, generate and communicate a digital promotion for a replacement durable good product to a corresponding one of the user devices.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a tip for fitting to a nozzle of an air abrasion dental tool. The tip comprises a tip body having a central bore that extends through the length of the tip body from an inlet end to an outlet end. The inlet end of the tip body is configured to receive and form an interference fit with the nozzle of the dental tool. The outlet end of the central bore is provided with at least one flexible prong that extends outwardly from the outlet end in a direction that is substantially parallel to longitudinal axis of the central bore.

Abstract: Anhydrous oral care compositions and methods for preventing phase separation in the anhydrous oral care composition are disclosed. The oral care composition may include an orally acceptable vehicle, a thickening system, and a whitening agent. The orally acceptable vehicle may include propylene glycol, and the thickening system may include a polymeric thickener. The polymeric thickener may be or include a copolymer of 2-acrylamidomethylpropanesulphonic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: Devices for whitening teeth that include a mouth piece and an ultraviolet light source, a sterilizer that sterilizes the mouth piece, or at least one Hall-effect sensor. At least a portion of the device or mouth piece may be sterilized. A wireless charging system may drive the sterilizer or UV source, which may operate only when the mouth piece is not in the user's mouth or when the mouth piece is charging. A safety mechanism may protect the user from eye damage. The mouth piece may be charged while the mouth piece and UV source are in an enclosure. The UV source or sterilizer may turn on only while the mouth piece is in the enclosure or only while the enclosure is closed. The Hall-effect sensor(s) may control whether the UV source or sterilizer is on or may detect whether the mouth piece is docked within the charger.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for a dental cleaning device comprises a supporting structure configured to encompass a plurality of teeth of a dental arch. The supporting structure has an inner surface facing a tooth surface. At least one brushing chamber is provided at the inner surface side. The brushing chamber comprises a flexible wall part being deformable by pressurizing or depressurizing the brushing chamber. Bristles extend externally from the flexible wall part. In a method of brushing teeth, a plurality of teeth is encompassed by the mouthpiece, and the at least one brushing chamber is alternatingly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: A nose clearing assembly for cleaning a user's nostrils includes a tube that is insertable into a nostril of user. A swab is coupled to the tube and the swab can be inserted into the user's nostril. The swab is comprised of a fluid absorbent material for absorbing fluid mucous from the user's nostril. A shovel is coupled to the tube and the shovel can be inserted into the user's nostril. The shovel lies on a plane that is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the tube. In this way the shovel can engage, and subsequently remove, dried mucous from the user's nostril.

Abstract: A light transmitting probe for use in endodontic procedures comprises a light transmitting core and a metallic sheath surrounding said core. The metallic sheath defines a reflective inner surface. The probe further includes a plurality of apertures formed in the sheath, such that light can exit said probe through the apertures.

Abstract: An oral care device may include: a body including a head; a plurality of teeth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first electrode on the head; a second electrode on the head and spaced apart from the first electrode, wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes is a sacrificial electrode; a power source; and a controller configured to operably couple the power source to the first and second electrodes to create an electric potential between the first and second electrodes so that ions are released from the sacrificial electrode during a brushing session; wherein the controller is configured to change a magnitude of the electric potential the brushing session ends.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a condition affecting a tooth or periodontium in a subject, comprising administering to the subject's tooth or periodontium a composition comprising biocompatible magnetic, magnetizable, or magnetically responsive agents; and applying an external magnetic field, wherein the magnetic, magnetizable, or magnetically responsive agents migrate to a desired location in response to the externally applied magnetic field, thereby treating a condition affecting the tooth or periodontium in the subject.

Abstract: An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece. The mouthpiece comprises: a first light emitting surface configured to emit light onto a user's maxillary teeth, the first light emitting surface having a concave curvature; a second light emitting surface configured to emit light onto a user's mandibular teeth, the second light emitting surface having a concave curvature; the first and second light emitting surface located on opposite sides of a horizontal reference plane; the first light emitting surface inclined so that a first acute angle is formed between with the first light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane; and the second light emitting surface inclined so that a second acute angle is formed between with the second light emitting surface and the horizontal reference plane.

Abstract: A dental treatment apparatus including a head assembly, the head assembly having a plurality of nozzles disposed on the head assembly, each of the plurality of nozzles to dispense a fluid therefrom and being maneuverable directionally independent of the other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles; and a plurality of bristles disposed on the head assembly in proximity to the plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: A method for bleaching teeth comprising applying a first bleaching composition having a first concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached immediately followed by applying a second bleaching composition having a second concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached. The second concentration of the bleaching agent is less than the first concentration of the bleaching agent.

