Toothbrush

Abstract

To provide a toothbrush capable of sufficiently obtaining a massage effect of the gum and a cleaning force and a cleaning actual feeling of tooth surfaces.SOLUTION: A toothbrush comprises a rod-like handle part, a head part and a plurality of bristle bundles. The head part is disposed in the front end of the handle part and has an implantation surface. The implantation surface includes a central region, a first outer region and a second outer region. The central region is positioned between the first outer region and the second outer region in the width direction. The bristle bundles implanted in the central region include first cleaning bristles having a length of 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less. The bristle bundles implanted in the first outer region and the second outer region include first massage bristles having a length of 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less. A value obtained by subtracting the length of the first cleaning bristle from the length of the first massage bristle is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-10498 (Patent Document 1) discloses a toothbrush. This toothbrush includes a handle and a head provided at the front end of the handle. The head is equipped with a cleaning bristle bundle including a plurality of cleaning bristles and a massaging bristle bundle including a plurality of massaging bristles. Each of the massaging bristles has a smaller cross-sectional area than the cleaning bristles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-10498 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the toothbrush disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, although a sufficient gum massaging effect is obtained, there is a possibility that the cleaning power and feeling of cleaning on the tooth surface may not be sufficiently obtained.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its purpose is to provide a toothbrush that has a sufficient gum massaging effect, as well as sufficient cleaning power and a feeling of cleaning on the tooth surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The toothbrush according to the present invention includes a rod-shaped handle, a head, and a plurality of bristle tufts. The rod-shaped handle extends in the front-to-rear direction. The head is provided at the front end of the handle and has a bristle-implanted surface. Each of the plurality of bristle tufts is implanted on the bristle-implanted surface. The plurality of bristle tufts are arranged on the bristle-implanted surface in the front-to-rear direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The bristle-implanted surface includes a central region, a first outer region, and a second outer region. The central region is located between the first outer region and the second outer region along the width direction. The bristle tufts implanted in the central region include first cleaning bristles having a length of 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less. The bristle tufts implanted in each of the first outer region and the second outer region include first massaging bristles having a length of 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less. The value obtained by subtracting the length of the first cleaning bristles from the length of the first massaging bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

[0007] The inventor(s) discovered that when the length of the first cleaning bristles is 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, the length of the first massaging bristles is 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length of the first cleaning bristles from the length of the first massaging bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, the toothbrush can provide a sufficient massage effect on the gums, as well as a sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces. In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the length of the first cleaning bristles is 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, the length of the first massaging bristles is 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length of the first cleaning bristles from the length of the first massaging bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, with this toothbrush, the gum massage effect, as well as the sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces can be provided.

[0008] In the toothbrush, the thickness of the first cleaning bristles may be 6.5 mils or more and 9.5 mils or less, the thickness of the first massage bristles may be 3.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massage bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles may be 1.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less.

[0009] The inventor(s) further discovered that a toothbrush can provide a sufficient gum massage effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel when used, when the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is between 6.5 mils and 9.5 mils, the thickness of the first massaging bristles is between 3.5 mils and 5.5 mils, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massaging bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is between 1.5 mils and 5.5 mils. In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is between 6.5 mils and 9.5 mils, the thickness of the first massaging bristles is between 3.5 mils and 5.5 mils, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massaging bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is between 1.5 mils and 5.5 mils. Therefore, this toothbrush can provide a sufficient gum massage effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel when used.

[0010] In the above toothbrush, the bristle bundles planted in the central region may include second cleaning bristles having a length of 7.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less, and the bristle bundles planted in each of the first outer region and the second outer region may include second massage bristles having a length of 8.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length of the second cleaning bristles from the length of the second massage bristles may be 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

[0011] The inventor(s) further discovered that when the length of the second cleaning bristles is 7.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less, the length of the second massaging bristles is 8.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length of the second cleaning bristles from the length of the second massaging bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less, the toothbrush can provide a sufficient massage effect on the gums, as well as a sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces. In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the length of the second cleaning bristles is 7.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less, the length of the second massaging bristles is 8.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length of the second cleaning bristles from the length of the second massaging bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, with this toothbrush, the gum massage effect, as well as the sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces can be provided.

