Thin, flexible electric oral care device

Abstract

The present invention relates to thin, flexible, electrically powered oral care devices. In some embodiments, an oral care device includes a flexible base substrate, a power source disposed on the base substrate, and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected to the power source. Methods of using the oral care device, for example, to whiten teeth or treat other conditions in the oral cavity are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the application date of December 22, 2016, application number 201680076526.5, and invention name “Thin Flexible Electric Oral Care Device”. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a thin, flexible powered oral care device. Background Art

[0003] Various products and methods have been developed to maintain oral health. While several conventional products and methods can be applied at home, other products and processes require professional assistance or supervision. For example, some conventional teeth whitening procedures require bulky and / or expensive light sources to emit controlled light on the teeth. Often, products that can be taken home are not as effective as products or processes applied by professionals, but the inconvenience, expense, and / or unfamiliarity of visiting a professional may prevent seeking professional help.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need in the art for a compact, effective oral care device.The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application describes improved oral care appliances and methods for treating the oral cavity. In some embodiments, the oral care appliances herein may be embodied as a flexible strip for placement in the oral cavity. The flexible strip may include a base substrate, a power source disposed on the base substrate, and one or more components disposed on the base substrate and electrically connected to the power source. Other layers or substrates may also be provided. For example, an adhesive may be provided to facilitate retention of the device in the oral cavity. In addition, a peeling layer may be provided, for example, to protect components of the oral care device until it is ready for use. Removal of the peeling layer may expose components of the device, such as an adhesive, and / or may trigger some action of the device, such as by switching on a power source or otherwise enabling electrical communication within the device.

[0006] In some embodiments, electrodes are provided as components in electrical communication with a power source. The power source provides current to the electrodes. In some cases, the electrodes can be used to provide an electrochemical benefit. For example, the electrodes can be used to provide an electrical potential to an activator. In some embodiments, the activator can be an orally acceptable sulfate and / or bisulfate in a buffered conductive medium that promotes the persulfate (S2O8) when a current is introduced through the electrodes. 2- Alternatively, the activator can be a sacrificial metal, such as zinc, which oxidizes in the presence of an electric potential to release Zn 2+Zinc ions are generally known to provide oral health benefits, including, for example, antibacterial benefits. In other embodiments, one or more electrodes (e.g., an anode of an electrode) may include a sacrificial metal that degrades to provide an oral benefit. For example, the anode of an electrode may include zinc, and applying an electric current to the electrode may oxidize the zinc in the anode, thereby releasing beneficial zinc ions into the oral cavity.

[0007] In some embodiments, a flexible light source (such as a polymer LED) may be provided as a component that is electrically connected to a power source. More specifically, the light source is powered by the power source. A control circuit may also be provided on the base substrate to control the light source. For example, it may be desirable to control the wavelength of light emitted from the light source, the duration of illumination of the light from the light source, or other characteristics of the emitted light. When the oral care device includes a light source, a reflective surface may also be provided, for example to direct the illuminated light in a preferred direction.

[0008] In other embodiments, methods are provided for whitening teeth, for oxidizing volatile sulfur compounds that cause bad breath, for killing bacteria on teeth in the mouth, and / or for providing other oral benefits. For example, a method according to the present disclosure may include activating a power source on a device such as described above and placing the device in the oral cavity. An adhesive or the like may be provided to help retain the device. Depending on the application, the device may be positioned proximate to the location to be treated, such as proximate to one or more teeth to be whitened, while in other applications, specific placement of the device is not required.

[0009] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an oral care device includes a base substrate; a power source disposed on a surface of the base substrate; and an electrode layer disposed on the surface of the base substrate or the power source. The electrode layer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode including a first flexible metal strip electrically connected to the power source, and the second electrode including a second flexible metal strip electrically connected to the power source and substantially parallel to the first metal strip. The electrode layer is arranged so that the length of the first electrode and the length of the second electrode are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base substrate.

[0010] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a sacrificial metal that degrades to release ions into the oral cavity when an electric current is applied to the plurality of electrodes.

[0011] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device of any of the preceding paragraphs, the sacrificial metal can include zinc, and the zinc can be oxidized to release zinc ions when an electric current is applied to the plurality of electrodes.

[0012] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, an active substance may be included.

[0013] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, the active substance may include at least one of a tooth whitening agent or an antibacterial agent.

[0014] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device of any of the preceding paragraphs, the active substance can include a persulfate, a monoperoxysulfate, a chloride, a phosphate, or a carbonate.

[0015] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device of any of the preceding paragraphs, the active substance is formed into a paste or gel and disposed on a side of the plurality of electrodes opposite the flexible base substrate.

[0016] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the active substance may be disposed on an active layer substrate, and the active layer substrate may be disposed on a side of the plurality of electrodes opposite to the flexible base substrate.

[0017] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, an adhesive layer may be provided to hold the oral care device in place in the oral cavity.

[0018] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, a removable peel layer may be provided.

[0019] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, a release layer can be disposed on the adhesive, and removal of the release layer can expose the adhesive.

[0020] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device of any of the preceding paragraphs, the release layer can be configured such that removal of the release layer activates the power source or completes a circuit between the power source and the plurality of electrodes.

[0021] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, the power source can be a polymer battery.

