Device and method for cleaning interdental spaces

Abstract

Device (10) for cleaning interdental spaces, comprising a cleaning element (12) that can be inserted into an interdental space for removing foreign bodies from the interdental space, comprising a housing (11) for receiving and guiding the cleaning element (12), wherein the housing (11) has at least one lower guide rail (14) for guiding the cleaning element (12), wherein the cleaning element (12) can be pushed into the interdental space, characterized in that the lower guide rail (14) has a projection (18) for positioning on the interdental space.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for cleaning interdental spaces according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for cleaning interdental spaces according to the preamble of claim 15.

[0002] In the area of ​​dental hygiene, the spaces between teeth are of particular interest. Food debris regularly accumulates in these spaces, which should be removed as much as possible to maintain healthy teeth. Furthermore, eating fibrous foods, especially meat, often leads to fibrous food debris getting into the spaces between teeth.

[0003] These food residues are generally perceived as annoying. People often try to remove them with the tongue, for example. However, they can often only be removed with special tools, such as toothpicks or dental floss. CH 671 331 A5 discloses a device in which a strip can be pushed out of a housing for cleaning interdental spaces like a toothpick. US 5 868 149 A discloses various tooth cleaning devices in which toothpick-like elements can be pushed out of a housing. US 5 769 103 A discloses a simple interdental cleaner consisting of a sheet-like element.

[0004] However, these and other known cleaning devices have disadvantages. Toothpicks are usually relatively large compared to the interdental spaces. Therefore, they can only be used from the outside and not inserted into the affected space to push out the food debris. Furthermore, they pose a significant risk of injury to the gums. Dental floss, on the other hand, is inserted from the chewing surfaces of the teeth toward the gums into the interdental space. This frequently pushes food debris even deeper into the interdental space or even into a periodontal pocket.

[0005] It is therefore an object of the invention to eliminate these disadvantages. In particular, it should be possible to clean interdental spaces easily. The cleaning effect should be improved compared to the prior art. Furthermore, the risk of injury should be reduced.

[0006] A device having the features of claim 1 solves this problem. The device is intended for cleaning interdental spaces. For this purpose, it has a cleaning element that can be inserted into the interdental space to remove foreign bodies from the interdental space. A housing serves to accommodate and guide the cleaning element. It has at least one lower guide rail to guide the cleaning element, wherein the cleaning element can be pushed into the interdental space. The device is characterized in that the lower guide rail has a projection for positioning on the interdental space. In contrast to known aids or cleaning elements for cleaning interdental spaces, such as in particular large toothpicks or flexible dental floss, the cleaning element according to the invention can actually be easily and safely pushed into the interdental space.This allows foreign bodies to be removed from the interdental space in the direction of the push.

[0007] Preferably, the cleaning element can be pushed laterally into the interdental space. It can preferably be pushed through the interdental space from one side to the other. This allows cleaning to be achieved by pushing it sideways to the other side of the tooth, unlike in the prior art. This prevents the situation from being aggravated, for example, by pushing dental floss deeper into the space.

[0008] The cleaning element preferably has sufficient rigidity to be inserted into an interdental space. It is particularly shear-resistant and / or shear-stable, in particular at least shear-stable. In this way, the advantages of the invention can be achieved. In particular, it enables insertion through an interdental space. The cleaning element is preferably formed or manufactured from a flexible material. This allows flexible adaptation to the interdental space. Furthermore, the cleaning element can react flexibly or resiliently, for example, in the event of incorrect operation or unexpected resistance. This can prevent injuries.

[0009] The cleaning element is preferably strip-shaped and / or flat. A strip shape is particularly suitable for this application. A flat shape facilitates or enables insertion, particularly from the side, into the interdental space. This makes cleaning considerably easier.

[0010] The cleaning element preferably has a tapered end region. More preferably, the cleaning element has a tapered end region. In particular, the cleaning element is equipped with a rounded tip, preferably at the end region. This serves to facilitate insertion into the interdental space. The tapered shape or taper of the cleaning element is preferably provided on one side and / or relative to one of its side edges.

[0011] The housing preferably serves as a storage device. The cleaning element is preferably connected to the housing, in particular in a movable and / or detachable manner. This enables cleaning of the interdental spaces in accordance with the invention.