[0012] In the toothbrush, the thickness of the second cleaning bristles may be 6.5 mils or more and 9.5 mils or less, the thickness of the second massage bristles may be 3.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the second massage bristles from the thickness of the second cleaning bristles may be 1.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less.

[0013] The inventor(s) further discovered that when the thickness of the second cleaning bristles is 6.5 mils or more and 9.5 mils or less, the thickness of the second massaging bristles is 3.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the second massaging bristles from the thickness of the second cleaning bristles is 1.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less, the toothbrush can provide a sufficient massage effect on the gums, as well as a sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces. In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the thickness of the second cleaning bristles is 6.5 mils or more and 9.5 mils or less, the thickness of the second massaging bristles is 3.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the second massaging bristles from the thickness of the second cleaning bristles is 1.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less. Therefore, with this toothbrush, the gum massage effect, as well as the sufficient cleaning power and cleaning feel on the tooth surfaces can be provided.

[0014] In the above toothbrush, the length of the first cleaning bristles may be 11.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, the length of the first massage bristles may be 12.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, the thickness of the first cleaning bristles may be 7.5 mil or more and 8.5 mil or less, the thickness of the first massage bristles may be 4.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massage bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles may be 2.5 mil or more and 3.5 mil or less.

[0015] The inventor(s) further discovered that when the length of the first cleaning bristles is 11.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, the length of the first massage bristles is 12.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 7.5 mil or more and 8.5 mil or less, the thickness of the first massage bristles is 4.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massage bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 2.5 mil or more and 3.5 mil or less, the gum massaging effect of the toothbrush, and the cleaning power and cleaning sensation of the tooth surface by the toothbrush can be obtained more satisfactorily. In the toothbrush according to the present invention, the length of the first cleaning bristles is 11.5 mm to 12.5 mm, the length of the first massaging bristles is 12.5 mm to 13.5 mm, the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 7.5 mil to 8.5 mil, the thickness of the first massaging bristles is 4.5 mil to 5.5 mil, and the value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the first massaging bristles from the thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 2.5 mil to 3.5 mil. Therefore, with this toothbrush, the gum massage effect and the tooth surface cleaning power and cleaning feeling can be obtained more sufficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a toothbrush that has a sufficient gum massaging effect, as well as sufficient cleaning power and a feeling of cleaning on the tooth surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a toothbrush. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the head portion and the first and second bristle bundles attached thereto. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the head portion and the first and second bristle bundles attached thereto. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the lengths of cleaning bristles and massaging bristles of a toothbrush. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the thicknesses of cleaning bristles and massaging bristles in a toothbrush. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 shows the results of a plaque removal test on a tooth surface. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows the results of a plaque removal power test on the occlusal surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, each drawing is drawn schematically with objects appropriately omitted or exaggerated.

[0019] [1. Configuration] Fig. 1 is a plan view schematically showing a toothbrush 10 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the toothbrush 10 includes a rod-shaped handle portion 100, a head portion 200, a plurality of first bristle bundles 300, and a plurality of second bristle bundles 301. The head portion 200 is connected to the axial tip portion of the handle portion 10. The plurality of first bristle bundles 300 and the plurality of second bristle bundles 301 are implanted on a bristle implantation surface F1 of the head portion 200.

[0020] In this specification, the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions are defined as shown in Figures 1 and 2. The front-rear direction corresponds to the axial direction of the handle unit 100. The tip end side of the handle unit 100 to which the head unit 200 is connected is the "front," and the opposite side is the "rear." The left-right direction is a direction parallel to the bristle implantation surface F1 and perpendicular to the axial direction of the handle unit 100 (width direction). The left side as you face the bristle implantation surface F1 is the "left," and the right side as you face the bristle implantation surface F1 is the "right." The up-down direction is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear and left-right directions. The root side of each of the first bristle bundle 300 and the second bristle bundle 301 is the "bottom," and the tip side of each of the first bristle bundle 300 and the second bristle bundle 301 is the "top."

