Toothbrushes that provide brushing instruction

Abstract

The toothbrush has a toothbrush head and a motion sensor integrated into the toothbrush for tracking the position of the toothbrush head. Brushing instructions are provided to the user while brushing their teeth, the instructions being for following a template brushing routine. This can be an actual brushing routine followed by another person or a virtual brushing routine. The brushing instructions are provided in real time to improve the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to toothbrushes, and more particularly to toothbrushes that provide brushing instruction. [Background technology]

[0002] Brushing teeth is a daily routine that people engage in from an early age, yet people often do not know about the effectiveness of their brushing technique or how to improve it. Furthermore, young children often need their parents to brush their teeth, an activity that can easily continue for several years.

[0003] It is known to incorporate position sensing into toothbrushes so that movements during a brushing session are remembered. For example, it is known that the position of the toothbrush can be monitored and tracked during a brushing session so that an analysis can be performed at the end of the complete session. In the post-session analysis, an app associated with the toothbrush can advise the user on where they brushed. This information can be used to learn better brushing behaviors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is difficult to learn and remember the necessary changes for the next brushing session from this post-session analysis. Thus, there remains a need to provide real-time brushing instruction during a brushing session.

[0005] US2019 / 320785A1 discloses a method for determining a user's compliance with a guided cleaning session during use of an oral cleaning device.

[0006] US2017 / 303673A1 discloses an oral hygiene system that provides motivational feedback to a user before brushing. The system is configured to communicate brushing information to a user after a first brushing session and before the user's second brushing session.

[0007] EP1379149A2 discloses a method for analyzing the usage of a subject's own toothbrush. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention is defined by the claims.

[0009] According to an example according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush comprising: A toothbrush head and a motion sensor integrated into the toothbrush for tracking the position of the toothbrush head; an output interface for providing brushing instructions to the user while performing tooth brushing; a controller; The above controller is receiving a template brushing routine that includes an actual brushing routine or a virtual brushing routine performed by another person; tracking the position of the toothbrush over time as sensed by the motion sensor during a user's toothbrushing routine; analyzing the correspondence between the current position in said template brushing routine and the current tracked position; The output interface is configured to control and provide real-time brushing instructions to improve the correspondence between a current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position.

[0010] The toothbrush guides the user to follow a desired tooth brushing routine by tracking toothbrush movement and comparing it to a desired routine (a "template brushing routine"). The toothbrush can be used as a training aid for, for example, children, or to assist users, such as adults, in performing an optimal brushing routine. Real-time feedback is provided to guide brushing movements, and brushing results can be evaluated after each session. Thus, adults can receive instruction from personalized virtual sessions, and children can be guided by human instructors such as their parents.

[0011] The template brushing routine can be the actual brushing routine that is simultaneously followed by a person instructing the toothbrush user, or it can be a simulated or virtual brushing routine, meaning a brushing routine defined by stored data.

[0012] The output interface may, for example, comprise an output device attached to the toothbrush for generating an output light, sound or vibration by the toothbrush, thus providing real-time guidance to the toothbrush itself.

[0013] The output interface may for example (alternatively or additionally) comprise a communication system for communicating with an external output device, such as a smartphone or tablet, which may have a richer user interface allowing more detailed information to be provided to the user.

[0014] The controller interprets the motion sensor information to obtain position information and compares the positions traversed during brushing to a template brushing routine.

[0015] The brushing instructions can include instructions to move the toothbrush from one mouth segment to the next. Thus, as the template brushing routine moves to a new segment in the oral cavity, the toothbrush provides real-time hints to the user to move to the same segment. Hints can be triggered if differences in motion style (e.g., too passive, too aggressive, too much / too little pressure, too much / too little scrubbing, etc.) are observed within a segment.

[0016] Brushing instructions may, for example, indicate left-right, up-down, and right-left movements using different tones or words.

[0017] The brushing instructions may comprise instructions for adapting the brushing style, which relates to the pressure to be applied, the speed of movement, the stroke length, etc.

[0018] The template brushing routine can have different toothbrush settings for different locations, and the controller is configured to automatically adapt the toothbrush settings during the user's toothbrush routine, so that different power settings can be automatically set for different parts of the brushing routine.