[0022] In one or more further aspects, in the oral care device as described in any of the preceding paragraphs, a control circuit may be provided in electrical communication with the power source to control the current between the power source and the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0023] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for treating a condition in an oral cavity may include: providing a flexible oral care device, the flexible oral care device comprising a flexible base substrate, a flexible power source disposed on a side of the base substrate, and a first elongated electrode and a second elongated electrode disposed on the flexible base substrate or the power source and electrically connected to the power source; maintaining the flexible oral care device on a surface in the oral cavity; and energizing the power source to generate an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0024] In one or more additional aspects, the method as described in the preceding paragraphs may further include providing an active substance in the oral cavity proximate to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0025] In one or more additional aspects, in a method as described in one of the two preceding paragraphs, the active substance may include an active layer disposed on the flexible oral care device.

[0026] In one or more additional aspects, the method as described in any of the preceding three paragraphs may include folding the flexible oral care device along a longitudinal axis between a first longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device and a second longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device. Retaining the flexible oral care device on a surface of the oral cavity may include retaining a portion of the first longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device on a first side of at least one tooth in the oral cavity and retaining a portion of the second longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device on a second side of the at least one tooth.

[0027] In one or more additional aspects, in the method of any of the preceding four paragraphs, the flexible oral care device can further include a release layer and applying power to the power source includes removing the release layer.

[0028] In one or more additional aspects, in the method described in one of the first five paragraphs, one of the first electrode and the second electrode can include zinc.

[0029] In one or more additional aspects, in the method of any of the preceding six paragraphs, the active agent may include an inert salt that generates a whitening agent in an electric field.

[0030] In one or more additional aspects, in the methods described in the preceding paragraphs, the inert salt may include a sulfate salt that generates a persulfate in an electric field.

[0031] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an oral care device includes a flexible base substrate; a power source disposed on a side of the flexible base; and a flexible light source disposed on the flexible base or the power source and in electrical communication with the power source.

[0032] In one or more additional aspects, the oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs may further include a reflective surface configured to reflect light emitted from the light source in a predetermined direction.

[0033] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in one of the two preceding paragraphs, the power source may include a flexible organic light emitting diode or a polymer light emitting diode.

[0034] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, the reflective surface may include a reflective film disposed on a surface of the base substrate.

[0035] In one or more additional aspects, an oral care device as described in one of the preceding four paragraphs may further include an active substance.

[0036] In one or more additional aspects, in the oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, the active substance may include at least one of a tooth whitening agent, a photoactivated intercalating agent, or a photosensitizer.

[0037] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in one of the two preceding paragraphs, the active substance can be formed into a paste or gel and disposed on a side of the plurality of flexible light sources opposite the flexible base substrate.

[0038] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in one of the first three paragraphs, the active material may be disposed on an active layer substrate, and the active layer substrate may be disposed on a side of the plurality of electrodes opposite to the flexible base substrate.

[0039] In one or more additional aspects, an oral care device as described in one of the preceding eight paragraphs may further include an adhesive layer configured to hold the oral care device in place in the oral cavity.

[0040] In one or more additional aspects, an oral care device as described in one of the preceding nine paragraphs can further include a removable release layer.

[0041] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in the preceding paragraphs, a release layer can be disposed on the adhesive, and removal of the release layer can expose the adhesive.

[0042] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in one of the two preceding paragraphs, the release layer can be configured such that removal of the release layer activates the power source or completes a circuit between the power source and the light source.

[0043] In one or more additional aspects, in an oral care device as described in one of the preceding twelve paragraphs, the power source can be a polymer battery.

[0044] In one or more additional aspects, the oral care device of any of the preceding thirteen paragraphs may further include a control circuit in electrical communication with the light source to control light emitted from the power source and the first and second electrodes.

[0045] On the other hand, a method for treating a condition in the oral cavity may include: providing a flexible oral care device, the flexible oral care device comprising a flexible base substrate, a flexible power source disposed on a first side of the base substrate, and a flexible light source disposed on the flexible base substrate or the power source and electrically connected to the power source; maintaining the flexible oral care device on a surface in the oral cavity; and energizing the power source to illuminate the surface in the oral cavity.

[0046] In one or more additional aspects, the method according to the preceding paragraphs may further include controlling at least one of the wavelength, intensity, or on / off state of the light source.

[0047] In one or more additional aspects, in the method according to any of the two preceding paragraphs, light from the light source can illuminate a surface in the oral cavity to promote wound healing or control cellular rhythms.

[0048] In one or more additional aspects, the methods according to the preceding paragraphs may further include irradiating the surface in the oral cavity with light having a wavelength of about 370 nm to about 500 nm.

[0049] In one or more additional aspects, the method according to any of the preceding three paragraphs may further comprise providing an active substance in the oral cavity, and irradiating the active substance.

[0050] In one or more additional aspects, in the methods according to the preceding paragraphs, the active substance may include a bleaching agent, a photosensitizer, or a photoactivated intercalator.

[0051] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure 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

[0052] The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0053] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an oral care device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0054] Figure 2 Is the use of oral care devices (such as Figure 1 A schematic illustration of an exemplary method of the device shown in FIG.