[0021] The handle portion 100 is rod-shaped and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The handle portion 100 includes a rod-shaped base portion 110, a connecting portion 120, and a mounting portion 130. The base portion 110 is the portion that the user grips with their hand when using the toothbrush 10. The connecting portion 120 connects the base portion 110 to the head portion 200. The base portion 110 and the connecting portion 120 are integrally formed. The connecting portion 120 is rod-shaped and thinner than the base portion 110. Mounting portions 130 are formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the tip of the base portion 110. The mounting portion 130 is the portion on which the user places their fingers when using the toothbrush 10. The mounting portion 130 is formed with an uneven surface, for example, to provide a non-slip effect for fingers. Furthermore, the mounting portion 130 may be provided with rubber or the like to provide a non-slip effect for fingers. The material of the handle portion 100 is not particularly limited, but typically the handle portion 100 is made of synthetic resin except for the portion where the above-mentioned rubber or the like is disposed.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the head unit 200 and the first bristle bundle 300 and second bristle bundle 301 attached thereto. FIG. 3 is a side view of the head unit 200 and the first bristle bundle 300 and second bristle bundle 301 attached thereto. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the head unit 200 is formed in the shape of a thin plate in the vertical direction, and has a rectangular shape with the four corners gently cut off in a plan view. The front end of the head unit 200 is curved slightly outward in a plan view. A bristle implantation surface F1 is formed on the upper surface of the head unit 200. The bristle implantation surface F1 has a substantially octagonal shape that is long in the front-to-rear direction.

[0023] A plurality of holes H1 are formed in the bristle implantation surface F1. Each of the plurality of holes H1 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. A first bristle bundle 300 or a second bristle bundle 301 is implanted in each of the plurality of holes H1. The holes H1 are arranged in the front-rear and left-right directions on the bristle implantation surface F1. The shape of the holes H1 is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a perfect circle, an ellipse, a polygon, etc. In this embodiment, the shapes and diameters of the plurality of holes H1 on the bristle implantation surface F1 are all substantially the same. The diameter of each hole H1 is, for example, 0.5 mm to 2 mm. Note that the shape of the hole H1 here refers to the shape in a planar view, and the diameter of the hole H1 here refers to the maximum diameter of the outline of the hole H1 in a planar view.

[0024] As described above, each of the plurality of holes H1 is implanted with a first bristle bundle 300 or a second bristle bundle 301. The first bristle bundle 300 is formed by bundling a plurality of cleaning bristles. The second bristle bundle 301 is formed by bundling a plurality of massage bristles. The first bristle bundle 300 is configured to have a higher plaque removal effect (cleaning effect) when brushing than the second bristle bundle 301. The second bristle bundle 301 is configured to have a softer contact with the tooth surfaces and gums than the first bristle bundle 300, resulting in a higher massage effect. As will be described in detail later, the cleaning bristles and the massage bristles are made of the same material, but the thickness (cross-sectional area) of the cleaning bristles is thicker than the thickness of the massage bristles, and the length of the cleaning bristles is shorter than the length of the massage bristles. Therefore, the first bristle bundle 300 is stronger than the second bristle bundle 301.

[0025] The second bristle bundles 301 are indicated by white circles in Fig. 2 and are arranged in two rows on the left and right outside of the head unit 200, with one bristle bundle located on the extension line between the two rows. More specifically, the second bristle bundles 301 are arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis passing through the center of the head unit 200, with five bristle bundles arranged in the front-to-rear direction along the linear side edge of the head unit 200 in the outermost row, and four bristle bundles arranged in the front-to-rear direction in the inner row, with one bristle bundle located between the rows and behind the last bristle bundle in each row.

[0026] The first bristle bundles 300 are indicated by black circles in FIG. 2 and are arranged inside the second bristle bundles 301 in a row on the outside. The first bristle bundles 300 are arranged symmetrically about an axis passing through the center of the head unit 200 and are arranged in the front-to-back direction of the head unit 200. The bristle implantation surface F1 has, from front to rear, a first region A10, a second region A11, and a third region A12. The first region A10 is the front portion of the bristle implantation surface F1, the third region A12 is the rear portion of the bristle implantation surface F1, and the second region A11 is the middle portion of the bristle implantation surface F1 in the front-to-back direction. A total of 15 first bristle bundles 300 are arranged in the first region A10, 6 in the third region A12, and 8 in the second region A11.

[0027] Here, in the second region A11, two vertical rows of four first hair bundles 300 are arranged. In the third region A12, three vertical rows of two first hair bundles 300 are arranged. Between each of the three vertical rows in the third region A12, there is an extension of the two vertical rows in the second region A11. Therefore, in the third region A12, the first hair bundles 300 are arranged so as to spread outward more than in the second region A11.