[0019] In one set of examples, the template brushing routine has a personalized brushing plan for the user. The personalized brushing plan, for example, defines brushing positions over time. The brushing positions can be based, for example, on the well-known six-segment definition of the oral cavity. However, the resolution can also be narrowed down to a single tooth.

[0020] The personalized brushing regimen can be updated over time, for example by a dentist, based on oral examinations of the user. It can also be updated automatically based on sensed oral health.

[0021] A template brushing routine may include, for example, brushing locations and time at each brushing location. It may also include toothbrush settings at different locations, so that brushing metrics such as brushing time, toothbrush settings, and brushing style (type of movement and brushing angle) can be applied to each brushing location.

[0022] A single user can have multiple brushing plans. Dentist feedback can be incorporated into the plans. The template brushing routine can be implemented in software running on the toothbrush, or it may be received from an external source such as the cloud, a PC, a mobile phone, or an intelligent charging device.

[0023] The template brushing routine can be based on general rules for effective brushing and on personal oral information such as number of teeth, whether orthodontic treatment is performed, tooth sensitivity information, plaque occurrence information, and gum recession information.

[0024] In another set of examples, the template brushing routine comprises a coaching brushing routine that another person using a different toothbrush follows while the user is performing the brushing routine, wherein the toothbrush includes a wireless receiver for receiving data wirelessly communicated from another toothbrush; The controller is configured to receive in real time from the other toothbrush a template brushing routine received by the wireless receiver.

[0025] In this case, one user (e.g., a parent) executes a tooth brushing routine for the user (e.g., a child) to follow, and the two toothbrushes are communicatively connected.

[0026] Another toothbrush (e.g., the parent's toothbrush) acts as the teacher, demonstrating good brushing behavior, and the user's toothbrush is the child's toothbrush, acting as the student.

[0027] In all use cases, the controller may be configured to generate an assessment of the similarity between the completed brushing routine and the template brushing routine. For example, to assess coaching effectiveness, a score can be generated regarding how similar two brushing sessions are. The score can be provided either on the toothbrush or in an offline assessment program (e.g., in an app or via an online account). Differences can also be tailored into advice for improving (reducing) the brushing routine.

[0028] The present invention also provides a tooth brushing system, comprising: A first toothbrush (used as a child's toothbrush) including the toothbrush described above; and a second toothbrush, wherein the second toothbrush comprises: A toothbrush head and A motion sensor; and a transmitter for transmitting data relating to a tooth brushing routine performed using the second toothbrush to the first toothbrush to serve as a template brushing routine for the first toothbrush.

[0029] The present invention also provides a method for providing brushing instructions to a toothbrush user, the method comprising: receiving a template brushing routine, which may comprise an actual brushing routine or a virtual brushing routine to be followed by another person; tracking the position of the toothbrush over time as sensed using the motion sensor during a user's toothbrushing routine; analyzing the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position; providing brushing instructions to improve the correspondence between a current position in the template brushing routine and a current tracked position.

[0030] The template brushing routine may, for example, comprise a coaching brushing routine for another person to follow using a different toothbrush while the user is performing the brushing routine, and the method may comprise receiving the template brushing routine from the different toothbrush in real time.

[0031] The present invention also provides a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to implement the method defined above when the program is run on a controller of a toothbrush.

[0032] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 shows a first example of a toothbrush according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 shows a second example of a toothbrush according to the present invention, including a second toothbrush that acts as a teacher. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates the workflow of the virtual brushing routine of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 illustrates the workflow of the actual brushing routine of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] For a better understanding of the present invention, and in order to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example only, in which:

[0035] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0036] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the figures are schematic only and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the figures to indicate the same or similar parts.

[0037] The present invention provides a toothbrush having a toothbrush head and a motion sensor integrated into the toothbrush for tracking the position of the toothbrush head. Brushing instructions are provided to a user while brushing their teeth, the instructions being for following a template brushing routine. This can be an actual brushing routine followed by another person or a virtual brushing routine. The brushing instructions are provided in real time to improve the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position.

[0038] Figure 1 shows a first example of a toothbrush according to the invention, in particular for use by an adult: There is one toothbrush that serves as the student's toothbrush, which is instructed by the brushing template.