[0055] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of another oral care device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0056] Figure 4 Is the use of oral care devices (such as Figure 3 Schematic illustration of an exemplary method of the device shown in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses.

[0058] As used throughout, ranges 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 hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. If a definition in the present disclosure conflicts with a definition in a cited reference, the present disclosure shall prevail.

[0059] Unless otherwise specified, all percentages and amounts expressed herein and elsewhere in this specification should be understood to refer to percentages by weight. The amounts given are based on the effective weight of the material.

[0060] The present disclosure relates generally to oral care implements, and more particularly to oral care implements embodied as strips or patches that can be completely retained within the oral cavity to provide benefits to the oral cavity. Although certain embodiments and benefits will be described, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other embodiments, modifications and / or benefits using this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 1 An oral care device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of multiple layers or substrates that are stacked or otherwise arranged together to form a complete device 100. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device 100 is embodied as a strip or patch sized to be placed in the oral cavity. Figure 1 100 as having a generally rectangular shape, but the present disclosure is not limited to rectangular forms. For example, the size and / or shape of the footprint of the device 100 may vary depending on factors such as the application, desired aesthetics, or manufacturability considerations. The thickness of the strip is preferably between about 1 mm and about 5 mm, and more preferably about 1.5 mm to about 3 mm. Reduced thickness may provide greater comfort to the user of the device and may facilitate flexing or bending of the device, for example to better conform to the contours of the oral cavity.

[0062] As shown, the oral care device 100 includes a base layer 102, a power source 104, and an electrode layer 106. Figure 1Also shown in dashed lines are active layer 112, adhesive layer 114, and release layer 116. One or more of these layers may be included in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0063] The base layer 102 is preferably a thin flexible substrate. As used herein, the term flexible means capable of being bent by manual manipulation without breaking to conform to the various features of the user's oral cavity. The substrate can be made of any orally acceptable material, including but not limited to textiles, cloth, wood composites, resins, elastomers, paper, insoluble or poorly soluble cellulose derivatives such as ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride, wax, Parafilms TM , polyethylene, polyvinyl alcohol, Teflon TM , polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate and their derivatives. In some cases, the flexible substrate may also or alternatively include a water-soluble polymer to promote adhesion of the device 100 to the teeth or gums. For example, the base layer 102 may include hydrophilic cellulose ethers (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose), polyvinyl acetate, carbomer (e.g., Carbopol 97IP), polysaccharide gums (e.g., xanthan gum), modified food starch, gelatin (e.g., animal or fish-based gelatin), cross-linked carboxyvinyl copolymers, cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene oxide (e.g., Polyox), polyacrylic acid and polyacrylates, polyvinyl alcohol, alginate, casein, pullulan, and combinations thereof.

[0064] The power source 104 is disposed on the base substrate 102 and can be a battery. The power source can be single use or rechargeable. Although several types of batteries including button and coin cells can be used according to the principles of the present disclosure, in some preferred embodiments, the power source 104 includes a flexible power source, such as a polymer battery. Polymer batteries may be preferred due to their thin profile and / or their flexibility. For example, a polymer battery may be up to 750 microns thick, or thinner. The power source 104 can be a printed battery, such as a battery commercially available from Imprint Energy, Inc. of Alameda, CA. For example, a printed battery may include zinc screen printed on a flexible substrate.

[0065] In some embodiments, the power source 104 can be attached to the base substrate using any known adhesive, epoxy resin, etc. Alternatively, the power source 104 can include the base substrate 102. For example, some commercially available polymer batteries typically include components printed on the substrate. When such commercially available batteries are used in embodiments of the present disclosure, the substrate of the battery can also serve as the base substrate 102.

[0066] The electrode layer 106 typically includes a pair of electrodes 108 disposed on an electrode substrate 110. As shown, the electrode 108 may include two spaced apart conductive strips that serve as an anode and a cathode with an applied current. The electrodes 108 extend substantially parallel and approximately longitudinally, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis 118 of the device 100. The electrodes are thin enough that they can be bent with the base layer 102 and the electrode substrate, for example, without being delaminated with them. The electrodes 108 may be printed or otherwise formed on the electrode substrate 110 and may include any material, including but not limited to tin, silver, copper, platinum, and the like. The materials constituting the electrodes are preferably selected based on their flexibility and their compatibility with the oral environment. In some embodiments, at least one of the electrodes may be formed of a sacrificial material such as a sacrificial metal. For example, an electrode made of zinc will oxidize when an electric current is applied, thereby releasing Zn 2+ These zinc ions are considered to be effective antimicrobial agents.

[0067] The electrodes 108 are attached to the terminals of the power source 104. In some embodiments, the electrodes 108 can be connected to the power source 104 using leads or similar conductors. In other embodiments, the electrode layer 106 can be attached to the power source 104 in a manner such as to create electrical communication between the electrodes 108 and the power source 104. In other embodiments, the power source 104 and the electrodes 108 can be disposed on a common substrate such as the base substrate 102 or the electrode substrate 110.

[0068] Although Figure 1 Two electrodes 108 are shown, but additional electrodes 108 may be provided. For example, the electrodes may be generally positioned and numbered to correspond to the location and number of the user's teeth.