[0028] In the first region A10, four horizontal rows are arranged with two, four, five, and four first hair bundles 300 arranged in that order from the front row. Except for the frontmost row, the first hair bundles 300 are arranged in a staggered pattern. In the first region A10, six first hair bundles 300 are arranged on an extension of the two vertical rows in the second region A11, and one is arranged inside of that. In addition, the other eight first hair bundles 300 are arranged outside the extension of the two vertical rows in the second region A11. Therefore, the first hair bundles 300 are arranged in the first region A10 so as to extend outward from the second region A11.

[0029] In the first region A10, two first hair bundles 300 are arranged on the extension line of the two innermost rows of the second hair bundles 301, one on each side, and one on each side of the first hair bundles 300 is arranged further outward than these. Note that these outer first hair bundles 300 are located on a line in the front-to-rear direction that passes through the rearmost second hair bundle 301.

[0030] As such, the first hair bundles 300 are arranged in an arrow-like shape on the hair implantation surface F1 of the head unit 200 in a plan view. The arrow-like shape refers to a shape in which the arrowhead and arrowhead extend outward beyond the shaft portion between them. The area of ​​the hair implantation surface F1 can also be divided into a central area A1, an outer area A2, and an outer area A3. For example, in the second area A11, the central area A1 is located between the outer areas A2 and A3 in the width direction. The outer area A2 is located to the left of the central area A1, and the outer area A3 is located to the right of the central area A1. It can also be said that the first hair bundles 300 are implanted in the central area A1, and the second hair bundles 301 are implanted in each of the outer areas A2 and A3.

[0031] The width W1 of the head unit 200 is not particularly limited as long as it does not cause any inconvenience in handling the head unit 200 in the user's oral cavity, but is preferably 10 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 13 mm to 17 mm, and even more preferably 14 mm to 16 mm. The larger the width W1 of the head unit 200, the more rows of bristle bundles can be planted side by side in the left-right direction on the bristle-implanted surface A1, allowing for cleaning of a larger area at one time. For example, preferably five or more rows, more preferably six or more rows of bristle bundles (first bristle bundles 300 or second bristle bundles 301) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction on the bristle-implanted surface F1. The width of the head unit 200 refers to the maximum width of the head unit 200 in the left-right direction. The material of the head unit 200 is not particularly limited, but the head unit 200 is typically formed of a synthetic resin. The head unit 200 is, for example, integrally formed from the same material as the handle unit 100.

[0032] [2. Relationship between cleaning bristles and massage bristles] To prevent periodontal disease, it is necessary to achieve a sufficient gum massaging effect, as well as sufficient cleaning power and a feeling of cleanliness on the tooth surface through use of a toothbrush. As described above, the first bristle bundle 300 is formed by bundling a plurality of cleaning bristles, and the second bristle bundle 301 is formed by bundling a plurality of massaging bristles. The thickness of the cleaning bristles is thicker than the thickness of the massaging bristles. The inventor(s) found that if the length of the cleaning bristles and the length of the massaging bristles are the same, a sufficient gum massaging effect can be achieved, but sufficient cleaning power and a feeling of cleanliness on the tooth surface may not be achieved.

[0033] In order to obtain sufficient cleaning power and a cleaning sensation on the tooth surface, it is conceivable to shorten the length of the cleaning bristles. This is because, as the cleaning bristles become shorter, the cleaning bristles become stiffer. However, if the stiff cleaning bristles are too short, the stiff massaging bristles tend to fall over, and the gum massage effect is not sufficiently achieved. The inventor(s) discovered that by adjusting the length of each of the cleaning bristles and massaging bristles in a toothbrush, it is possible to obtain a sufficient gum massage effect, as well as sufficient cleaning power and a cleaning sensation on the tooth surface. In the toothbrush 10 according to this embodiment, the lengths of the cleaning bristles and massaging bristles are adjusted from this perspective.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship in length between the cleaning bristles and the massaging bristles in the toothbrush 10. Referring to Figure 4, the diagram on the left shows a state in which the massaging bristles 315 are planted in the hole H1, and the diagram on the right shows a state in which the cleaning bristles 310 are planted in the hole H1. In each diagram, only one bristles is shown planted in the hole H1, but in reality, multiple bristles are planted in each hole H1.