Abstract: An oral care appliance in which a cleaning agent is injected from a supply tank and a method for use of such an appliance in oral care for the teeth of one or two arches using a mouthpiece is disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and systems that utilize dental appliance etch templates prior to or during dental treatment. One dental appliance etch template includes a removable shell having one or more cavities formed therein, where the one or more cavities are shaped to receive teeth of a patient, and the shell includes a well, the well including a wafer, where the wafer includes etch material to etch a tooth of the patient.

Abstract: A tooth bleaching device provided with: a production device that produces an active component for bleaching a tooth; a mouthpiece in which a supply opening, through which the active component produced by the production device is supplied inside the oral cavity, is formed; and a connecting part that connects the production device and the mouthpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition that acts prior to the action of a tooth whitening composition or tooth whitening patch, the composition containing an oral cavity stimulation alleviating component able to reduce stimulation by the tooth whitening composition or patch. The present invention also relates to a tooth whitening kit whereby oral cavity stimulation is alleviated. The composition that acts prior to the action of a tooth whitening composition or patch of the present invention provides an outstanding tooth whitening effect while alleviating pain by mitigating intra-oral stimulation brought about by the rapid action of a tooth whitening component due to a tooth whitening component active agent.

Abstract: A masticatory muscle exercise device has an upper mouthpiece, a lower mouthpiece and at least one elastic member elastically connecting the upper and lower mouthpieces. A counter is cooperative with the upper and lower mouthpieces so as to sense a number of times that the upper and lower mouthpieces move toward or away from each other. The counter has a magnet mounted on one of the upper and lower mouthpieces and a Hall sensor on the other of the upper and lower mouthpieces.

Abstract: A safe method for bleaching teeth applies a thin film of a first bleaching composition having a high concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached immediately followed by applying a second bleaching composition having a low concentration of a bleaching agent to teeth to be bleached.

Abstract: An oral treatment device that emits light onto surfaces of a user's teeth. In one aspect, the oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp support surface; and a lamp. When the lamp is mounted to the lamp support surface, a first contact surface of the lamp contacts a first contact surface of a first electrical contact element of the lamp support surface; and (2) a second contact surface of the lamp contacts a second contact surface of a second electrical contact element of the lamp support surface.

Abstract: An oral treatment device that emits light onto a user's teeth. The oral treatment device includes an intraoral mouthpiece comprising: a lamp comprising: a flexible sheet body having a front surface and a rear surface; and a plurality of light emitting diodes embedded within the flexible sheet body that generate light which is emitted from the rear surface of the flexible sheet body. The flexible sheet body comprises: a flexible lens plate formed of a biocompatible material. The plurality of light emitting diodes are printed to the front surface of the flexible lens plate, the rear surface of the flexible lens plate forming the rear surface of the flexible sheet body. The rear surface of the flexible sheet body of the lamp having a concave curvature and being exposed so as to form a light emitting surface of the mouthpiece.

Abstract: A waterjet cutting head assembly is provided which includes an orifice unit to generate a high-pressure waterjet, a nozzle body and a nozzle component coupled to the nozzle body with the orifice unit positioned therebetween. The nozzle component may include a waterjet passage, at least one jet alteration passage and at least one environment control passage. The jet alteration passage may intersect with the waterjet passage to enable selective alteration of the waterjet during operation via the introduction of a secondary fluid or application of a vacuum. The environment control passage may include one or more downstream portions aligned relative to the fluid jet passage so that gas passed through the environment control passage during operation is directed to impinge on an exposed surface of a workpiece at or adjacent to a location where the waterjet is cutting the workpiece. Other high-pressure waterjet cutting systems, components and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An orthodontic remodeling device, wherein the bite plate is modified to have textured teeth and gum facing surfaces so as to provide cleaning, massaging or acupressure effect when in use.

Abstract: A toothbrush device having a body defining a cavity and an input port disposed on the body in fluid communication with the cavity. The input port permits brushing by-products to pass through the input port and into the cavity while restricting passage of the brushing by-products outward from the cavity. In one form, the toothbrush device includes an elongated handle with a reservoir having at least a portion disposed within the handle. The reservoir is sized to hold a predetermined amount of oral care product, and a mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the reservoir to discharge the oral care product from the reservoir.

Abstract: An oral care system that provides a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal by using a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect, where the system includes means for directing the liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing the liquid to the means for directing the liquid onto the surfaces of the oral cavity, means for providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect; and a reservoir for containing the liquid.