[0069] The device 100 including the base substrate 102, the power source 104, and the electrode layer 106 can form a complete oral care device 100. In operation, the oral care device 100 can be placed in the user's oral cavity, and an electric current is passed through the electrode 108 to provide an electrochemical benefit in the oral cavity. As discussed above, the benefit can constitute the release of a substance when the electrode 108 degrades. However, in other embodiments, the benefit comes from a reaction with an active agent or active substance also provided in the oral cavity. In one example, the electrode can be used to activate an orally acceptable sulfate to form a persulfate. The active substance or active agent can include a gel or paste containing a soluble and orally acceptable sulfate in a buffered conductive medium for application to teeth or other parts of the oral cavity, and the device 100 activates the sulfate in the gel or paste to form a persulfate. For example, in some embodiments, an effective amount of an oral care composition comprising an orally acceptable sulfate and / or bisulfate salt, such as potassium bisulfate (KHSO4), in a buffered conductive medium may be applied to the teeth and (just prior to or during application) the composition is exposed to an electrical potential to promote the in situ generation of persulfate (S2O8 2- ), such as potassium persulfate (K2S2O8).

[0070] As used herein, the term "sulfate" refers to a salt or mixture of salts formed or capable of being formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with a base. The term therefore includes hydrogen sulfate. The term also includes monoperoxysulfate. In aqueous solution, in the presence of completely deprotonated ions (sulfate or SO4 2- ) and partially deprotonated ions (bisulfate or HSO4 - ) and both ions are capable of forming persulfate when exposed to an electrical potential in an aqueous medium. "Orally acceptable sulfate" refers to sulfates (including bisulfates) that are non-toxic or non-harmful when applied as a component of an oral care product at a relevant concentration, e.g., 10% or less. "Soluble sulfate" refers to sulfates (including bisulfates) that are soluble in aqueous solution at room temperature, e.g., having a solubility of at least 10 g / 100 mL of water at 25° C. The term "soluble and orally acceptable sulfate" thus encompasses compounds such as, for example, NaHSO4, KHSO4, (NH4)HSO4, Mg(HSO4)2, Na2SO4, K2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, and MgSO4.

[0071] Sulfate is a type of inert salt that can be activated by an electric field in embodiments of the present disclosure, for example to provide whitening, antimicrobial or other benefits. Other types of inert salts may include, for example, chlorides, which can be activated to form hypochlorites; phosphates, which can be activated to form peroxydiphosphates, peroxymonophosphates or peroxymonophosphoric acids; or carbonates, which can be activated to form peroxydicarbonates. Moreover, salts of peroxymonosulfuric acid (such as potassium peroxymonosulfate) can be oxidants that can be activated by an electric field to form a powerful whitening agent.

[0072] Although the device 100 can be completed with a base substrate 102, a power source 104, and an electrode layer 106, as Figure 1 , but may also include one or more optional components. For example, the device 100 may also include an active layer 112. The active layer may include a gel or paste containing an active agent as just described. Thus, while the user may apply the active agent alone, the active layer may incorporate the active agent into the device 100. The active agent may be applied directly to the electrode layer 106, such as by deposition, printing, painting, or other known techniques. Alternatively, the active layer 112 may also include an active layer substrate that carries the active agent. In some instances, the active layer substrate may be a water-soluble polymer that carries the active agent and may promote adhesion of the active agent to other layers of the device.

[0073] The device 100 may also or additionally include an adhesive layer 114 to facilitate maintaining the device 100 in a desired position in the oral cavity. The adhesive layer may include any conventional oral compatible peelable adhesive. For example, the water-soluble polymers mentioned above as examples of active layer substrates may also be used as adhesives in the present disclosure. Figure 1 As shown, the adhesive layer 114 may have the same overall footprint as the other components that make up the strip. Therefore, the entire strip may include adhesive. In other embodiments, less adhesive may be included. For example, only a portion of the strip footprint may be adhesive. For example, adhesive may be provided only at the longitudinal ends of the strip, wherein the strip is applied very much like other commercially available bandages. In other embodiments, adhesive may be applied around the periphery of the strip, and in other embodiments, the adhesive layer may include multiple bonding points or areas.

[0074] Oral care device 100 may also include release layer 116. Release layer 116 may be a removable member disposed on a component of device 100, for example, to prevent oral care device 100 from becoming contaminated prior to insertion into the mouth. Figure 1The illustrated release layer 116 comprises a thin sheet of flexible material (e.g., a polymeric material) that the user peels off to reveal the electrode layer, active layer, and / or adhesive layer (depending on the configuration of the device 100). For example, when adhesive layer 114 is present, the release layer will ensure that the adhesive remains tacky until the device 100 is to be used. Although release layer 116 is shown as a single layer, in other embodiments, the release layer may alternatively take the form of an envelope or complete package, e.g., for completely retaining the oral care device 100 therein.

[0075] In some embodiments, the release layer 116 can also control the activation of the device 100. For example, the release layer can include a physical barrier that prevents electrical communication between the power source 104 and the electrode 108. Removing the release layer will also remove the barrier, allowing current to flow from the power source to the electrode 108. In other embodiments, the removal of the release layer 116 can be detected, for example, using a presence / absence sensor, and the output from the sensor can trigger the power-up of the device.