[0035] Each of the massage bristles 315 and the cleaning bristles 310 is fixed in the hole H1 by being pressed from above by a flat wire 320. The flat wire 320 is a metal member extending in the front-to-rear direction. When the massage bristles 315 are fixed in the hole H1, the first massage bristles M1 and the second massage bristles M2 protrude upward from the hole H1. In this embodiment, the tip of the first massage bristles M1 is tapered, while the tip of the second massage bristles M2 is not tapered. The length of each of the first massage bristles M1 and the second massage bristles M2 is the length of the portion located above the hair implantation surface F1. The length LM1 of the first massage bristles M1 is longer than the length LM2 of the second massage bristles M2.

[0036] When the cleaning bristles 310 are fixed in the holes H1, the first cleaning bristles C1 and the second cleaning bristles C2 protrude upward from the holes H1. In this embodiment, the tip of the first cleaning bristles C1 is tapered, while the tip of the second cleaning bristles C2 is not tapered. The length of each of the first cleaning bristles C1 and the second cleaning bristles C2 is the length of the portion located above the implantation surface F1. The length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is longer than the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2.

[0037] The length LM1 of the first massage bristles M1 is longer than the length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1. By subtracting the length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 from the length LM1 of the first massage bristles M1, the difference LD1 between the length LM1 of the first massage bristles M1 and the length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is obtained. The length LM2 of the second massage bristles M2 is longer than the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2. By subtracting the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2 from the length LM2 of the second massage bristles M2, the difference LD2 between the length LM2 of the second massage bristles M2 and the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2 is obtained.

[0038] In toothbrush 10, the length LM1 of the first massaging bristles M1 is 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, and the length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less. The difference LD1 between the length LM1 of the first massaging bristles M1 and the length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The inventor(s) discovered that by satisfying these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel can be obtained. Because toothbrush 10 satisfies these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel can be obtained.

[0039] Furthermore, the length LM2 of the second massaging bristles M2 is 8.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less, and the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2 is 7.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. The difference LD2 between the length LM2 of the second massaging bristles M2 and the length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2 is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. The inventor(s) discovered that by further satisfying these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel can be obtained. Because toothbrush 10 satisfies these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning feel can be obtained.

[0040] 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the thicknesses of the cleaning bristles and the massaging bristles of the toothbrush 10. Referring to FIG. 5, the diagram on the left schematically shows a cross section of the massaging bristles 315, and the diagram on the right schematically shows a cross section of the cleaning bristles 310. The thickness (diameter) RC1 of the cleaning bristles 310 is thicker than the thickness RM1 of the massaging bristles 315. By subtracting the thickness RM1 of the massaging bristles 315 from the thickness RC1 of the cleaning bristles 310, the difference RD1 between the thickness RC1 of the cleaning bristles 310 and the thickness RM1 of the massaging bristles 315 is obtained.

[0041] In toothbrush 10, the thickness RC1 of cleaning bristles 310 is 6.5 mils or more and 9.5 mils or less, and the thickness RM1 of massaging bristles 315 is 3.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less. The difference RD1 between the thickness RC1 of cleaning bristles 310 and the thickness RM1 of massaging bristles 315 is 1.5 mils or more and 5.5 mils or less. The inventor(s) discovered that by further satisfying these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning sensation can be obtained. Because toothbrush 10 satisfies these conditions, a sufficient gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning sensation can be obtained.

[0042] The inventors have also discovered that when the following conditions (1) to (5) are met, the gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning sensation can be obtained more effectively. (1) The length LC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is 11.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less. (2) The length LM1 of the first massage bristles M1 is 12.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less. (3) The thickness RC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 is 7.5 mil or more and 8.5 mil or less. (4) The thickness RM1 of the first massage bristles M1 is 4.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less. (5) The difference RD1 between the thickness RC1 of the first cleaning bristles C1 and the thickness RM1 of the first massaging bristles M1 is 2.5 mil or more and 3.5 mil or less.

[0043] The toothbrush 10 satisfies these conditions, and therefore can provide a better gum massaging effect, as well as better tooth surface cleaning power and cleaning sensation.

[0044] Furthermore, the inventor(s) have discovered that when the following conditions (6) and (7) are additionally satisfied, the gum massaging effect, tooth surface cleaning power, and cleaning sensation can be obtained even better. (6) The length LC2 of the second cleaning bristles C2 is 8.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less. (7) The length LM2 of the second massage bristles M2 is 9.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less.

