Abstract: A dental appliance for removing material from the mouth of a user is disclosed. The appliance has a body with a plurality of bores extending through the body. A cleaning element is positioned in each of the bores. The cleaning elements are disposed to extend beyond the body and are moveably positioned in the bores.

Abstract: An interdental brush realizing reuse of parts by a simple structure includes a shaft portion including an internal passage which extends in an axial direction and of which distal end and base end are opened; and a brush on which fibers are implanted over an entire area of a core that is longer than extension length of the internal passage. The shaft portion further includes a grip portion of which a state is changed between a gripping state for gripping the brush, which has been inserted into the internal passage from an opening on a base end side and of which a part protrudes from an opening on a distal end side, to restrict the brush from moving in the axial direction, and a releasing state for releasing gripping of the brush to allow the brush to move in the axial direction.

Abstract: A method for providing a beneficial effect to an oral cavity of a mammal, the method including contacting a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity with a liquid effective for providing the beneficial effect to the oral cavity and providing reciprocation of the liquid over the plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity under conditions effective to provide the beneficial effect.

Abstract: An oral-care implement comprises a carrier plate and a support plate. Each of the carrier plate and the support plate has a back side and a front side opposite the back side. At least one cleaning element extends from the front side of the carrier plate. The back side of the carrier plate is secured to the front side of the support plate with a plastic material that is molded around at least a portion of the back side of the support plate and over at least a portion of the carrier and that fills a channel formed by a recess in at least one of the back side of the carrier plate and the front side of the support plate, thereby providing a non-detachable connection between the carrier plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A dental mouthpiece for use in treating snoring or apnea of a user is used with a hook mechanism that engages with a bracket when placed in the mouth. The mouthpiece includes a tray assembly having an upper tray and a lower tray, each of the upper and lower trays having a generally U-shape member extending along any one of the user's pair of dental arches and having a cutout, the upper tray's cutout able to receive the hook mechanism and the lower tray's cutout able to receive the bracket, and an adaptable resin disposed on top surfaces of the upper and lower trays. The tray assembly is oriented to permit the adaptable resin of the upper and lower trays to contact the user's dental arches. The hook mechanism engages with the bracket to enable the dental mouthpiece to maintain an open airway in the user's mouth.

Abstract: A sleep inhibition assembly for inhibiting a driver from falling asleep includes a housing that may be manipulated. A vibration unit is coupled to the housing and the vibration unit vibrates the housing. The vibration unit may be placed in a mouth. Thus, the vibration unit may inhibit a driver from falling asleep.

Abstract: A finger-mounted toothbrush having a body and a plurality of cleaning members, the body having a proximal end, a distal end opposite to the proximal end, and a length separating the proximal and distal ends, the body also defining a proximal opening at the proximal end and having an inner surface defining a cavity extending from the proximal opening to a terminal location along the body length, wherein the cavity is sized for an average-sized human finger, the body further having an outer surface spanning from the proximal end to the distal end. The plurality of cleaning members project outwardly from the outer surface of the body, substantially span the body length, and define a plurality of cleaning member voids.

Abstract: An oral care implement for cleaning soft oral tissue. In one aspect, the invention can be an oral care implement comprising: a handle extending along a longitudinal axis; first and second prong members extending from a distal end of the handle; a pad for engaging soft tissue, the pad having a first major surface and a second major surface, the pad positioned between and coupled to the first and second prong members.

Abstract: A chewing-based oral self-cleaning device includes a pair of tubes (2, 3) placed back to back either directly or separated by a base plate (13), optionally provided with an external handle (1) and a positioning flange (15). Each of the tubes includes a channel (14) into which the teeth are inserted and each channel is provided with side drag elements and descaling elements on the base thereof.

Abstract: A method and device for flossing teeth utilizing positionally adjustable floss picks holding strands of dental floss. The floss picks fit into a retainer component and are positioned to insert the floss strands into the interproximal dental spaces between the user's teeth. The position of individual floss picks can be adjusted to achieve the correct fit. The disclosure also teaches a retainer with two sides comprising slotted tracks extending substantially the length of each retainer side. The slots contain floss strands.

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, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.

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, and a first port and a second port for conveying liquid.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.

Abstract: A gum massaging mouthpiece includes a main body having a generally C-shaped base member that is in communication with an integrally formed inner and outer wall. A plurality of nubs are disposed along the mouthpiece so as to make contact with the gums of a user, and a plurality of electrically controlled vibrating elements provide a vibration force to the nubs for massaging the gums of a user.

