Oral Care Devices

Abstract

The present invention provides an oral care device, which may include: a main body, the main body including a head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first sacrificial electrode, the first sacrificial electrode on the head; a second sacrificial electrode, the second sacrificial electrode on the head and spaced apart from the first sacrificial electrode; a power supply; and a controller, the controller being configured to alternate between an on state and an off state, wherein: in the on state, the controller operably couples the power supply to the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode to generate an electrical potential between the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode, the electrical potential having one of a first polarity and a second polarity, and for each consecutive transition from the off state to the on state, the controller is configured to alternate between the first polarity and the second polarity.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Oral care devices are known that provide oral health benefits by releasing ions from a sacrificial electrode. However, sacrificial electrodes inherently have a limited lifespan due to loss of electrode material due to ion generation during operation.

[0002] Another potential problem exhibited by sacrificial electrodes is passivation, which occurs over time simply by operating the sacrificial electrode as an anode. During such operation, a zinc oxide layer can form quite quickly on the sacrificial electrode, and this layer acts as an insulating layer preventing further release of zinc ions from the sacrificial electrode.

[0003] In view of the limited lifespan and passivation issues of sacrificial electrodes in oral care devices, there exists a need to improve such oral care devices and the processes by which they operate in order to extend the useful life of the sacrificial electrodes, limit passivation issues, and thereby introduce cost efficiencies. Summary of the invention

[0004] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to an oral care device comprising a sacrificial electrode for the purpose of introducing beneficial ions into the oral cavity when the oral care device is in use. Specifically, the oral care device comprises a controller that controls the polarity of the potential between the sacrificial electrodes so as to extend the operating life of the sacrificial electrodes. The polarity of the potential may be controlled during a single oral care session, across multiple oral care sessions, or a combination of both. Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure also include a method of controlling a sacrificial electrode within an oral care device so as to introduce beneficial ions into the oral cavity. The control method advantageously results in extending the operating life of the sacrificial electrode, reducing problems associated with electrode passivation, and introducing cost efficiencies.

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention can be an oral care device comprising: a body comprising a head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first sacrificial electrode, the first sacrificial electrode being on the head; a second sacrificial electrode, the second sacrificial electrode being on the head and spaced apart from the first sacrificial electrode; a power supply; and a controller, the controller being configured to alternate between an on state and an off state, wherein: in the on state, the controller operably couples the power supply to the first and second sacrificial electrodes to generate an electrical potential between the first and second sacrificial electrodes, the electrical potential having one of a positive polarity and a negative polarity, and for each consecutive transition from the off state to the on state, the controller is configured to alternate between the positive polarity and the negative polarity.

[0006] On the other hand, the present invention may be an oral care method, comprising: starting a first operating sequence of an oral care device including a head, the first operating sequence comprising: generating an electric potential between a first sacrificial electrode and a second sacrificial electrode, the electric potential starting with one of a positive polarity and a negative polarity in the first operating sequence, the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode being on the head and positioned to be spaced apart from each other; stopping the first operating sequence; and starting a second operating sequence of the oral care device, the second operating sequence comprising: generating an electric potential between the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode, the electric potential starting with the other of the first polarity and the second polarity in the second operating sequence.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention can be an oral care device comprising: a body, the body including a head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first sacrificial electrode, the first sacrificial electrode being on the head; a second sacrificial electrode, the second sacrificial electrode being on the head and spaced apart from the first sacrificial electrode; a power source; and a controller, the controller being configured to operably couple the power source to the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode to generate an electrical potential between the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode, the electrical potential having one of a first polarity and a second polarity; wherein the controller is configured to switch the electrical potential between the first polarity and the second polarity after a time interval, the time interval being less than an average user brushing period.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the present invention may be a method of oral care, comprising: generating an electric potential between a first sacrificial electrode and a second sacrificial electrode, the electric potential starting with one of a first polarity and a second polarity, the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode being on a head of an oral care device and positioned to be spaced apart from each other; and alternating the electric potential between the first polarity and the second polarity after a time interval less than an average user brushing period.

[0009] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments can be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and tools shown in the following drawings:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an oral care device including a sacrificial electrode according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 Exploded cross-sectional view of the oral care device taken along section line AA in FIG.

[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a control circuit for a sacrificial electrode in an oral care device.

[0014] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a first operating process of an oral care device including a sacrificial electrode.

