Electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser

Abstract

An electric toothbrush with integrated water flosser includes a handle, a brush head having a plurality of bristles for brushing teeth and a liquid spray nozzle for spraying a pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid, a liquid reservoir, a liquid pump for providing liquid from the reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle, and a motor for moving the bristles of the brush head and operating the liquid pump to supply the high-pressure liquid to the liquid spray nozzle. One or more manually-activated switches are provided for selecting one of a plurality of modes of operation including: (a) both moving the bristles and simultaneously spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle at the same time; (b) moving the bristles but not spraying any liquid from the liquid spray nozzle; and (c) spraying the pulsating high-pressure stream of liquid from the liquid spray nozzle but not moving the bristles.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not applicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]Not applicablePARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT[0003]Not ApplicableREFERENCE TO APPENDIX[0004]Not applicableFIELD OF THE INVENTION[0005]The field of the present invention relates to dental hygiene products, and more particularly, to electric toothbrushes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0006]Powered or electric toothbrushes have become a popular alternative to traditional, manual style toothbrushes. This popularity is partly due to the fact that electric toothbrushes are easier to use than manual toothbrushes. With an electric toothbrush, all you need to do is place the toothbrush on your teeth and let the toothbrush do all the work. Electric toothbrushes have been found to obtain better results with less work. Studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job of both cleaning teeth and preventing plaque and gingivitis.[0007]Toothbrushes, whether manual or powe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an electric toothbrush with an integrated water flosser that addresses some of the problems of prior art. It provides a single handheld device for both brushing and flossing that is reliable, affordable, and easy to use. The motor has a rotatable drive shaft that selectively moves the bristles to brush the teeth and operates the liquid pump to supply liquid through the liquid passage from the liquid reservoir to the liquid spray nozzle. The motor can be connected to the brush head to move the bristles and spray liquid, or just spray liquid without moving the bristles. The invention provides a significant advance in the technology and art of electric toothbrushes.

Problems solved by technology

Toothbrushes, whether manual or powered, cannot completely reach into the tight spaces between teeth.

While a dental hygiene routine with both an electric toothbrush and an electric water flosser can be both effective and easy to perform, the cost of obtaining and maintaining both devices can be cost prohibitive.

Additionally, the added tasks of charging and otherwise maintaining two electric devices can somewhat reduce their advantages of easier and speedier use.

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