Abstract: An oral care implement such as a toothbrush includes a head and a plurality of tooth cleaning elements supported by the toothbrush head. The tooth cleaning elements preferably include an elastomeric polishing element defining an elevated dentifrice retaining recess spaced above the toothbrush head for holding dentifrice. In one embodiment, the recess may be configured as an annular groove. Preferred embodiments of the recess include a partially or completely closed bottom portion to support and minimize loss of dentifrice during brushing. In some embodiments, the polishing element may be collectively formed from a plurality of Y-shaped polishing members.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.

Abstract: The self-contained intraoral appliance includes first and second substantially rigid bands (12, 14) configured to fit along the outer and the inner surfaces of a row of teeth in the mouth. A motor (20) driven by a battery is connected to the bands through a connecting assembly (2, 24, 28, 34, 40 and 44) in such a manner that one end of the first band moves through a displacement to brush the teeth while the other end remains substantially stationary, and such that an opposing end of the second band moves through a displacement while the other end remains substantially stationary. Brush elements (16, 18) are mounted on the surfaces of the bands to provide cleansing of the teeth.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device comprising a handle, and a pad coupled to the handle, wherein the pad has a front face, a back face and a plurality of side walls. There are a plurality of different areas disposed on the front face of the pad comprising a first area comprising a first set of protrusions, in a substantially semi-spherical shape, and a second area comprising a second set of protrusions in a substantially conical shape. There is also a third area of protrusions formed as a substantially conical shape, and a fourth area of protrusions formed as a substantially semi-spherical shape. The device can be formed as a pad which collapses voluntarily under pressure. The pad can be made from any suitable material such as any type of rubber or plastic.

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: A device for massaging the jaw or cleaning the teeth of a baby. The device has a handle and a plate-shaped bite part which is curbed in such a way that it essentially corresponds to the curbed shape of the jaw. The bite part has massage or cleaning projections on at least one broad side and is of a material which is softer than that of the handle. The handle and the bite part are interconnected in a nondetachable manner.

Abstract: A gingival massaging device comprising a dental arch shaped body for positioning within the oral cavity between the gingiva and the tissue linings of the lips, and the teeth, wherein the body comprises an internal track along which a plurality of massaging elements for massaging the gingiva are movable, wherein adjacent massaging elements are connected to each other by a mechanical linkage, wherein the device further comprises a shifting mechanism for moving the massaging elements along the track.

Abstract: A pacifier with a shield and a teat element. The teat element includes a shaft adjacent to the shield and solid in cross-section in the region of contact with the jaw and/or the teeth. A teat member adjoins the shaft in its end section which faces away from the shield so that the contour of the teat element, starting from the shaft, has a club-shape which corresponds substantially to known hollow-body teats. A convex hollow teat body is provided as a teat member which is substantially annular. The longitudinal axis of the annular teat body runs substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinally extending axis of the teat element or the hollow teat body is designed to be substantially closed-walled so as to form a cavity.

Abstract: There is provided a gum massager, which includes an elongate handle member having a first free end portion and a second end portion. The gum massager also includes a massaging head member formed together with the second end portion of the elongate handle member. The massager head member includes a resilient massaging element formed so as to generally adapt to the contours of a gum portion being massaged, when pushed thereagainst.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a control system of the reciprocating object comprising a microprocessor (01), a reciprocating mode control circuit (02), a reciprocating travel control circuit (03), a power supply circuit (04) and a motor driving circuit (05), with the microprocessor (01) provided with matrix type on-off signal input-outputs. The reciprocating mode control circuit (02) consists of matrix column branches and matrix row branches, allowing the limited number of the on-off signal ports of the microprocessor (01) to be connected to a plurality of on-off controlling elements thereby realizing a multiple of control modes and diversifying the control modes. The circuit construction according to the present invention is relatively simple, which is helpful to a tidy wiring and layout of the elements and therefore the circuit is easy for manufacturing, assembling, trouble shooting and maintenance.

Abstract: An oral cleanliness and gum massage device, which includes U-shaped end portion, at least one lower protruding body or side protruding body and a dental floss. The aforementioned U-shaped end portion is connected to a handle portion, and the aforementioned lower protruding bodies or side protruding bodies are disposed at a lower portion or a side of the U-shaped end portion. The aforementioned dental floss is positioned on two endpoints of the U-shaped end portion.