[0012] The cleaning element can preferably be pushed into and out of the housing. The cleaning element can preferably be pushed directly from the housing into the interdental space. The cleaning element can also preferably be retracted from the interdental space into the housing. Thus, the device can be used for the entire interdental cleaning process. From the cleaning process, from inserting the cleaning element into the interdental space to retracting it from the space into the housing to storage, all steps are possible and are also illustrated.

[0013] In particular, an operating element is provided for pushing the cleaning element. More preferably, this is an operating element that can be operated with a finger, in particular a slider. The operating element, in particular the slider, is preferably connected directly to the cleaning element. The slider is preferably provided in a rear partial region of the cleaning element. This allows the operating element to be pushed within the housing, in particular within a recess in the housing, in order to push out the cleaning element. The operating element thus remains in the housing even when the cleaning element is largely extended. In fact, the operating element can also serve to prevent the cleaning element from being pushed out completely and thus preventing the cleaning element from separating from the housing.

[0014] The cleaning element, in particular, has a constant thickness. The thickness of the cleaning element is preferably approximately between 0.001 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, more preferably approximately 0.05 mm. Such thicknesses are suitable for insertion into an interdental space. They preferably have sufficient rigidity while also being sufficiently flexible.

[0015] The cleaning element is particularly preferably made of metal and / or plastic and / or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP). It is preferably formed as a metal strip. The housing can also be made of metal and / or plastic and / or glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP). The materials should have suitable properties for the respective intended use. In particular, the cleaning element is intended to be inserted into a space between teeth, so a metal strip is particularly preferred due to its rigidity and thickness. The housing can particularly preferably be made of plastic in order to be stable and durable.

[0016] The housing preferably has two guide rails for guiding the cleaning element. The at least one guide rail is designed, in particular, for lateral guidance of the cleaning element. For this purpose, each guide rail preferably encompasses one of the side edges of the cleaning element. This ensures secure mounting and guidance.

[0017] Preferably, at least one wiper is provided for cleaning the cleaning element when it is retracted from the interdental space. The cleaning element is cleaned particularly when it is retracted into the housing. This allows for multiple reuse. It prevents food residue from permanently adhering to the cleaning element. Ideally, wipers are provided on both sides. Simple edges, elastic materials such as rubber lips, or similar materials can serve as wipers. The cleaning element wipes along one or both sides of the at least one wiper when moved within the housing.

[0018] The housing preferably provides a straight guide or a curved guide for the cleaning element. In particular, the cleaning element, preferably at least its free end region, is guided in a straight or curved manner relative to the longitudinal extent of the housing. This allows the orientation of at least the extended part of the cleaning element, in particular at least the free end region of the cleaning element, to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal extent of the device. The cleaning element can thus be extended laterally relative to the surrounding housing. This allows cleaning of the interdental spaces by inserting the cleaning element straight into the interdental spaces, despite the cramped conditions in the mouth, in particular laterally in the area of ​​the cheeks and molars.

[0019] Particularly preferred are replaceable components. In other words, individual parts of the device can be replaceable. In particular, the cleaning element can be replaceable. For this purpose, the cleaning element is preferably detachably connected to the housing. This can also apply to other parts, such as the control element or the housing. For example, if individual parts become worn, they can be replaced with flawless or new ones. This allows individual components, in particular, to be recycled, thus saving resources.

[0020] The object described at the outset is also achieved by a method for operating a device for cleaning an interdental space with one or more steps of claim 15. These are in particular one or more of the following steps: a) Selection of a device suitable for the interdental space to be cleaned, b) Applying the cleaning device to the interdental space to be cleaned by means of the projection into the recess between two adjacent teeth and the gum, c) pushing the cleaning element out of the housing, in particular by means of the operating element, d) pressing out any food residues from the interdental space using the cleaning element, e) Retract the cleaning element from the interdental space, preferably by retracting the cleaning element into the housing.

[0021] The described procedure ensures that the cleaning element is used correctly. It also ensures effective cleaning of interdental spaces.

[0022] Further embodiments of the invention are described in particular by the dependent claims and the description in the remainder.

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the figures of the drawings. In this figure: Fig. 1 a side view of a first embodiment of the invention with linear guidance, Fig. 2 a plan view of the embodiment of the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 a side view of a second embodiment of the invention with a curved guide in a first direction, Fig. 4 a plan view of the embodiment of the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a side view of a third embodiment of the invention with a curved guide in the opposite direction of the embodiment of the Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 a plan view of the embodiment of the Fig. 5.