Abstract: An irrigating device, such as an oral irrigator or a nasal irrigator. The irrigating device includes a pump and a motor connected to the pump and configured to selectively drive the pump. Additionally, the irrigating device includes a massage module in communication with the motor. During a normal mode, the pump has a first pulse rate and during a massage mode, the massage module provides a massage control signal to the motor, causing the pump to have a second pulse rate.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an oral care implement includes a housing, a power source, and a plurality of conductive protrusions extending from a surface of the housing. Also disclosed are methods of using the oral care implement, for example, for treating conditions in the oral cavity.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a handle, a neck, and a head, where the head includes a cleaning component including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front and rear sealing membranes, inner side walls and a base inner wall, and where the inner side walls each include a plurality of openings, the device further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port for conveying liquid; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer includes an expandable/contractable air bag supplied with air; a bag-shaped cover body for accommodating the air bag and for attaching the air bag to a site to be measured; an expansion and contraction mechanism for expanding and contracting the air bag; and a power supply unit arranged in the bag-shaped cover body. The power supply unit includes a battery for supplying driving power to the expansion and contraction mechanism, and a non-contact power reception unit for receiving power for charging the battery. The non-contact power reception unit is supplied with power through an electromagnetic inductive action from a non-contact power transmission unit arranged in a non-contact state with the non-contact power reception unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved light emitting toothbrush having an angular head removably secured to a base, wherein said base includes an operator for operating the light emitting toothbrush and an electronic power supply for powering said light emitting toothbrush, said angular head adapted for use with a radiation responsive paste applied to a tooth surface for simultaneous removal of bacteria and whitening of the tooth surface a plurality of fiber optic bristles extending from a front brush face of the angular head and in optical communication with a light emitter, said plurality of fiber optic bristles being generally adapted for conducting the emitted radiation from said light emitter towards the tooth surface.

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.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient, the mouthpiece including an elongated housing having an anterior region and a posterior region, the elongated housing having a non-planar exterior top surface and internal structural members disposed within the housing, the internal structural members elastically responding to biting forces generated by the patient, a spacer attached to the top surface of the housing for limiting contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient, the mouthpiece including an elongated housing having an anterior region and a posterior region, the elongated housing having a non-planar exterior top surface and internal structural members disposed within the housing, the internal structural members elastically responding to biting forces generated by the patient, a spacer attached to the top surface of the housing for limiting contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion (12 or 55) and a brushhead portion (14 or 57) with a bristle set (20 or 53) at one end of the brushhead. At least one sensor (16 or 56 is located either on the handle of the toothbrush or on the bristle set back plate (54) of the toothbrush. When the sensor is located on the handle of the toothbrush, the position of the brushhead is determined by a processor (44 or 58) relative to the inside or outside surfaces of the teeth on the basis of the temperature detected by the sensor, either the outside environmental temperature or the skin temperature of the user. When the sensor is located on the bristle set back plate, the determination is made on the basis of the position of the bristle set relative to the cheek of the user.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the concurrent treatment of multiple oral diseases and defects while promoting general oral hygiene utilizing electricity are provided for non-human animals. Electrodes are used to deliver an electrical current to the gingival tissues of a mouth in order to achieve a number of therapeutic, prophylactic, and regenerative benefits. These benefits include killing oral microbes, increasing oral vasodilation, reducing oral biofilm, improving oral blood circulation, reversing oral bone resorption, promoting oral osteogenesis, treating gum recession, and fostering gingival regeneration. Other benefits include the treatment of gingivitis, periodontitis, and oral malodor, and other systemic diseases correlated with oral pathogens.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient, the mouthpiece including an elongated housing having an anterior region and a posterior region, the elongated housing having a non-planar exterior top surface and internal structural members disposed within the housing, the internal structural members elastically responding to biting forces generated by the patient, a spacer attached to the top surface of the housing for limiting contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue.

Abstract: A toothbrush device having a body defining a cavity and an input port disposed on the body in fluid communication with the cavity. The input port permits brushing by-products to pass through the input port and into the cavity while restricting passage of the brushing by-products outward from the cavity. In one form, the toothbrush device includes an elongated handle with a reservoir having at least a portion disposed within the handle. The reservoir is sized to hold a predetermined amount of oral care product, and a mouthpiece is in fluid communication with the reservoir to discharge the oral care product from the reservoir.

Abstract: A toothbrush can include a handle and a head. At least one bristle can be attached to the head. The toothbrush can also have an illumination member, an illumination circuit and an activation device. A pliant base on the handle can be used to activate the activation device to initiate the illumination circuit.

Abstract: A nodally mounted spring arrangement for a drive train which is used in an electronic toothbrush which includes a housing. A V shaped spring member (15) is secured at both ends thereof, wherein the spring member has a node point (30) along a ridge line, approximately halfway along the length of the spring member. A mounting plate (26) member is fixedly connected to the node point of the spring member and also fixedly connected to the housing of the toothbrush.