Abstract: A dentifrice apparatus (10) for cleansing the teeth and gum tissues of a user wherein, the apparatus (10) includes an enlarged head member (20) having a top surface (24) provided with a plurality of projections (25) and a bottom surface (23) adapted to be connected to the stem portion (31) of a suction cup member (30) the cup portion (32) of which releasably connects the apparatus (10) to a user's tongue (101) and a rupturable membrane (40) forming a reservoir for a supply of dentifrice material (50) that may be dispensed from a selected portion of the apparatus (10).

Abstract: To provide an intraoral stimulating implement which is provided with at least a mounting portion which is mounted on between a part of the teeth and a part of lips and a pressing portion which is integrally fixed to the mounting portion so that it presses an affected part to be pressed for treatment from inside the mouth in response to biting action of the upper and lower teeth, and can be used with ease even by parsons who feel a sense of incompatibility to introduction of a foreign matter into the mouth or dislike introducing a foreign matter into the mouth, and is suitable for use on a street.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use to clean interproximal dental surfaces, subgingival areas and periodontal pockets and deliver a drug to these surfaces, areas and pockets after they have been cleaned. The device has a reservoir for storing and supplying the drug. The reservoir acts as a handle and has an outlet at one extremity. The device also has a needle with an internal channel through which the drug may flow. The needle is made of three successive sections including a clipping section, a cleaning section and an applicator section. The clipping section is connected to the outlet of the reservoir in such a manner as to place the channel of the needle in open communication with the reservoir. The cleaning section has an outer scrubbing surface that is sized to be inserted between teeth in order to clean the interproximal dental surfaces, subgingival areas and periodontal pockets. The applicator section projects away from the cleaning segment in a direction opposite to the clipping section.

Abstract: A tonsil cleansing tool for removing a spot of debris and build up from a tonsillar pit on a tonsil comprises an elongate shaft having a loop shaped element attached to one end and a presser element having an opening therethrough attached to the other end. The method of using the tonsil cleaning tool includes: identifying the spot of debris and build up on the tonsil; applying pressure to a surface of the tonsil in close proximity to the spot for dislodging the debris and build up from the tonsillar pit; and removing the debris or build up from the surface of the tonsil.

Abstract: A tooth cleaning device for cleaning teeth of plaque without using a toothbrush having bristles thereon. The tooth cleaning device includes a tubular member that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is open for accessing an interior of the tubular member. The second end is closed and has a generally convex shape. The tubular member comprises a cloth material. An elongated implement may be movably extended into the first end of the tubular member, such that the tubular member may be rubbed against the teeth of the user.

Abstract: A dozing preventive device and its method are disclosed, in which the user does not have to move to a specific place for dozing prevention, and neighboring people are not disturbed. The dozing preventive device is small and is simple in its construction so that the user does not have to use his hand for supporting the device. The dozing preventive device comprises: a contacting portion directly contacting with the teeth of a user; a vibration mechanism for vibrating the contacting portion; a power supply for driving the vibration mechanism; and a housing case for accommodating the vibration mechanism and the power supply as well as for supporting the contacting portion. The dozing preventive device is brought into contact with the teeth of a user so that the vibration is transmitted to the user's brain, thereby preventing the user from sleeping.

Abstract: An oral hygiene article adapted to be received as a whole within a mouth so that the article can thereby be manipulated with the tongue to dislodge foreign particles, promote salivary excretion, drag bacterial plaque, and massage the gums. The article includes at least a core portion and a plurality of protruding members extending from the core portion. The protruding members each have a proximal end connected to the core portion and a distal end portion opposing the proximal end and spaced from the core portion. One or more of the protruding members has a distal end that terminates in an associated substantially linear edge. One or more of the protruding members can have a polygon-shaped cross section that continuously decreases in area from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion to define the substantially linear edge.

Abstract: A toothbrush for cleaning and polishing teeth includes a handle attached to a brush head. Attached to the brush head are a plurality of elastomeric prophy bristles for polishing teeth, and a plurality of bristle tufts for scrubbing teeth, the bristle tufts being attached to the brush head and placed about the perimeter of the prophy bristles.