[0039] The toothbrush 100 has a toothbrush head 102 and a handle 104. A motion sensor 106 is integrated into the toothbrush to track the position of the toothbrush head 102. The motion sensor can be in the handle (as shown), or it can be in the head as well. The motion sensor detects movement rather than absolute position. As a result, it can be located anywhere on the toothbrush. The head is typically disposable. As a result, it is preferable to place reusable components, such as sensors, in the handle. The motion sensor 106 is, for example, an inertial monitoring unit (IMU), which can incorporate a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope.

[0040] The motion sensor, together with processing algorithms implemented by the controller, allows for real-time location of the toothbrush. This processing, for example, derives or utilizes a starting position to provide information about the position of the toothbrush within the oral cavity. Such functionality is already implemented in existing commercially available electric toothbrushes and will not be described in further detail.

[0041] The output interface 122 provides brushing instructions to the user while brushing. The output interface can be located on the handle, such as a display panel, LED lights or a set of illuminated icons, and / or there may be an audible output using a speaker or a tactile output using a vibration generator. A speaker can be provided on the handle to indicate the direction of movement (left / right, up / down) with different tones / words. The feedback can be given directly from the toothbrush to relieve the user from interacting with the app, or if (part of) the processing is performed remotely in the app or an external unit, the feedback can also come from the app or an external unit.

[0042] The output interface may alternatively or additionally comprise a wireless transmitter for transmitting the output data to a remote device that functions as a user interface, such as a smartphone, tablet or charging station.

[0043] The controller 120 receives a template brushing routine 110, which in this first example comprises a virtual brushing routine for a particular user.

[0044] The toothbrush may be, for example, a power toothbrush with a motor (not shown) in the handle that is controlled by the controller 120 for different brushing modes (eg, different vibration frequencies or rotation speeds of the brushing head).

[0045] The controller 120 tracks the position of the toothbrush as sensed by the motion sensor 106 over time during the user's tooth brushing routine so that a correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position can be determined. The output interface 122 is thus controlled in real time to provide brushing instructions to improve the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position.

[0046] Thus, the controller in this first example utilizes a virtual brushing session, which is indicative of good, personalized brushing behavior.

[0047] The toothbrush user can be thought of as a student who is stimulated to follow (virtual) movements corresponding to a personalized template brushing routine that ensures good brushing behavior. It can be generated, for example, from three types of input: (i) General rules for efficient brushing. Current recommendations from the American Dental Association encourage brushing for two minutes, twice a day. Unfortunately, many people do not spend enough time brushing their teeth. Combining this rule with the well-known definition of the six segments of the oral cavity, the average time spent on each segment is 20 seconds. (ii) Personal dental condition, e.g.: number of teeth (e.g., segments with very few teeth require shorter brushing times); whether you have braces (braces mean less pressure, slower movements, and longer brushing times); (Temporary) tooth sensitivity / pain in certain areas (this means less pressure, slower movements, and shorter brushing times). (iii) Dentist feedback, e.g.: The occurrence of plaque recognized in a particular location in the mouth, which gives rise to advice regarding a longer brushing time and possibly increased brushing pressure in relation to this location; Recession of gums recognized in a particular location in the mouth, which gives rise to advice regarding a shorter brushing time and / or lower brushing pressure in relation to this location.

[0048] Based on these inputs, one or more personalized brushing regimens can be generated by a computer program or by manual analysis.

[0049] The template brushing routine includes the following elements: (i) Brushing position. Brushing position can be based on the well-known 6-segment definition of the oral cavity. However, it is not limited to this approach. The resolution can also be narrowed down to the known 12 or 16 segments, or even to a single tooth; (ii) Multiple brushing configurations / metrics can be applied to each brush position, for example: Brushing time; Toothbrush settings, i.e. parameters that define the behavior of the toothbrush, such as pressure, cleaning mode (for example, Clean, White+, Gum Health, Deep Clean+ for the Philips Sonicare+ toothbrush) and brush head type; Brushing style, i.e. how you move / scrub the toothbrush and at what angle it touches the teeth / gum line (how close it is to the so-called 45-degree bath angle); (iii) Brushing Sequence: Optionally, a brushing sequence can be included to guide the user in moving from one location to another in a prescribed order.

[0050] The resulting virtual session can be personalized and updated based on the individual's dental condition and other dentist feedback. A virtual brushing session can, for example, indicate that certain segments require longer brushing times with gentle movements due to receding gums.