[0024] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a device 10 for cleaning interdental spaces.

[0025] This device 10 comprises a housing 11 and a cleaning element 12. The housing 11 serves to store the cleaning element 12 and to guide its removal for cleaning interdental spaces.

[0026] The cleaning element 12 can therefore be pushed out at least partially from the housing 11. Conversely, the cleaning element 12 can also be pushed back into the housing 11, in particular completely.

[0027] For this purpose, the housing 11 has two guide rails 13 and 14. Due to their arrangement, these are also referred to here as the upper guide rail 13 and the lower guide rail 14. The cleaning element 12 is arranged inside the housing 11. It is held on the top and bottom by the guide rails 13 and 14. For this purpose, the guide rails 13 and 14 engage around the cleaning element 12 in the area of ​​its longitudinal side edges. The cleaning element 12 is mounted so that it can be moved out of the housing 11.

[0028] The cleaning element 12 is strip-shaped. In this case, it is a flat, elongated cleaning element 12. Due to the required stability and durability, it is typically a metallic cleaning element. Therefore, the cleaning element 12 is usually formed from a metal strip.

[0029] The cleaning element 12 has a tapered end portion 15, which can first be pushed out of the housing 11. A rounded portion is provided at this end portion 15 to reduce gum injury during use. It also facilitates insertion into the interdental space.

[0030] An operating element 16 is provided for pushing the cleaning element 12 out of the housing 11 and, conversely, for pulling the cleaning element 12 back into the housing 11. This operating element 16 can have a simple projection and / or a button-like shape. To enable the operating element 16 to be moved relative to the housing 11, a recess 17 is provided on one side of the housing 11. This recess 17 is located in the area between the two guide rails 13 and 14, so that the cleaning element 12 can be pushed forward and backward using the operating element 16.

[0031] As can be seen, the operating element 16 preferably protrudes from the housing 11 on one side. The operating element 16 and thus the recess 17 are arranged on one of the large side surfaces of the housing 11. The other side of the housing 11 accordingly has no recess 17, but is closed. This ensures sufficient stability and good handling, since the entire device 10 can be held between the fingers. Pushing out the cleaning element 12 using the operating element 16 can then be achieved, in particular, by grasping it with the thumb.

[0032] To ensure proper positioning of the device 10 in the interdental space to be cleaned, a guide projection 18 is provided. This guide projection 18 represents an extension of the lower guide rail 14. This guide projection 18 can be placed with its end portion against the depression between two adjacent teeth and the gums. This automatically ensures correct positioning of the device 10, and thus of the cleaning element 12. The cleaning element 12 is thus positioned with its end portion directly in front of the interdental space. However, it comes into little or no contact with the gums. This protects the gums, while simultaneously allowing the cleaning element 12 to be inserted directly into the interdental space.

[0033] By inserting the cleaning element 12 laterally into the interdental space, the interdental space is cleaned from the side. The negative effects of a cleaning element, such as dental floss, acting from above are thus avoided. Injury to the gums is also avoided by the design of the device 10.

[0034] The embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is intended specifically for cleaning the interdental spaces between the front teeth. Here, the device 10, and thus the cleaning element 12, can be inserted in a straight line with the respective interdental space.

[0035] In the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

[0036] The device 10 essentially corresponds to that of the first embodiment described above. The housing 11 also serves to accommodate the cleaning element 12.

[0037] The housing 11 also has two guide rails 13 and 14. These guide the cleaning element 12 along its side edges. The cleaning element 12 can therefore also be slid out of the housing 11. After use, as with all versions, it can be retracted and stored for the next use.

[0038] A control element 16 is also provided here for moving the cleaning element 12 within the housing 11. This element also protrudes from the recess 17.

[0039] One difference from the first embodiment is that the guide rails 13 and 14 do not run in a straight line here, but are curved. Specifically, the end regions of the guide rails 13 and 14 run on a curved path. This path runs approximately such that a 90° curve is described relative to the housing 11. In this way, the cleaning element 12 guided in the guide rails 13 and 14 is also forced onto this curved path, particularly when pushed out of the housing 11. The cleaning element 12 is also deflected approximately according to a 90° curve. The outer end region 15 of the cleaning element 12 is naturally deflected first.

[0040] The examples of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 and the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are designed to be used in the interdental spaces between the back teeth. The curved housings 11 and the overall curved guide, particularly the curved guide rails 13 and 14, serve this purpose.