Abstract: An oral hygiene instrument according to this invention by means of vibration generating means vibrates by way of a holder member an oral hygiene tool removably attached to the holder member and comprises a cap member having a cap side thread portion which meshes with a holder side thread portion formed at a first end of the holder member which cap member is removably attached to the first end of the holder member and closes an opening in the first end of the holder member, a seal ring fitted on a portion of the holder member or the cap member at the external end of the part where the two members mesh which seal ring is pressed upon by either the cap member or the holder member and seals the gap between the holder member and the cap member within a range of a predetermined angle of screwing of the cap member with respect to the holder member from a late stage to completion of said screwing, and a holder side contact piece and a cap side contact piece mounted in the holder member and the cap member respectively

Abstract: An oral hygiene device for use by infants, toddlers and small children as an effective tool for soothing and strengthening the gums and, when the new teeth begin to grow in, as an implement employed to keep the teeth clean and maintain both the gums and the teeth in a healthy condition, comprising a handle member, which is symmetrically oriented about a longitudinal axis, a head member, a nodule support surface and a plurality of nodules of varying heights and thicknesses supported by and extending from the nodule support surface, and a flange member mounted at the interface of the handle member and the head member. The head member and the nodule support surface are oriented longitudinally in a direction generally in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the handle member.

Abstract: A teething ring device for massaging the gums of an infant. The inventive device includes an annular teething ring having a plurality of radial extension members projecting therefrom. A vibration handle is rotatably mounted to the teething ring for imparting vibrations thereto so as to massage the gums of a teething infant. The rotatable coupling of the teething ring to the vibration handle permits the ring to rotate relative to the handle in response to the vibration imparted thereto.

Abstract: A teething ring comprising a teething member and a mechanism for causing vibrations in the teething member. The teething member has a portion thereof of a size sufficient to allow an infant to place the portion between its gums. The portion is constructed of a resilient material and preferably includes a first surface having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom, and more preferably includes a first and second surface each having a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom. The protrusions preferably included a rounded end section at the end of each protrusion located farthest from either the first or second surface. The vibrating mechanism may be any mechanism which will cause the portion of the teething member placeable between the gums of the infant to vibrate. The vibrating mechanism preferably causes the portion to vibrate at between 0.

Abstract: A plastic looped handle has a front ring with two parallel members connected by a front brush head member. Bristles in curved rows extend from one side of the brush head for brushing of teeth, while convex protrusions extend from the other side of the brush head for tongue cleaning. A center bar extends across the front ring, and a rear ring extends rearwardly from the center bar. A front opening is defined between the front ring and the center bar and a rear opening is defined between the rear ring and the center bar. Both openings are sufficiently large to receive at least two human fingers therethrough. The center bar defines an angle with one of the front members of less than 90 degrees, to thereby define a wedge space, into which the hand of a user may be inserted and wedged to thereby retain control of the toothbrush.

Abstract: An oral therapeutic apparatus and a method of using the oral device for treating a patient undergoing a chemotherapy treatment are disclosed wherein the oral device is formed to be insertable within the patient's mouth and receive a circulated cooling medium to continuously and uniformly cool the patient's oral tissues including the gums, cheeks, tongue, roof and base of the mouth, to prevent the oral tissues from absorbing the chemotherapy agent to thereby prevent inflammation and oral sores.

Abstract: An oral wipe comprised of a sleeve, the sleeve being comprised of interwoven material, the sleeve having a closed end extending to at least one corner at the closed end, a pick element comprised of a heat sealable component, and a piece of dental floss, the piece of floss having one floss end embedded and retainingly secured in the heat sealable component.

Abstract: The device has an elastic cleaning head with an aperture. On the inside facing the aperture there is a brushless cleaning layer (12), e.g. of looped fabric. For cleaning purposes the head is first fitted over an incisor (15) and moved to and fro, fully covering the teeth (15, 16) on three sides. The device is simple and economical to make and fully cleans the teeth without damaging the tooth surface.

Abstract: A dental instrument, particularly such an instrument equipped on a toothbrush, which provides excellent tooth picking function, gum line probing, and gum massage. A distal end segment of a handle is provided with an elastomer oral hygiene member in the form of both a toothpick and a gum massager. An arm of planar shape that is elongated along the handle axis and tapering to an edge remote from the handle, projects perpendicularly from the distal end segment of the handle. The oral hygiene member is formed over the distal end segment of the handle, inclusive of the arm. The oral hygiene member provides a gum massager, having preferably a convex dome shape, wherein the center of curvature thereof is located axially with respect to the handle. The oral hygiene member further provides a toothpick of planar shape formed over the arm. The toothpick is elongated along the handle axis and tapers to a tip radially remote from the arm.