[0051] This brushing template can be thought of as providing brushing instructions for a virtual teacher. Assume that the teacher and student start brushing from the same spot. When the (virtual) teacher's toothbrush moves to a different segment in the mouth, the student's toothbrush provides real-time hints to move to the same segment. Hints can also be triggered if differences in motion style within a segment are observed (e.g., too passive, too aggressive, too high / low pressure, too much / too little scrubbing, etc.).

[0052] The feedback acts as real-time coaching, encouraging the user to follow the teacher's brushing behavior. The coaching assists the user to follow the dynamics of the teacher session.

[0053] The template can include different toothbrush settings for different brushing positions. These setting changes can be applied automatically, or instructions can be given to the user to make setting adjustments.

[0054] Finally, to evaluate the effectiveness of the coaching, the user can be rewarded with a score indicating how similar the two brushing sessions are. The score can be provided on the toothbrush or by an offline evaluation program (e.g., in an app or via an online account). Differences can also be tailored to advice on improving (and thereby reducing) the brushing routine.

[0055] A template brushing routine may be a personalized ideal brushing plan that includes brushing locations, brushing time at each location, and optimal toothbrush settings to apply at each location. A single person can have multiple (ideal) brushing plans, and dentist feedback can be incorporated into such plans.

[0056] The template brushing routine, i.e., the personalized virtual brushing plan, is implemented in software that can be executed on the toothbrush itself or, optionally, external to the toothbrush, such as in the cloud, a PC, a mobile phone, or an intelligent charging device, requiring connectivity from the toothbrush to such external devices, such as Bluetooth, WIFI, or 5G.

[0057] FIG. 2 shows a second example of a toothbrush according to the present invention, specifically for use by a child. The overall system 200 now includes two toothbrushes. The child's toothbrush 100 is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 and functions as a student toothbrush, but instead of a software-based template brushing routine 110, this toothbrush includes a receiver 130 that receives the motions generated by the actual brushing routine from another toothbrush 150 while the user (child) is performing the brushing routine. The other toothbrush 150 is used by a parent (or other caregiver) to coach the brushing routine and functions as a teacher toothbrush. Thus, FIG. 1 uses a virtual teacher, while FIG. 2 uses a real teacher.

[0058] The template brushing routines are received in real time from other toothbrushes 150 by wireless receiver 130. The wireless receiver may be part of a transceiver that allows two-way communication. For example, a handshake protocol may be used for synchronization at startup.

[0059] Another toothbrush 150 has a toothbrush head 152 and a handle 154. A motion sensor 156 is integrated into the toothbrush to track the position of the toothbrush head 152. The motion sensor is again shown in the handle, but it could instead be in the head. The motion sensor 156 is again, for example, an inertial monitoring unit (IMU).

[0060] Other toothbrushes have a controller 160 and a wireless transmitter 170 for communicating with the children's toothbrush 100. The wireless transmitter may be part of a transceiver that allows two-way communication. As mentioned above, a handshake protocol may be used for synchronization at startup.

[0061] The toothbrush is again an electric toothbrush, with a motor (not shown) in the handle, also controlled by controller 160. Controller 160 tracks the position of toothbrush 150 over time as sensed by motion sensor 156 during the user's toothbrushing routine, which becomes a template brushing routine. Controller 120 in the children's toothbrush determines a correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position. Output interface 122 is then controlled in real time to provide brushing instructions to improve the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position, similar to the system of FIG. 1.

[0062] Adults use toothbrush 150 and demonstrate good brushing behavior.

[0063] The two toothbrushes are connected wirelessly (directly via Bluetooth, WIFI, 5G, etc., or indirectly via a cloud server or external unit).

[0064] In both use cases (FIGS. 1 and 2), by monitoring the position difference between the current brushing routine and the template brushing routine, the user toothbrush can provide the following feedback: (i) Basic feedback on whether they are in the same place or not. This motivates students to check for themselves how they can be better synchronized with the teacher. (ii) optional advanced feedback that provides students with advice on the direction to move to reach the same segment if their current location is not the same (e.g., different segment); (iii) optional advanced feedback in the form of an indication of movement speed or the amount of movement the student needs to make to catch up with the teacher's position. (iv) optional advanced feedback on the style of intra-segment motion (e.g., using slow sliding / rubbing motions instead of high-frequency jittering motions, applying more / less pressure, etc.);

[0065] The feedback can also be predictive, for example indicating that the transition from the current segment to the next segment is ahead. In the first example with a virtual teacher, the predictive approach is easy to implement. For the second example with an adult and a child, the predictive function can use, for example, a manual trigger (pressing a button) given by the adult.