[0041] This ensures that the housing 11 of the device 10 can be inserted from the front into the lateral area between the teeth and cheeks, in particular the inner sides of the cheeks. The cleaning element 12 can then, despite this frontal insertion into the mouth, be inserted into an interdental space when the cleaning element 12 is advanced from the side. This is achieved by deflecting the cleaning element 12 by approximately a right angle, or an angle of approximately 90°, to the longitudinal extent of the housing 11. First, the end region 15 and, as a result, the entire pushed-out part of the cleaning element 12 are thus deflected relative to the housing 11 by a right angle, i.e., 90°.

[0042] In this way, the device 10 can be placed lateral against the teeth, which is hardly possible in any other way, for example, in the area of ​​the molars. Nevertheless, the deflection allows for the cleaning element 12 to be directed at the correct angle from the side into the interdental space.

[0043] Additionally, the lower guide rail 14 is equipped with a projection 18. This projection 18 protrudes beyond the rest of the housing 11. It is also part of the guide rail 14. Thus, the projection 18 of the guide rail 14 also guides the cleaning element 12. The projection 18 serves to facilitate positioning in an interdental space. The projection 18 is designed to be inserted into the recess between two adjacent teeth, directly at the gum line.

[0044] The two examples of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 on the one hand and Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, on the other hand, are essentially virtually identical. Both have a curved guide with guide rails 13 and 14, respectively. However, these are two oppositely curved guides. Looking at the lower guide rail 14 with the projection 18, the mirror symmetry of the two embodiments is clearly visible. This symmetry is also referred to as handedness or, in chemistry, chirality. In other words, the respective row of teeth being machined as well as the handling and thus the operation of the device 10 are taken into account.

[0045] While the device of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is bent to the left, so to speak, when viewed from above, the device of the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 viewed from above, so to speak, to the right. This is the Fig. 4 and 6 respectively can be easily removed.

[0046] Thus, the device 10 according to the second embodiment, with left-angled guide rails 13, 14, is particularly well suited for the left side of the lower row of teeth and the right side of the upper row of teeth. Both the projection 18 and the direct insertion of the cleaning element 12 are possible.

[0047] The right side of the lower dental floss according to the third embodiment is particularly well suited for the left upper row of teeth and the right lower row of teeth. Here, too, the projection 18 can be easily positioned and the cleaning element 12 can be inserted directly into the corresponding interdental space.

[0048] As a result, the three embodiments described above offer particular advantages, especially when combined. With the first embodiment of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, all interdental spaces that are directly accessible from the front, especially the front incisors, can be reached directly. The second and third embodiments according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 or Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 is intended for cleaning the spaces further back between the teeth, especially the molars. Depending on the position, the second or third embodiment is optimal.

[0049] Depending on which row of teeth is to be machined, one of the three embodiments can be selected, as it may be better suited to the specific position than the other two.

[0050] This allows for targeted cleaning of the interdental spaces, especially while on the go, such as in a restaurant. Due to their small dimensions, the devices 10 can be taken along at any time. For example, a container (not shown here), such as a can or a case, can contribute to easy transport. Operation is simple and almost self-explanatory. This can also make a significant contribution to dental health.

[0051] In principle, other embodiments are also conceivable that take specific aspects of tooth cleaning into account. For example, different exit angles of the cleaning element 12 from the housing 11 can be achieved by a different guide, in particular different curvatures and / or lengths of the curved guide rails 13, 14. Interchangeable components of the device can also possibly be provided, such as a change of the cleaning elements 12 in the housing 11.

[0052] A method for cleaning interdental spaces is characterized in particular by inserting a cleaning element 12 into the interdental space, preferably using a device 10 according to the invention. The insertion occurs in a lateral direction, typically from the outside, i.e., from the direction of the cheeks.

[0053] The cleaning element 12 is designed, in particular, to be flat or sheet-shaped. It is preferably a strip. It can be inserted into the interdental space by means of the device 10, and preferably through it. If it protrudes on the other side, it can push out any foreign matter, such as food residue, along with it.

[0054] Differently shaped housings 11 of the device 10 with differently aligned guide rails 13, 14 serve to guide the cleaning element 12 into the interdental space. The shape of the housing 11 is adapted to the specific application. This is achieved, in particular, by suitable guide projections 18 on the one hand and a suitable bend in the guide provided by the guide rails 13, 14 on the other.