[0015] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a second operating process of an oral care device including a sacrificial electrode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0017] The description of the illustrated embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered as part of the entire written specification. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is intended only for convenience of description and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "left", "right", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be understood as referring to the orientation shown in the drawings described later or in the discussion. These relative terms are only for convenience of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation unless explicitly indicated. Unless otherwise explicitly described, terms such as "attachment", "attachment", "connection", "connection", "interconnection" refer to the relationship in which the structures are fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through an intermediate structure, and the attachment or relationship of the two movable or fixed. In addition, the features and benefits of the present invention are explained with reference to preferred embodiments. Therefore, the present invention should obviously not be limited to such preferred embodiments that show some possible non-limiting combinations of features that can exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0018] Features of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The programmable processes described herein are not limited to any specific implementation and may be implemented in an operating system, an application, a foreground or background process, a driver, or any combination thereof.

[0019] Ranges used throughout the text are used as a shorthand way of describing each value within a range. Any value within a range can be selected as a range endpoint. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0020] Please refer to the attached drawings for details. Figure 1 An oral care device for a toothbrush 100 according to an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The toothbrush 100 includes a handle 102, a head 104 disposed at the distal end of the handle 102, and a neck portion 106 disposed between the handle 102 and the head 104. The handle 102 has a generally elongated shape along the longitudinal axis. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the handle 102, the head 104, and / or the neck 106 may have different shapes, sizes, orientations, etc. Unless otherwise specified in the claims, the present invention is not limited by the size and / or shape of any part of the toothbrush 100. Additional features may also be incorporated into or disposed on the toothbrush. In other embodiments, the oral care device may be a toothbrush including a head detachable from the handle so that the head may be replaced with another head. In yet other embodiments, the oral care device may be any other type of oral care appliance.

[0021] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the head 106 of the toothbrush 100 also includes a plurality of tooth cleaning elements 108 extending from the support plate 110. As used herein, the term "tooth cleaning element" includes any type of structure that is generally used or adapted to provide oral health benefits (e.g., tooth cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, massage, stimulation, etc.) by intimate contact with parts of teeth and / or gums. Such tooth cleaning elements include, but are not limited to, bristle tufts that can be formed to have a plurality of different shapes, sizes, and relative configurations, massage elements, and elastomeric cleaning members that can be formed to have a plurality of different shapes and sizes, or a combination of bristle tufts and elastomeric cleaning members. The tooth cleaning elements 108 can be arranged on the support plate 110 in many configurations.

[0022] exist Figure 1In the embodiment of the present invention, the tooth cleaning element 108 includes bristles that can be formed into a bristle tuft. The tuft can be formed by bristles of the same or different bristle materials (such as nylon bristles, spiral bristles, rubber bristles, etc.). In addition, although the tooth cleaning elements 108 can be arranged so that they are roughly perpendicular to the top surface 112 of the support plate 110, some or all of the tooth cleaning elements can be angled relative to the top surface 112 and / or relative to each other. When the tooth cleaning element 108 includes a bristle tuft, it is possible to select a combination of bristle configuration, bristle material and / or bristle orientation to obtain specific expected results and operating characteristics, thereby maximizing and enhancing cleaning, tooth polishing, tooth whitening, massage, stimulation, etc.

[0023] The tooth cleaning element 108 can be attached to the support plate 110 by any conventional or other methods. In certain embodiments, the support plate 110 may include a plurality of holes formed therethrough, and the tooth cleaning element 108 may be mounted to the support plate 110 in the holes. This type of technology for mounting the tooth cleaning element 108 to the support plate 110 is generally referred to as anchor free tufting (AFT). In AFT, a plate (generally referred to as a head plate) or a film is created, and the tooth cleaning element (e.g., bristles, elastomeric elements, and combinations thereof) are positioned in the head plate so as to extend through the hole of the head plate. The free end of the tooth cleaning element on one side of the head plate performs a cleaning function. The end of the tooth cleaning element on the other side of the head plate is melted together by heating to anchor in place. When the tooth cleaning element is melted together, a molten rough surface is formed, which is a plastic layer formed by the collective end of the tooth cleaning element, which connects the tooth cleaning elements to each other on one side of the head plate and prevents the tooth cleaning element from being pulled through the cluster hole.