[0076] Although not shown, the device 100 may also include a control circuit or similar features to control the circuit generated by the power supply 104 and the electrode 108. For example, the control circuit can alternate the polarity of the electrode during use. Alternating polarity can prevent charged particles or ions from accumulating on the electrode. The control circuit can also be programmed to control the amount of current supplied to the electrode 108. When the device is ready for use, the control circuit may also include a power-on function, etc., to start the power supply. The control circuit may include a manual switch as part of the power-on function, such as a toggle switch or a push button switch. In addition, as discussed above, the peeling layer may also be integrated into the power-on function, for example, to power the device with the removal of the peeling layer. In other embodiments, the control circuit may include a sensor output. For example, a conventional presence / absence sensor may be arranged to be covered by the peeling layer and detect the removal of the peeling layer. This detection can then be used to turn on the device. In another embodiment, a water or liquid moisture detection sensor may be provided. When the sensor is in contact with saliva, that is, when inserted into the mouth, the power is turned on. The control circuit may be provided on a separate layer, or may be integrated into another layer. For example, it may be desirable to incorporate control circuitry into the electrode layer, base layer, and / or power layer.

[0077] As will be appreciated, the oral care device 100 is typically a thin, flexible device that can be easily inserted into the oral cavity. Depending on the benefit to be achieved by the device, the device can be placed on one or more teeth, on the gums, on the inside of the cheek, and / or on or under the tongue. When the device is used to treat teeth, such as in the sulfate / persulfate example noted above, it may be desirable to position the electrodes as close to the teeth as possible. Because the device is flexible, in some instances, the device can be folded, for example, near the longitudinal axis 118, so that the device can be placed around one or more teeth, with one of the electrodes 108 in front of the one or more teeth and another of the electrodes 108 disposed behind the one or more teeth. In this way, the electric field generated at the electrodes 108 will pass through the one or more teeth disposed between the spaced-apart electrodes 108. This arrangement places the electrodes in close contact with the teeth. Such an arrangement is useful for introducing ions such as Fl - or Ca 2+ Driving ions into tooth enamel can also be beneficial.

[0078] Thus, in some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a complete electrode-based oral care device that is capable of providing benefits to the oral cavity without the need for external (to the oral cavity) components. The overall thickness of the device 100 is preferably less than about 2 mm.

[0079] Figure 2 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 200 for using the apparatus 100 just described.

[0080] In process 200, at 202, an oral care device, such as oral care device 100, is provided. At 204, the oral care device is placed in the oral cavity, proximate a portion of the oral cavity to be treated. When tooth whitening or enamel strengthening is a desired goal, device 100 is preferably arranged in close contact with one or more teeth to be treated. 204 may include bending or folding the oral care device to facilitate such close contact, such as in the manner described above. The above-mentioned adhesive layer 114 may be provided to facilitate placement and retention of device 100 at a desired location in the oral cavity. At 206, the oral care device is activated to allow current to flow through the electrodes and obtain the desired electrochemical benefit.

[0081] The process 200 may include additional steps, such as introducing an active substance into the oral cavity. The active substance may be provided as part of the device, or may be applied separately, as described in more detail above.

[0082] Figure 3Another thin, flexible, layered oral care device 300 is shown. Oral care device 300 is similar to oral care device 100 in that it includes a base substrate 302 and a power source 304 disposed on base substrate 302. However, unlike oral care device 100, oral care device 300 includes a flexible light source 306. Figure 3 As shown, device 300 may optionally include one or more of active substrate 308 , adhesive layer 310 , and release layer 312 .

[0083] The base substrate 302 may be similar to the base substrate 102 described above. The base substrate may be selected to provide a platform on which other components may be disposed, and is preferably thin, for example less than about 500 microns, and flexible. For example, the base substrate may be a thin, flexible polymer. The base substrate 302 may also include a reflective surface 314, the function of which will be described in more detail below. The reflective surface 314 may be a film or other coating disposed on the base substrate 302, or the material of the base substrate may be selected based on its reflectivity.

[0084] The power source 304 can be any number of power sources, including those described above with respect to the oral care device 100. In a preferred embodiment, the power source can be one or more polymer batteries, which can be selected for their low profile and flexibility. As with the examples discussed above, in some embodiments, the substrate of the power source 304 can also serve as the base substrate 302.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, the light source is represented as a thin layer. In a preferred embodiment, the light source 306 includes one or more polymer light emitting diodes (PLEDs) and / or flexible organic LEDs (FOLEDs) and / or printed LEDs. These lighting technologies may be preferred because of their thin and flexible form. The light source is powered by a power supply 302 through one or more electrical connections. This connection can be a lead, welding, etc. The power supply to the light source 306 allows the emission of light, and the reflective surface 314 is preferably configured to guide substantially all of the light away from the base substrate 302.

[0086] The oral care device 300 consisting only of the base substrate 302, the power source 304 and the light source 306 can be used as a beneficial oral care tool. For example, the inventors have found that irradiation with active whitening agents enhances whitening of stained tooth enamel at a wavelength range of 370 to 500 nm. PLEDs and FOLEDs can emit light in this wavelength range. Due to its flexible nature, the device 300 can be wrapped around the user's teeth, such as by folding the device 300 along the longitudinal axis 316, in a manner very similar to that described above with respect to the device 100, to achieve irradiation of substantially all of the teeth.