[0045] Toothbrush 10 satisfies these conditions, and therefore can provide an even better gum massaging effect, as well as better tooth surface cleaning power and cleaning sensation.

[0046] [3. Features] As described above, in toothbrush 10 according to this embodiment, the length LC1 of first cleaning bristles C1 is 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, the length LM1 of first massage bristles M1 is 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, and the value obtained by subtracting the length LC1 of first cleaning bristles C1 from the length LM1 of first massage bristles M1 is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. Therefore, toothbrush 10 can provide a sufficient gum massaging effect, as well as sufficient cleaning power and a feeling of cleaning on the tooth surfaces.

[0047] 4. Other Embodiments The concept of the above embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above. Hereinafter, examples of other embodiments to which the concept of the above embodiment can be applied will be described.

[0048] <4-1> The number of hair bundle rows included in each of the central region A1, the outer region A2, and the outer region A3 is not limited to those described above. For example, the number of hair bundle rows included in the central region A1 may be only one vertical row, or three or more vertical rows. The number of hair bundle rows included in the outer region A2 may be only one vertical row, or three or more vertical rows. The number of hair bundle rows included in the outer region A3 may be only one vertical row, or three or more vertical rows. However, it is preferable that the same number of hair bundle rows be arranged in the outer region A2 and the outer region A3.

[0049] <4-2> Furthermore, each of the cleaning bristles 310 and the massaging bristles 315 has a tapered end and the other end not tapered. However, the configuration of each of the cleaning bristles 310 and the massaging bristles 315 is not limited to this. Each of the cleaning bristles 310 and the massaging bristles 315 may have a tapered end or may not have a tapered end.

[0050] The above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are disclosed for the purpose of illustrative explanation. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings may be non-essential components for solving the problems. Therefore, just because these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, it should not be immediately recognized that these non-essential components are essential.

[0051] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects. Various improvements and modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least a portion of the configuration of any of the embodiments may be combined with at least a portion of the configuration of any of the other embodiments. In other words, when implementing the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment. [Example]

[0052] Examples of the present invention will be described below, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[0053] [1. Examples and Comparative Examples] Toothbrushes of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6 were produced. In each of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6, the handle and head configurations were the same as those shown in Figs. 1 and 2. That is, in each of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6, the cleaning bristles (first bristles) and the massaging bristles (second bristles) were arranged as shown in Fig. 2. In each of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6, 15 to 21 cleaning bristles were planted in the holes provided in the head where cleaning bristles were planted, and 42 to 56 cleaning bristles were planted in the holes provided in the head where massaging bristles were planted. In Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6, the length and thickness of each cleaning bristles and each massaging bristles were adjusted so that the combinations of length and thickness of each cleaning bristles and each massaging bristles were different from each other.

[0054] The length and thickness of each cleaning bristles and each massaging bristles in Examples 1-12 were as shown in Table 1. The length and thickness of each cleaning bristles and each massaging bristles in Comparative Examples 1-6 were as shown in Table 2.

[0055] [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0056] [2. Various Tests] The following tests were carried out using the toothbrushes of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6.

[0057] <2-1. Monitor Test> A monitoring test was conducted using the toothbrushes of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6. Ten participants participated in the monitoring test, which lasted for 18 days. Each participant used 18 toothbrushes of Examples 1-12 and Comparative Examples 1-6, one per day, for 18 days. Each participant was asked to use the same toothbrush on the same day. Each participant used the toothbrush after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and evaluated the plaque removal power and massaging effect of the toothbrush they used. Plaque removal power and massaging effect were each rated on a scale of 1 to 4 points (in increments of 1 point, the higher the score, the better the evaluation). The average scores of the 10 participants were rounded up or down to obtain the evaluation results for plaque removal power and massaging effect. Toothbrushes with a total score of 6 points or more were considered to pass.