Abstract: The toothbrush includes a handle portion (12 or 55) and a brushhead portion (14 or 57) with a bristle set (20 or 53) at one end of the brushhead. At least one sensor (16 or 56 is located either on the handle of the toothbrush or on the bristle set back plate (54) of the toothbrush. When the sensor is located on the handle of the toothbrush, the position of the brushhead is determined by a processor (44 or 58) relative to the inside or outside surfaces of the teeth on the basis of the temperature detected by the sensor, either the outside environmental temperature or the skin temperature of the user. When the sensor is located on the bristle set back plate, the determination is made on the basis of the position of the bristle set relative to the cheek of the user.

Abstract: A mechanical toothbrush, including a housing portion extending along a longitudinal axis, a bristle shaft assembly including a shaft portion disposed within the housing and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a head portion disposed outside of the housing and having a plurality of bristles extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis around a circumference of the shaft portion, and an electronic controlling mechanism disposed within the housing portion, the electronic controlling mechanism activating the bristle shaft assembly to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition useful as a dentifrice comprising a surfactant agent consisting essentially of monoalkyl and dialkyl phosphate esters, wherein the ratio of monoesters to diesters is greater than 1, and optionally an abrasive agent consisting essentially of siliceous materials.

Abstract: Various apparatus and methods for cleaning teeth and gingival pockets are disclosed herein. A fluid platform can include a pressure wave generator configured to propagate pressure waves through a treatment fluid. The pressure waves may be sufficient to remove undesirable dental deposits from a treatment tooth, neighboring gums, and/or spaces between the tooth and gums.

Abstract: A tooth whitening method applies a light transmitting oxidizing composition to teeth in an oral cavity, after which a hand-held LED light source with a light transmitting lens and a cup forming a chamber having an open end is moved over the teeth so that the cup distributes the oxidizing composition while the teeth are exposed to light transmitted through the lens. This not only ensures intimate contact of the teeth with the oxidizing composition, but also maintains a more or less constant spacing between the light source and the tooth surfaces for optimum results. A sealant is then applied to the teeth to resist moisture contamination of the oxidizing composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a powder composition for air polishing the surface of hard dental tissue comprising a powder of water-soluble organic particles as component A, a powder of inorganic anti-caking agent(s) particles as component B and a powder of antihypersensitive acting particles as component C, the mean particle size of component A being in a range from about 15 to about 500 ?m, the mean particle size of component C being in a range from about 0.5 to about 10 ?m. The invention is also directed to a kit of parts comprising the powder composition and its use.

Abstract: A method for controlling a dental instrument includes a foot pedal responsive to commands from a user. An operating mode is selectable between normal and boost cycle. A conventional mode is selectable by pressing and holding the foot pedal to a first level to operate in normal mode. The foot pedal operates in a boost mode when the pedal advances to a second level. Maintained mode is selectable by tapping the foot pedal to change modes between idle, normal and boost mode. Each mode is switched by tapping the foot pedal. The pedal switches between the second process and the first process by pressing and holding the foot pedal at the desired level corresponding to normal or boost mode. The pedal switches from the first process to the second process by tapping the foot pedal at the level corresponding to normal or boost.

Abstract: Provided is a dental ultrasonic cleaning device that efficiently cleans teeth or dentures in an oral cavity using ultrasonic waves. A dental ultrasonic cleaning device 1 emits ultrasonic waves through a cleaning-liquid (W1) to the surface of a cleaning-target 26, ultrasonically cleaning it. An ultrasonic born 24 propagates ultrasonic waves being generated by an ultrasonic-wave transducer 23 and emits them from the vibratory surface 25 provided at the tip-end of the horn 24. A liquid-reserving part 27 is provided, surrounding the vibratory surface 25 of the ultrasonic horn 24, which temporarily reserves the cleaning-liquid (W1) between the vibratory surface 25 and the cleaning-target 26. A cap-member 33 is provided at a certain interval opposite the liquid-reserving part 27.

Abstract: Mouth rinses, dentifrices, lozenges, confections, chewing gums, and similar delivery vehicles containing non-toxic soluble calcium are used prior to administration of a fluoride-containing composition to increase the effectiveness of the fluoride therapy. An effective amount of calcium is released into the oral cavity and allowed to penetrate into the oral tissue. Calcium-bound fluoride deposits form in the oral tissue upon subsequent administration of the fluoride-containing composition to provide increased salivary, plaque and oral tissue fluoride concentrations.