[0087] For wound healing purposes, light therapy can also be beneficial. Thus, a user can apply device 300 to an injured portion of the oral cavity, and device 300 will irradiate the wound with light of a selected wavelength. Various studies have shown that such radiation therapy can enhance blood flow, leading to greater healing benefits. In other embodiments, device 300 can be used in the oral cavity to relieve dry mouth and / or bad breath. For example, by pulsing light emitted by light source 306, cells in the oral cavity can be activated, such as when the user is sleeping at night. This approach can promote more beneficial cell behavior.

[0088] Although not shown, the device 300 may also include a control circuit to control the light emitted from the light source. For example, the control circuit may execute a timing mode for changing one or more of the wavelength of the emitted light, the intensity of the emitted light, the on / off state of the light source, etc. The control circuit may be disposed on a separate substrate, disposed on the base substrate 302, integrated into either or both of the power source 304 and / or the light source layer 306, or some combination thereof.

[0089] The device 300 may also include additional layers or components. For example, the above-mentioned use is to irradiate stained tooth enamel in the presence of an active whitening agent. These agents may include hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents, such as peroxydisulfates, peroxydiphosphates, percarbonates, etc. In some embodiments, the user may be required to apply or otherwise introduce the agent into the oral cavity. Alternatively, the active whitening agent may be provided as part of the device 300, for example in the form of an active substrate 308. A slurry, gel or paste containing the active ingredient to be irradiated may be deposited directly on the light source 306, or may be provided as part of a substrate attached or otherwise attached to the light source 306. For example, the active substrate may include a polymer-based layer on which the active ingredient is carried. The polymer base layer may then be attached or otherwise fixed to or near the light source 306. As will be appreciated, the carrier for the active ingredient may be substantially transparent so as not to interfere with the irradiation of the light emitted from the light source 304. In some instances, the polymer substrate may include a water-soluble polymer that may promote bonding of the active substrate to the light source and / or teeth or other surfaces in the oral cavity.

[0090] Active agents other than bleaching agents may alternatively be disposed in the active substrate 308. For example, the active substrate may include a DNA or RNA photoactivated intercalator. By irradiating the intercalator with a light source, specific sequences may be destroyed, thereby potentially suppressing specific bacteria and / or protein expression. In other embodiments, the active substrate may include a photosensitizer, which the device may then deliver directly to one or more specific sites in the oral cavity. The combination of light and photosensitizer generates reactive oxygen species, which have been shown to treat periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

[0091] In some embodiments, device 300 may further include adhesive layer 310 and / or release layer 312. Adhesive layer 310, release layer 312 may be similar to adhesive layer 114 and release layer 116 described above and are not described in detail herein.

[0092] Other modifications of the device 300 are also contemplated. For example, although the reflective surface 314 is shown as being on the surface of the base substrate, the positioning of the reflective surface 314 can be changed. For example, it can be beneficial to place the reflective surface between the light source and the power source. Preferably, the reflective surface 314 is arranged to maximize the use of the illumination light on the location to be illuminated.

[0093] Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting an exemplary process 400 for using the apparatus 300 just described.

[0094] In process 400, at 402, an oral care device, such as oral care device 300, is provided. At 404, the oral care device is placed in the oral cavity, proximate a surface of the oral cavity to be illuminated by a light source. As will be appreciated, the device 300 is typically placed so that the light source is closer to the surface to be illuminated, such as between the surface to be illuminated and the base layer 302. When tooth whitening is a desired goal, the device 300 is preferably arranged to be in close contact with one or more teeth to be treated. 404 may include bending or folding the oral care device to facilitate such close contact, such as in the manner described above. The above-mentioned adhesive layer 310 may be provided to facilitate placement and retention of the device 300 at a desired location in the oral cavity. At 406, the oral care device is activated to power the light source and illuminate the surface in the oral cavity.

[0095] Process 400 may include additional steps, such as introducing an active substance into the oral cavity. The active substance may be provided as part of the device, or may be applied separately, as described in more detail above. Process 400 may also include controlling the irradiation light, such as controlling the wavelength, irradiation time period, etc.

[0096] The present disclosure describes a compact oral care device that is effective and relatively simple to use. The device described herein provides an electric strip that allows a user to perform an oral care process that previously required an external light source and / or power source. Those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure will recognize other modifications, combinations, enhancements, and benefits. For example, although the device 100 includes an electrode 108 electrically connected to a power source, and the device 300 includes a light source 306 electrically connected to a power source, a hybrid device is envisioned. For example, another embodiment may include both one or more electrodes and a light source. In this way, the benefits generated by electrochemistry and irradiation can be achieved in a single device. In such a multifunctional device, it may be desirable to place an electrode between the light source and the base substrate, for example to reduce interference with the irradiation light. To this end, a reflective surface may be arranged to cover the electrode.

[0097] In addition, the flexible devices described herein can be used in conjunction with attachment structures. For example, these devices can be placed in a more rigid form, such as a dental tray or a mouth guard. For example, in this way, the device can be held close to the teeth. In some cases, the use of a dental tray or a mouth guard may not require an adhesive.