[0024] In the example shown, after the tooth cleaning elements 108 are secured to the support plate 110, the support plate 110 is secured to the head 104. Ultrasonic welding is one technique that may be used to secure the support plate 110 to the head 104, but other techniques may also be used. When the support plate 110 is coupled to the head 104, the molten rough surface is located between the lower surface of the support plate 110 and the floor of the tray or cavity of the head 104 in which the support plate 110 is disposed. The molten rough surface that is directly coupled to and actually forms a portion of the tooth cleaning elements 108 prevents the tooth cleaning elements 108 from being pulled through the holes in the support plate 110, thereby ensuring that the tooth cleaning elements 108 remain attached to the support plate 110 during use of the oral care device 100.

[0025] In other embodiments, the tooth cleaning element 108 can be connected to a support plate 110 or a film that is combined later using a technology known in the art called AMR. Generally speaking, in this technology, a head plate is provided, and bristles are inserted into the hole in the head plate so that the free / cleaning end of the bristles extends from the front surface of the head plate, and the bottom end of the bristles is adjacent to the rear surface of the head plate. After the bristles are inserted into the hole in the head plate, the bottom ends of the bristles are melted together by applying heat thereto, thereby forming a molten rough surface on the rear surface of the head plate. The molten rough surface is a thin layer of plastic, which is formed in the following manner: the bottom end of the bristles is melted so that the bottom end of the bristles is converted into a liquid, and the liquid at the bottom end of the bristles is combined to form a monolayer of liquid plastic that at least partially covers the rear surface of the head plate. After no longer applying heat, the molten bottom end of the bristles solidifies / hardens to form a molten rough surface / plastic thin layer. In some conventional applications, after forming the molten rough surface, a tissue cleaner is injection molded onto the rear surface of the head plate, thereby surrounding the molten rough surface between the rear surface of the tissue cleaner and the head plate. Other structures may be coupled to the rear surface of the head plate to surround the molten rough surface between the rear surface of the head plate and such structures, and such structures need not be tissue cleaners. For example, the structure covering the molten rough surface may be a plastic material used to form the smooth rear surface of the head, etc. Alternatively, the structure may be molded onto the rear surface of the head plate or snap-fit ​​(or other mechanically coupled) to the rear surface of the head plate as desired.

[0026] Of course, the tooth cleaning elements 108 may be mounted to the support plate 110 using techniques other than AFT and AMR, such as widely known and used stapling / anchoring techniques, etc. In such embodiments, the tooth cleaning elements 108 may be directly coupled to the support plate 110. Furthermore, in a modified version of the AFT process discussed above, the support plate 110 may be formed by positioning the tooth cleaning elements 108 within a mold and then molding the support plate 110 around the tooth cleaning elements 108 via an injection molding process.

[0027] In addition, in certain embodiments, various combinations of stapled, IMT, AMR or AFT cleaning elements may be used. Alternatively, the tooth cleaning elements 108 may be mounted to the tuft block or segment by extending through a suitable opening in the tuft block so that the base of the tooth cleaning element 108 is mounted within or below the tuft block. In yet other embodiments, similar to the tooth cleaning elements not being bristles, the tooth cleaning elements 108 may be integrally molded with the support plate 110.

[0028] The head 104 also includes a plurality of holes 114 disposed through the sidewall 116 of the head 104 and providing a passage or pathway through the sidewall 116. Such a passage may allow fluid communication between the interior cavity of the head 104 of the toothbrush 100 and the environment outside the head 104. The cavity that may be defined by the support plate 110, the sidewall 104, and the base 118 is discussed in more detail below. In certain embodiments, the head 104 may be configured without a cavity.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded cross-section of the toothbrush 100 is shown. In this view, a cavity 202 formed by the head 104 is shown. The cavity 202 is a dish or void defined by a sidewall 116 extending upward from a base 118 of the head 104. A first sacrificial electrode 204 and a second sacrificial electrode 206 are placed on the head 104 within the cavity 202 and are spaced apart from each other. A support plate 110 is positioned relative to the head 104 to cover the cavity 202, thereby enclosing the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 in the cavity 202. In certain embodiments, the support plate 110 can be fixed at the distal end of the sidewall 116, for example, by adhesive, welding, or other mechanical means. In embodiments where the head 104 does not include a cavity 202, the first sacrificial electrode 204 and the second sacrificial electrode 206 can be placed on any surface of the head 104, wherein the first sacrificial electrode 204 and the second sacrificial electrode 206 are still positioned to be spaced apart from each other. In certain other embodiments, one or both of the first sacrificial electrode 204 and the second sacrificial electrode 206 may be placed on the neck portion 106 of the toothbrush 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated in the claims, the present invention is not limited to whether either the first sacrificial electrode 204 or the second sacrificial electrode 206 is placed on the head 104 or the neck portion 106 of the toothbrush 100.

