Light-based toothbrush

Abstract

Described herein are light-based devices for use in the detection of plaque or delivery of a whitening effect; and, inter alia, toothpaste formulations containing ultraviolet brighteners that provide a whitening or bleaching effect when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Description

[0001]This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 767,573, filed Jan. 29, 2004 (7191-00), and U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 776,972, filed Feb. 11, 2004 (7190-00), and U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 776,554, filed Feb. 11, 2004 (7422-00), all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Various techniques have been used to deliver an oral care benefit to one's teeth. In some cases, techniques have been used attempting to detect the presence of plaque on one's teeth. Such techniques include, for example, the application of various compositions to the teeth which are intended to visually indicate the presence of plaque. It would be highly advantageous for a person brushing one's teeth to obtain feedback immediately upon brushing regarding the brushing effectiveness.[0003]Various techniques have also been used for creating a whitening effect of a user's teeth. Current at home tooth whitening techniques require several days for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes various embodiments of toothbrushes that have been designed to help users improve their oral health. The toothbrushes include a dye that can attach to residual plaque on the teeth and become fluorescent in the presence of ultraviolet light, which is commonly available through an ultraviolet light source. The dye can be incorporated in the toothpaste or other oral care products. The toothbrushes also have optical brighteners that can have a whitening or bleaching effect when exposed to ultraviolet light. The brighteners are adhered to the teeth using an adhering agent. Additionally, the patent describes an oxidizing agent that can be activated by light or heat to speed the process of whitening stained teeth. The oxidizing agent can be applied to the teeth using toothpaste or other oral care products. The patent also describes various toothbrush designs that include surface mounted LEDs or other features to improve the user experience. Overall, the patent provides technical solutions for improving oral health through the use of toothbrushes that incorporate various active ingredients and features to make toothbrushing more effective.

Problems solved by technology

Current at home tooth whitening techniques require several days for the user to see the effect of the treatment and are generally considered to be inconvenient and in some cases difficult to use.

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