[0098] As used herein, the term "sulfate" means a salt or mixture of salts formed or capable of being formed by the reaction of sulfuric acid with a base. The term therefore includes hydrogen sulfate. In aqueous solution, in the presence of completely deprotonated ions (sulfate or SO4 2- ) and partially deprotonated ions (bisulfate or HSO4 - ) and both ions are capable of forming persulfate when exposed to an electrical potential in an aqueous medium. "Orally acceptable sulfate" refers to sulfates (including bisulfates) that are non-toxic or non-harmful when applied as a component of an oral care product at a relevant concentration, e.g., 10% or less. "Soluble sulfate" refers to sulfates (including bisulfates) that are soluble in aqueous solution at room temperature, e.g., having a solubility of at least 10 g / 100 mL of water at 25° C. The term "soluble and orally acceptable sulfate" thus encompasses compounds such as, for example, NaHSO4, KHSO4, (NH4)HSO4, Mg(HSO4)2, Na2SO4, K2SO4, (NH4)2SO4, and MgSO4.

[0099] As used herein, "in situ" means that the persulfate is generated in the oral care product just prior to or during use rather than being added as a separate ingredient.

[0100] As used herein, "effective amount" means an amount or concentration that is effective to perform the desired function when the product is used. Thus, an effective amount of sulfate refers to an amount of sulfate (e.g., selected from sodium bisulfate, potassium bisulfate, ammonium bisulfate, magnesium bisulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, and mixtures thereof) that provides an amount or concentration of persulfate that is effective to whiten teeth when activated by an electric current to form persulfate.

[0101] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the exemplary embodiments.

[0102] The following content corresponds to the original claims in the parent application and is now incorporated herein as part of the specification:

[0103] 1. An oral care device configured for placement in an oral cavity, comprising:

[0104] a flexible base substrate;

[0105] a flexible power source disposed on a surface of the base substrate; and

[0106] An electrode layer is arranged on the surface of the flexible base substrate or the flexible power source, the electrode layer includes a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode includes a first flexible metal strip electrically connected to the flexible power source, and the second electrode includes a second flexible metal strip electrically connected to the flexible power source and substantially parallel to the first metal strip, wherein the electrode layer is arranged so that the length of the first electrode and the length of the second electrode are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible base substrate.

[0107] 2. The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises a sacrificial metal that degrades to release ions into the oral cavity when an electric current is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0108] 3. The oral care device of clause 1, wherein the sacrificial metal comprises zinc, and the zinc oxidizes to release zinc ions when an electric current is applied to the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0109] 4. The oral care device according to any of the preceding items, further comprising an active substance.

[0110] 5. The oral care device of clause 4, wherein the active substance comprises at least one of a tooth whitening agent or an antibacterial agent.

[0111] 6. The oral care device of clause 5, wherein the active material comprises a persulfate, a monoperoxysulfate, a chloride, a phosphate, or a carbonate.

[0112] 7. The oral care device of clause 4, wherein the active substance is formed into a paste or a gel and is disposed on a side of the first electrode and the second electrode opposite to the flexible base substrate.

[0113] 8. The oral care device according to any one of items 4 to 7, wherein the active substance is provided on an active layer substrate, and the active layer substrate is provided on a side of the first electrode and the second electrode opposite to the flexible base substrate.

[0114] 9. The oral care device of any preceding clause, further comprising an adhesive layer arranged to hold the oral care device in place in the oral cavity.

[0115] 10. The oral care device of any preceding clause, further comprising a removable release layer.

[0116] 11. The oral care device of clause 10, wherein the release layer is disposed on an adhesive and removal of the release layer exposes the adhesive.

[0117] 12. The oral care device of clause 10, wherein the release layer is configured such that removal of the release layer activates the flexible power source or closes a circuit between the flexible power source, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

[0118] 13. The oral care device of any preceding clause, wherein the flexible power source is a polymer battery.

[0119] 14. The oral care device of any preceding clause, further comprising a control circuit in electrical communication with the power source to control current flow between the flexible power source and the first and second electrodes.

[0120] 15. A method of treating a condition in the oral cavity, comprising:

[0121] A flexible oral care device is provided, the flexible oral care device comprising a flexible base substrate, a flexible power source disposed on a side of the base substrate, a first electrode comprising a first flexible metal strip electrically connected to the power source, and a second electrode comprising a second flexible metal strip electrically connected to the power source and substantially parallel to the first metal strip;

[0122] retaining the flexible oral care device on a surface in the oral cavity; and

[0123] Power is supplied to the flexible power source to generate an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0124] 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing an active substance in the oral cavity proximate to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0125] 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the active substance comprises an active layer disposed on the flexible oral care device.

[0126] 18. The method of any one of items 15 to 17, further comprising folding the flexible oral care device along a longitudinal axis between the first longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device and the second longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device, and

[0127] Wherein retaining the flexible oral care device on the surface of the oral cavity comprises retaining a portion of the first longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device on a first side of at least one tooth in the oral cavity and retaining a portion of the second longitudinal side of the flexible oral care device on a second side of the at least one tooth.

[0128] 19. The method of any one of items 15 to 18, wherein the flexible oral care device further comprises a release layer, and applying power to the flexible power source comprises removing the release layer.