[0030] The sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 can be of any known shape or configuration. As shown, the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 are formed as electrical coils and include many turns of wire wrapped around a separate core 208. The core 208 can be formed integrally with the base, or can be formed separately and then fixed to the base. In other embodiments, the core 208 may not exist at all. In other embodiments, the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 can be formed as metal plates or other spaced-apart metal fixtures. Such other electrodes can also include zinc, zinc alloys, or some other sacrificial metals. Regardless of their shape or configuration, in certain embodiments, the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 can be formed by 90% or more of the sacrificial metal that constitutes the electrode.

[0031] The sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 each include a sacrificial metal, and when an electric potential (i.e., a voltage difference) is generated between the first electrode 204 and the second electrode 206, one of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 generates ions, such as by oxidation. In certain embodiments, the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 include zinc, and the presence of the electric potential oxidizes the zinc to release Zn2+. Zinc ions are generally known to provide oral health benefits, including, for example, antibacterial benefits. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the zinc ions are expelled in the cavity 202 of the head 104 of the toothbrush 100 and once released from one of the sacrificial electrodes 204 , 206 into the cavity 202 , the beneficial zinc ions enter the oral cavity via the pores 114 .

[0032] In certain embodiments, the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 may each include a different sacrificial metal. The sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 may be formed of materials other than zinc and zinc alloys. In certain embodiments, one or both of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 may be formed of different metals that may be oxidized to provide ions that impart selectable oral benefits. For example, tin ions (i.e., Sn2+ and Sn4+) have known oral health benefits, so that one or both of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 may include tin. In certain other embodiments, the oxidation of iron and / or manganese may promote, for example, the formation of hydroxide from hydrogen peroxide via a Fenton reaction, which may provide other benefits in the oral cavity, so that one or both of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 may include iron or manganese.

[0033] The apertures 114 also allow fluids from the external environment (eg, saliva and water) to enter the cavity 202. Once in the cavity 202, the fluid may act as an electrolyte to facilitate the release of ions from the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 when an electrical potential is created between the sacrificial electrodes.

[0034] Conductive leads 210 connect each of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 to a control circuit 216, which in turn is operably coupled to a power source 212, shown as a pair of batteries disposed in the handle 102. A switch 220 controls the supply of power from the power source 212 to the control circuit 216. The conductive leads 210 extend from the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 through the neck 106 and into the handle 102 via a passage or channel 214 connected to the cavity 202 of the head 104. The conductive leads 210 are electrically coupled to the control circuit 216, which controls the voltage applied from the power source 212 to the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206.

[0035] In some embodiments, the power source 212 can be external to the toothbrush 100. In still other embodiments, the power source 212 is a rechargeable battery. In still other embodiments, the power source 212 can be any other type of power storage or power supply that also provides a ground or negative terminal.

[0036] The control circuit 216 generates an electrical potential between the two sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 by maintaining each sacrificial electrode 204, 206 at a different voltage. In this way, one of the two sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 operates as an anode and the other operates as a cathode. In the toothbrush 100 shown, this electrical potential is generated between the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 by the control circuit 216, which electrically couples one of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 to the positive terminal of the power supply 212 and electrically couples the other of the sacrificial electrodes 204, 206 to the negative terminal of the power supply 212.

[0037] Despite Figure 2 214. A pair of electrodes is shown in FIG. 215, but additional pairs of electrodes may be present. For example, a first pair of sacrificial electrodes may be formed using zinc as the sacrificial metal, while a second pair of sacrificial electrodes may be formed using iron as the sacrificial metal. In such an embodiment, the control circuit 216 may be used to generate a potential for both pairs of sacrificial electrodes simultaneously between the two pairs of electrodes, or alternatively, each pair of electrodes generates a potential between them while the other pair of electrodes is decoupled from the power supply 212. In other embodiments, multiple pairs of sacrificial electrodes may be included, wherein all of the sacrificial electrodes are formed of the same sacrificial metal, and increasing the number enables an increase in the release rate of ions.

[0038] Figure 3 The control circuit 216 of the toothbrush 100 is shown. The control circuit 216 includes a controller 302, an oscillator 306, and a switch 310. The control circuit 216 is operably coupled to a power source 304 and two sacrificial electrodes 308 identified as E1 and E2. The controller 302 can be a programmable device that implements the operating features of the oral care device as described herein in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the controller 302 can be implemented as an electronic subcircuit that is assembled to perform the operating features of the oral care device as described herein.