[0055] The cleaning element 12 is suitably guided in a straight line by the guide rails 13, 14 in the area of ​​the exit from the housing 11 in the case of the first embodiment. If necessary, it is deflected by the curved guide rails 13, 14 in the area of ​​the exit from the housing 11 in the case of the second or third embodiment. This ensures that the end region 15 of the cleaning element 12 is always aligned towards the interdental space. The cleaning element 12 can then be inserted with its end region 15 in a straight direction into the interdental space. This ensures that it can be applied to the interdental space perpendicular to the extension direction of the cleaning element 12.

[0056] Thus, the housing 11 with curved guide rails 13, 14 can be easily inserted from the front through the mouth opening with the guide projection 18 positioned laterally into the interdental space. The guidance and deflection provided by the guide rails 13, 14 then ensures that the cleaning element 12 can be inserted from the front into the oral cavity between the row of teeth and the cheek using the operating element 16. Due to the deflection, the cleaning element 12 can still be inserted laterally into the interdental space. List of reference symbols 10 Device 11 housings 12 Cleaning element 13 Guide rail 14 Guide rail 15 End area 16 Control element 17 Recess 18 lead

Claims

[1] Device (10) for cleaning interdental spaces, with a cleaning element (12) which can be inserted into an interdental space for removing foreign bodies from the interdental space, with a housing (11) for receiving and guiding the cleaning element (12), wherein the housing (11) has at least one lower guide rail (14) for guiding the cleaning element (12), wherein the cleaning element (12) can be pushed into the interdental space, characterized by that the lower guide rail (14) has a projection (18) for positioning in the interdental space. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cleaning element (12) can be pushed laterally into the interdental space, wherein it can preferably be pushed through the interdental space from one side to the other. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the cleaning element (12) has a rigidity for insertion into an interdental space, is preferably shear-resistant and / or shear-stable, preferably made of a flexible material and / or that the cleaning element (12) is strip-shaped and / or flat. [4] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning element (12) has a tapered end region (15), preferably as a pointed end region (15) and / or with a rounded tip, preferably for easier insertion into the interdental space, wherein the taper of the cleaning element (12) is preferably provided on one side and / or in relation to one of its side edges. [5] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning element (12) is connected to the housing (11), in particular detachably. [6] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cleaning element (12) can be pushed into and out of the housing (11), wherein the cleaning element (12) can preferably be pushed directly out of the housing (11) into the interdental space and / or wherein the cleaning element (12) can preferably be retracted from the interdental space into the housing (11). [7] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an operating element (16) is provided for pushing the cleaning element (12), further preferably an operating element (16) that can be operated with a finger, in particular a slider. [8] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for pushing the cleaning element (12) there is provided an operating element (16) which can be operated from both sides and is operated with two fingers, in particular for gripping between the thumb and index finger of one hand. [9] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cleaning element (12) has a constant thickness, wherein the thickness of the cleaning element (12) is approximately between 0.001 mm and 2 mm, more preferably between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm, more preferably approximately 0.05 mm. [10] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cleaning element (12) is formed from metal and / or plastic and / or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP), wherein it is preferably formed as a metal strip, and / or that the housing (11) is formed from metal and / or plastic and / or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP). [11] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (11) has two guide rails (13, 14) for guiding the cleaning element (12), in particular for lateral guidance of the cleaning element (12). [12] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one wiper is provided for cleaning the cleaning element (12) when it is withdrawn from the interdental space, in particular when it is withdrawn into the housing (11). [13] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the housing (11) provides a straight guide or a curved guide for the cleaning element (12), wherein in particular the cleaning element (12), preferably at least its free end region (15), is guided in a straight or curved manner with respect to the longitudinal extent of the housing (11). [14] Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that replaceable components are provided, in particular the cleaning element (12) can be replaceable, wherein the cleaning element (12) is preferably detachably connected to the housing (11). [15] Method for operating a device (10) for cleaning an interdental space according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more of the following steps: a) Selection of a device (10) suitable for the interdental space to be cleaned, b) applying the device (10) for cleaning to the interdental space to be cleaned by means of the projection (18) into the recess between two adjacent teeth and the gum, c) pushing the cleaning element (12) out of the housing (11), in particular by means of the operating element (16), d) laterally pressing out any food residues from the interdental space by means of the cleaning element (12), e) Retracting the cleaning element (12) from the interdental space, preferably by retracting the cleaning element (12) into the housing (11).

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