[0129] 20. A method according to any one of items 15 to 19, wherein one of the first electrode and the second electrode comprises zinc.

[0130] 21. A method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the active agent comprises an inert salt that generates a whitening agent in the electric field.

[0131] 22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the inert salt comprises a sulfate that generates a persulfate in the electric field.

[0132] 23. An oral care device configured for placement in an oral cavity, comprising:

[0133] a flexible base substrate;

[0134] a flexible power source disposed on a side of the flexible base substrate; and

[0135] A flexible light source is disposed on the flexible base substrate or the flexible power source and is in electrical communication with the flexible power source.

[0136] 24. The oral care device of clause 23, further comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light emitted from the flexible light source in a predetermined direction.

[0137] 25. The oral care device of clause 23 or clause 24, wherein the flexible light source comprises a flexible organic light emitting diode or a polymer light emitting diode.

[0138] 26. The oral care device of clause 24, wherein the reflective surface comprises a reflective film disposed on a surface of the flexible base substrate.

[0139] 27. The oral care device of any one of items 23 to 26, further comprising an active substance.

[0140] 28. The oral care device of clause 27, wherein the active substance comprises at least one of a tooth whitening agent, a photoactivated intercalating agent, or a photosensitizer.

[0141] 29. The oral care device of clause 27, wherein the active substance is formed into a paste or gel and is disposed on a side of the flexible light source opposite the flexible base substrate.

[0142] 30. The oral care device of any one of items 27 to 29, wherein the active substance is disposed on an active layer substrate, and the active layer substrate is disposed on a side of the flexible light source opposite to the flexible base substrate.

[0143] 31. The oral care device of any one of items 23 to 30, further comprising an adhesive layer configured to hold the oral care device in place in the oral cavity.

[0144] 32. The oral care device of any one of items 23 to 31 , further comprising a removable peel layer.

[0145] 33. The oral care device of clause 32, wherein the release layer is disposed on an adhesive and removal of the release layer exposes the adhesive.

[0146] 34. The oral care device of clause 32, wherein the release layer is configured such that removal of the release layer activates the flexible power source or closes a circuit between the flexible power source and the flexible light source.

[0147] 35. An oral care device according to any one of items 23 to 34, wherein the flexible power source is a polymer battery.

[0148] 36. The oral care device of any one of items 23 to 35, further comprising a control circuit electrically connected to the light source to control light emitted from the power source and the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0149] 37. A method of treating a condition in the oral cavity, comprising:

[0150] A flexible oral care device is provided, the flexible oral care device comprising a flexible base substrate; a flexible power source disposed on a first side of the flexible base substrate; and a flexible light source on the flexible base substrate or the flexible power source and electrically connected to the flexible power source;

[0151] retaining the flexible oral care device on a surface in the oral cavity; and

[0152] Power is supplied to the flexible power source to illuminate the surface in the oral cavity.

[0153] 38. The method of claim 37, further comprising controlling at least one of the wavelength, intensity or on / off state of the flexible light source.

[0154] 39. A method according to claim 37 or claim 38, wherein light from the flexible light source illuminates the surface in the oral cavity to promote wound healing or control cell rhythms.

[0155] 40. The method of claim 37, further comprising irradiating the surface in the oral cavity with light having a wavelength of about 370 nm to about 500 nm.

[0156] 41. The method of any one of items 37 to 40, further comprising providing an active substance in the oral cavity, and further comprising irradiating the active substance.

[0157] 42. A method according to claim 41, wherein the active substance comprises a bleaching agent, a photosensitizer, or a photoactivated intercalator.

Claims

1. An oral care device configured for placement in an oral cavity, comprising: a flexible base substrate; a flexible power source disposed on a side of the flexible base substrate; a flexible light source disposed on the flexible base substrate or the flexible power source and electrically connected to the flexible power source; a removable peelable layer disposed over the flexible light source; as well as a sensor configured to detect the absence or presence of the removable release layer; as well as An output is generated based on the detected absence or presence of the removable release layer, causing the oral care device to power on when the absence of the removable release layer is detected. 2 . The oral care device of claim 1 , further comprising a reflective surface configured to reflect light emitted from the flexible light source in a predetermined direction. 3 . The oral care device of claim 1 , wherein the flexible light source comprises a flexible organic light emitting diode or a polymer light emitting diode.

4. The oral care device of claim 2, wherein the reflective surface comprises a reflective film disposed on a surface of the flexible base substrate.

5. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an active substance.

6. The oral care device of claim 5, wherein the active substance comprises at least one of a tooth whitening agent, a light-activated intercalating agent, or a photosensitizer.

7. The oral care device of claim 5, wherein the active substance is formed into a paste or a gel and is disposed on a side of the flexible light source opposite the flexible base substrate.

8. The oral care device of claim 5, wherein the active substance is disposed on an active layer substrate, and the active layer substrate is disposed on a side of the flexible light source opposite to the flexible base substrate.

9. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an adhesive layer configured to hold the oral care device in place in the oral cavity.

10. The oral care device of claim 9, wherein the removable release layer is disposed on the adhesive layer, and removal of the removable release layer exposes the adhesive layer.

11. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flexible power source is a polymer battery.

12. The oral care device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a control circuit in electrical communication with the flexible light source to control light emitted from the flexible light source.

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