[0039] The switch 310 operably couples the controller 302 and the oscillator 306 to the power supply 304. When the switch 310 is in the open position, no power is provided to the controller 302 or the oscillator 306, and the controller 302 is in the disconnected state. When the switch is in the closed position, power is provided to both the controller 302 and the oscillator 306, and the controller 302 is in the on state. When the oscillator 306 is powered, the oscillator 306 provides a clock signal to the controller 302. In certain embodiments, the oscillator 306 is a linear oscillator that produces a sinusoidal output. The output of the oscillator 306 can use any periodic waveform with a constant period, so that the constant period can be used to measure time. As described below, the controller 302 can use the clock signal as a timer to perform polarity switching on the potential between the sacrificial electrodes 308. In certain embodiments, the oscillator 306 can be omitted from the control circuit 216. In certain other embodiments, the oscillator 306 can be integrated as a part of the controller 302.

[0040] When the controller 302 is in the on state, the controller 302 electrically couples one of the sacrificial electrodes 308 to the positive terminal of the power supply 304, and electrically couples the other of the sacrificial electrodes 308 to the negative terminal of the power supply 304. By coupling the sacrificial electrodes 308 to the power supply 304 in this manner, an electric potential is generated between the sacrificial electrodes 308. The electric potential generated between the sacrificial electrodes 308 may have a first polarity or a second polarity. When the electric potential between the sacrificial electrodes 308 has a first polarity, one of the sacrificial electrodes 308 operates as an anode and the other operates as a cathode, and when the electric potential has a second polarity, the sacrificial electrodes 308 function oppositely as an anode and a cathode. Although both electrodes 308 are formed as sacrificial electrodes so that both can release ions under certain conditions, only one of the electrodes 308 operates as an anode to release ions-the other of the electrodes 308 operates as a cathode and does not release ions. For ease of this description, the first polarity is positive and the second polarity is negative, but in certain embodiments, the first polarity may be negative and the second polarity may be positive. In this context, and again for the purposes of this description, when sacrificial electrode E1 is electrically coupled to the positive terminal of power source 304 and sacrificial electrode E2 is electrically coupled to the negative terminal of power source 304, the first polarity is positive and the second polarity is negative. Figure 3 Similarly, when the sacrificial electrode E1 is electrically coupled to the negative terminal of the power source 304 and the sacrificial electrode E2 is electrically coupled to the positive terminal of the power source 304, the Figure 3 The control circuit generates a potential with negative polarity.

[0041] In certain embodiments, for each successive transition from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller 302 is configured to alternate the potential between positive and negative polarity. In other words, in a first transition of the controller 302 from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller 302 generates a positive polarity between the sacrificial electrodes 308, and in an immediately subsequent transition of the controller 302 from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller 302 generates a negative polarity between the sacrificial electrodes 308.

[0042] In other embodiments, when the controller 302 is in the on state, the controller 302 is configured to switch the potential between the positive polarity and the negative polarity at predetermined intervals. In such embodiments, the controller 302 uses a clock signal to measure the predetermined interval, wherein each predetermined interval is equivalent to a plurality of cycles of the clock signal. In other other embodiments, the predetermined interval of the switch between the positive polarity and the negative polarity can be a time interval less than the user's brushing period. In such embodiments, the time interval can be about half of the user's brushing period. In other such embodiments, the time interval can be about 30 seconds or less. In other such embodiments, the time interval can be about 15 seconds or less. In other other embodiments, the time interval can be any value between about 1 second and the end of the user's brushing period, and this value of the time interval can be predetermined so that the time interval is set before the user uses the toothbrush.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the user's brushing period can be a predetermined time period set before the user uses the toothbrush. For example, in certain embodiments, the user's brushing period can be set to a two-minute time period, which is the time period of brushing teeth usually recommended by oral health care professionals when practicing good oral hygiene. In certain other embodiments, the user's brushing period can be set to a time period less than the usually recommended two-minute brushing time. In such an embodiment, the user's brushing period can be set to any time period within the range of 1 second to two minutes, as predetermined before the user uses the toothbrush. For example, based on the experience and knowledge of designers, engineers, etc. when manufacturing, the user's brushing period can be set to a time period within the range of 1 second to two minutes. As another example, the user's brushing period can be set to a certain time period based on a collection of sample data. In such embodiments, the user's brushing period can be set to an average brushing period as determined by the collected sample data.