[0066] More advanced feedback allows, for example, a student to follow the parent teacher without seeing how the parent teacher is brushing.

[0067] As mentioned above, feedback stimuli can be provided directly on the device without interacting with an app. Real-time feedback on the toothbrush can, for example, use an LED ring to indicate progress at the current location and an indicator to move to the next location via audio or vibration. Alternatively, stimuli can be provided via an external unit or app. Besides the benefit of enabling advanced user feedback (e.g., video), another advantage is that less computing power is required within the toothbrush. IMU data (raw or encoded) and / or extracted metrics (e.g., position) can be streamed to an external unit (or app) for further processing.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates the workflow of the virtual brushing routine of FIG.

[0069] The student turns on the brush, after which real-time coaching begins in step 300.

[0070] At the student's end, in step 302, the toothbrush periodically checks whether a new brushing location has been reached. When a new location is detected, the toothbrush refers to the personalized teacher's virtual session for brushing advice, i.e., brushing settings, duration, and style. Responses are obtained from a template brushing routine, specifying the required brushing settings and duration. Brushing settings are automatically adjusted at the student's end.

[0071] At step 304, real-time feedback is given to the user regarding the current location. Information provided by such feedback includes the time remaining or covered (as a percentage) at this location, and prompts to move to the next location, if appropriate. The real-time feedback can also include advice regarding technique, such as scrubbing style or brush angle.

[0072] For a user, there may be multiple template brushing routines, one of which the user may be guided to follow, and the system may therefore need to determine which template the user is most likely to follow.

[0073] The workflow is cyclical, repeatedly returning to step 302 until the coaching session ends, which occurs when the student turns off the brush.

[0074] For example, a user may subscribe to a virtual brushing schedule to gain access to a brushing schedule stored on a computer or network system. After subscribing, the user may download and update their personal brushing schedule.

[0075] The brushing schedule can also be updated (automatically) from the individual's brushing history for a previous period, such as the past number of days. For example, (i) Based on brushing history, personal (favorite) brushing paths can be defined; (ii) advice to reduce scrubbing can be generated only for locations where scrubbing was most strongly detected in previous sessions; (iii) A plan can be gradually adopted to move from a current personal style to a more ideal style (e.g., to move from 15 seconds to 20 seconds per segment).

[0076] The first time the virtual brushing plan following feature is activated on a toothbrush, the user must connect the toothbrush to their virtual plan by either downloading the plan to the toothbrush or by associating the toothbrush's ID with a plan stored externally to the toothbrush. The toothbrush may already have a default virtual plan installed.

[0077] Optionally, the brushing path can be visualized with an automatically generated video or animation, for example using an app, which virtually shows how the toothbrush moves in the mouth, in real time while the user is brushing their teeth, to show the user what good brushing looks like to them.

[0078] FIG. 4 shows the workflow of the actual brushing routine of FIG.

[0079] For both the Teacher Brush and the Student Brush, the first time the Follow Real Toothbrush feature is activated, the user must register the appropriate role.

[0080] An initial alignment is required between the student and teacher. This can be done manually, for example, by the teacher helping the student move into a brushing starting position that is correct for both of them.

[0081] Then, both toothbrushes are turned on. Either the student or the teacher can turn on the toothbrush first. The real-time coaching function waits for both brushes to be turned on and then starts real-time coaching.

[0082] To speed up the process, the lagging toothbrush (i.e., not yet turned on) can provide a stimulus (e.g., a flashing LED). Because the two toothbrushes are paired, a lightweight background function can be used to monitor (e.g., by eliciting whether the other toothbrush is on or not). This background function can run even when the toothbrush is functionally off (as long as it is not completely powered down). If it finds that the other toothbrush is powered on, it sends a stimulus.

[0083] Coaching then begins at step 400. In repeated step 402, real-time feedback is provided as described above. In particular, the children's toothbrush control unit 120 monitors positional differences and provides coaching using the basic or advanced feedback functions described above.

