Electronic toothbrush incorporating digital training aid

Abstract

An electric toothbrush and method of use for improving the oral health habits of a child. The toothbrush incorporates a digital training aid that includes a display screen and microprocessor which generates pictorial images on the screen. The microprocessor is programmed to record the actual frequency and duration of brushing over at least a twenty four hour period and to compare the actual figures with pre-programmed desired runtimes and frequencies. The microprocessor changes the images displayed on the screen to reflect the relationship between the actual times and desired times. The microprocessor includes gaming programs that are only accessible should the minimum desired frequency and time of brushing be met.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]This invention generally relates to toothbrushes. More particularly, the invention relates to a child's toothbrush. Specifically, the invention relates to a toothbrush incorporating a digital training aid in the handle that aids in motivating a child to increase their brushing time and assists a parent in monitoring their child's brushing habits.[0003]2. Background Information[0004]Parents frequently experience problems with children who are reluctant not only to brush their teeth, but also to brush their teeth for a sufficient length of time. The American Dental Association (hereinafter ADA) recommends that everyone should brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. Statistics show that even adults average only forty five seconds of brushing and the average time period children spend on brushing their teeth is even lower. Many parents are aware that their children do not brush their teeth for a sufficiently long ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]The device of the present invention comprises an electric toothbrush and method of use for aiding in improving the oral health habits of a child. The toothbrush incorporates a digital training aid that includes a display screen and microprocessor which generates pictorial images on the screen. The microprocessor is programmed to record the actual frequency and duration of brushing over at least a twenty four hour period and to compare the actual figures with pre-programmed desired runtimes and frequencies. The microprocessor changes the images displayed on the screen to reflect the relationship between the actual times and desired times. If certain brushing habits and other oral care criteria are met, a gaming function in the microprocessor is activated. The toothbrush therefore gives the child a sense of play that enables them to persist with what is normally a fairly onerous task for a child, and rewards the child for being consistent.

Problems solved by technology

Parents frequently experience problems with children who are reluctant not only to brush their teeth, but also to brush their teeth for a sufficient length of time.

Many parents are aware that their children do not brush their teeth for a sufficiently long time but it is difficult for parents to monitor every brushing as it is time consuming and may tend to create anxiety for the child and potential battle grounds between parents and the child.

It should be noted, however, that there is no mechanism within Dewan's toothbrush of determining and tracking if the brush was only used for part of the pre-set length of time.

While all of these devices and methodologies work to varying degrees, they are not necessarily fun experiences for a child who just wants the brushing tedium to be over.

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