[0058] <2-2. Plaque removal test> Artificial plaque was applied to the tooth portion of the jaw model (region: lower left 6), allowed to dry, and the tooth surface was photographed before brushing. Using a brushing machine, the tooth portion of the jaw model was brushed with each of the toothbrushes from Example 3 and Comparative Example 1. The brushing load was 300 g (set by the toothbrush pressure tester installed on the brushing machine), the reciprocating distance was 22 mm, and the operating speed was 120 strokes / min. After brushing for 10 seconds (20 strokes), a photograph of the tooth surface was taken in the same manner. Using the image analysis software ImageJ, the area of ​​artificial plaque application on the tooth surface before brushing and the area of ​​artificial plaque removal on the tooth surface after brushing were measured. From these values, the artificial plaque removal rate (%) was calculated, which was defined as the plaque removal rate. The same brushing test was also performed on the occlusal surface. N = 3 tests were performed, and analysis between subjects was performed using a two-sample t-test assuming equal variance.

[0059] [3. Results of various tests] The results of the monitor test on the toothbrushes of Examples 1-12 are shown in Table 3. The results of the monitor test on the toothbrushes of Comparative Examples 1-6 are shown in Table 4.

[0060] [Table 3] [Table 4] The toothbrushes in Examples 1-12 were evaluated as passing, while those in Comparative Examples 1-6 were evaluated as not passing. It was confirmed that excellent plaque removal power and massaging effect can be obtained when the length of the first massage bristles is 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, the length of the first cleaning bristles is 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, and the difference between the lengths of the first massage bristles and the first cleaning bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

[0061] Fig. 6 shows the results of the plaque removal power test on the tooth surface. Fig. 7 shows the results of the plaque removal power test on the occlusal surface. As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the results of the toothbrush of Example 3 were superior to the results of the toothbrush of Comparative Example 1 on both the tooth surface and the occlusal surface. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 10 toothbrush, 100 handle portion, 110 base portion, 120 connecting portion, 130 mounting portion, 200 head portion, 300 first bristle bundle, 301 second bristle bundle, 310 cleaning bristles, 315 massage bristles, 320 flat line, A1 central region, A2, A3 outer regions, A10 first region, A11 second region, A12 third region, C1 first cleaning bristles, C2 second cleaning bristles, F1 bristle implantation surface, H1, H2 holes, M1 first massage bristles, M2 second massage bristles.

Claims

1. a rod-shaped handle portion extending in the front-rear direction; a head portion provided at a front end of the handle portion and having a bristle-implanted surface; a plurality of bristle bundles each planted on the planted surface; The plurality of bristle bundles are arranged on the implanted surface in the front-rear direction and in a width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, the flocked surface includes a central region, a first outer region, and a second outer region; The central region is located between the first outer region and the second outer region along the width direction, the bristle bundles planted in the central region include first cleaning bristles having a length of 10.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less; the hair bundles implanted in each of the first outer region and the second outer region include first massage bristles having a length of 11.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less; The toothbrush, wherein the value obtained by subtracting the length of the first cleaning bristles from the length of the first massage bristles is 0.5 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.

2. The thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 6.5 mil or more and 9.5 mil or less, The thickness of the first massage bristles is 3.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less, 2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein a value obtained by subtracting a thickness of the first massaging bristles from a thickness of the first cleaning bristles is equal to or greater than 1.5 mil and equal to or less than 5.5 mil.

3. the bristle bundles planted in the central region include second cleaning bristles having a length of 7.5 mm or more and 9.5 mm or less; the tufts of hair planted in each of the first outer region and the second outer region include second massage bristles having a length of 8.5 mm or more and 10.5 mm or less; 3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a value obtained by subtracting a length of the second cleaning bristles from a length of the second massage bristles is equal to or greater than 0.5 mm and equal to or less than 1.5 mm.

4. The thickness of the second cleaning bristles is 6.5 mil or more and 9.5 mil or less, The thickness of the second massage bristles is 3.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less, 4. The toothbrush of claim 3, wherein a value obtained by subtracting a thickness of the second massaging bristles from a thickness of the second cleaning bristles is equal to or greater than 1.5 mil and equal to or less than 5.5 mil.

5. The length of the first cleaning bristles is 11.5 mm or more and 12.5 mm or less, The length of the first massage bristles is 12.5 mm or more and 13.5 mm or less, The thickness of the first cleaning bristles is 7.5 mil or more and 8.5 mil or less, The thickness of the first massage bristles is 4.5 mil or more and 5.5 mil or less, 3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, wherein a value obtained by subtracting a thickness of the first massaging bristles from a thickness of the first cleaning bristles is equal to or greater than 2.5 mil and equal to or less than 3.5 mil.

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