[0084] During coaching, the student brush asks the teacher brush questions to learn its current location, and the teacher brush answers with its current location.

[0085] The student brush can check whether the student starts brushing in the same place as the teacher. If not, a special stimulus can be given (e.g., an extra fast flashing LED). This can be done, for example, during the first 5 seconds of the brushing session.

[0086] The coaching session ends when the teacher or student turns off the brush.

[0087] Optionally, the teacher brush can periodically report its brushing position to another device / cloud, where the remaining monitoring functions are realized. Alternatively, IMU data of the two brushes can be streamed to an external device / cloud for further processing. Communication between the toothbrushes can be based on a direct connection between the toothbrushes via Wifi / Bluetooth / 5G etc., or an indirect connection via another device or the cloud.

[0088] After each brushing session, the system can evaluate how well the student's session followed the teacher's session. For sessions that follow a real toothbrush, the evaluation can be based on calculating the similarity between the teacher session and the student session. For student sessions that use a virtual session, the evaluation can be based on calculating the similarity between the virtual session and the student session.

[0089] In either case, the brushing session can be evaluated by calculating metrics for each brushing position. For each metric, a cross-correlation between the user's brushing session and that of a real or virtual teacher can be calculated. The score can be a weighted sum of the cross-correlation values ​​of the various metrics. The evaluation results can be presented to the user via user feedback, either directly on the toothbrush or via an offline program (e.g., an app).

[0090] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

[0091] The functions performed by a processor may be performed by a single processor or by multiple individual processing units which together may constitute a “processor.” Such processing units may, in some cases, be remote from each other and in wired or wireless communication with each other.

[0092] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0093] The computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless communication systems.

[0094] It should be noted that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to." It should be noted that when the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or the specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "system," and vice versa.

[0095] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A toothbrush, The toothbrush head and a motion sensor integrated into the toothbrush for tracking the position of the toothbrush head; an output interface for providing brushing instructions to the user while brushing their teeth; a controller; The controller: receiving a template brushing routine that includes the actual brushing routine followed by another person; tracking the position of the toothbrush over time as sensed by the motion sensor during a user's toothbrushing routine; analyzing the correspondence between the current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position; The toothbrush controls the output interface to provide real-time brushing instructions to improve the correspondence between a current position in the template brushing routine and the current tracked position.

2. 10. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the output interface comprises an output device attached to the toothbrush for generating output light, sound, or vibration by the toothbrush.

3. The toothbrush of claim 1 or 2, wherein the output interface comprises a communication system for communicating with an external output device.

4. 4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the brushing instructions include instructions to move the toothbrush from one mouth segment to the next.

5. The toothbrush of claim 4 , wherein the brushing instructions comprise instructions to adapt a brushing style.

6. 6. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the template brushing routine has different toothbrush settings for different locations, and the controller automatically adapts the toothbrush settings during the user's toothbrush routine.

7. the template brushing routine having an actual brushing routine including a coaching brushing routine for another person to follow using a different toothbrush while the user is performing the brushing routine; the toothbrush has a wireless receiver for receiving data wirelessly transmitted from another toothbrush; The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the controller receives the template brushing routine received by the wireless receiver from the other toothbrush in real time.

8. The toothbrush of claim 1 , wherein the controller generates an assessment of similarity between a completed brushing routine and the template brushing routine.

9. 1. A tooth brushing system comprising: a first toothbrush comprising the toothbrush of claim 7; and a second toothbrush, the second toothbrush comprising: The toothbrush head and A motion sensor; a transmitter that transmits data relating to a tooth brushing routine performed using the second toothbrush to the first toothbrush to serve as the template brushing routine for the first toothbrush.

10. 1. A method of providing brushing instructions to a toothbrush user, comprising: receiving a template brushing routine that includes an actual brushing routine to be followed by another person; tracking the position of the toothbrush over time as sensed using the motion sensor during a user's toothbrushing routine; analyzing the correspondence between a current position in the template brushing routine and a current tracked position; providing brushing instructions to improve correspondence between a current position in the template brushing routine and a current tracked position.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the template brushing routine comprises a coaching brushing routine for another person to follow using a different toothbrush while the user is performing a brushing routine, the method comprising receiving the template brushing routine from the other toothbrush in real time.

12. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to implement the method according to claim 10 or 11 when executed on a controller of a toothbrush.

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