[0044] Figure 44 is a flow chart showing an operation process 400 that can be implemented with the control circuit 216. In a first step 402, the control circuit starts a first operation sequence, and in a second step 404, the controller changes from an off state to an on state so that an electric potential is generated between the sacrificial electrodes. The electric potential in this first operation sequence may have a positive polarity or a negative polarity. In certain embodiments, during the first operation sequence, the controller may alternate the electric potential between a positive polarity and a negative polarity. In such embodiments, alternating between a positive polarity and a negative polarity may occur at predetermined intervals as described above. In a third step 406, the first operation sequence ends with the controller transitioning to an off state. In a fourth step 408, the control circuit starts a second operation sequence, and in a fifth step 410, the controller transitions again to an on state so that an electric potential is generated again between the sacrificial electrodes. When the controller transitions again to an off state, this second operation sequence ends. Depending on the initial polarity in the first operation sequence, the electric potential in this second operation sequence may have a positive polarity or a negative polarity. If the first sequence of operations initially generates a potential with a positive polarity, then the second sequence of operations initially generates a potential with a negative polarity. Similarly, if the first sequence of operations initially generates a potential with a negative polarity, then the second sequence of operations initially generates a potential with a positive polarity.

[0045] In certain embodiments, during the second sequence of operations, the controller may alternate the potential between positive and negative polarity. In such embodiments, alternating between positive and negative polarity may occur at predetermined intervals as described above. In still other embodiments, during the first sequence of operations, the controller initially generates a potential having one of positive and negative polarity, and during the second sequence of operations, the controller initially generates a potential having the other of positive and negative polarity.

[0046] Figure 5 is a flow chart showing an operational process 500 that can be implemented with the control circuit 216. In a first step 502, the control circuit begins operation, and in a second step 504, the controller transitions from an off state to an on state so that an electric potential is generated between the sacrificial electrodes. In this second step 504, the electric potential has a positive polarity or a negative polarity. In a third step 506, the electric potential is alternated between positive and negative polarities after a time interval that is less than the average user brushing period. As described above, the time interval can be half of the average user brushing period, which can be 30 seconds or less, or it can be 15 seconds or less. In a final step 508, the control circuit ends operation when the controller transitions from the on state to the off state.

[0047] Ranges used throughout the text are used as a shorthand way of describing each value within a range. Any value within a range can be selected as a range endpoint. In addition, all references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In the event that a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in the cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0048] Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific examples (including currently preferred modes for carrying out the invention), it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that there are numerous variations and permutations of the systems and techniques described above. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the present invention should be broadly construed, as explained in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An oral care device, comprising: A main body, the main body comprising a head; a plurality of tooth cleaning elements extending from the head; a first sacrificial electrode, the first sacrificial electrode being on the head; a second sacrificial electrode on the head and spaced apart from the first sacrificial electrode; power supply; as well as A controller configured to alternate between an on state and an off state, wherein: In the on state, the controller operatively couples the power source to the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode to generate a potential between the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode, the potential having one of a first polarity and a second polarity, and For successive transitions from the OFF state to the ON state, the controller is configured to alternate between the first polarity and the second polarity. 2 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein in the on state, the controller is configured to switch the electrical potential between the first polarity and the second polarity at predetermined intervals.

3. The oral care device of claim 1 , further comprising an oscillator configured to generate a clock signal, wherein In the on state, the controller is configured to switch the potential between the first polarity and the second polarity after a predetermined interval, the predetermined interval being a plurality of cycles of the clock signal.

4. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a switch operably coupled to the controller, wherein the switch is configured to switch the controller between the on state and the off state.

5. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein one of the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode releases ions in response to the electrical potential.

6. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each of the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode comprises zinc.

7. An oral care method, comprising: A first operating sequence of an oral care device including a head is initiated, the first operating sequence comprising: generating an electrical potential between a first sacrificial electrode and a second sacrificial electrode, the electrical potential in the first operating sequence starting with one of a first polarity and a second polarity, the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode being on the head and positioned to be spaced apart from each other; stopping the first sequence of operations; and Starting a second operation sequence of the oral care device, the second operation sequence comprising: A potential is generated between the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode, the potential in the second operating sequence starting with the other of the first polarity and the second polarity.

8. The oral care method of claim 7, wherein during at least one of the first and second operational sequences, the electrical potential alternates between the first and second polarities at predetermined intervals.

9. The oral care method of any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein one of the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode releases ions in response to the electrical potential.

10. The oral care method of any one of claims 7 to 8, wherein each of the first sacrificial electrode and the second sacrificial electrode comprises zinc.

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