Oral care system and method

Abstract

An oral care system 1 is provided, comprising a detection system 2 for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity and an electrochemical system 3 for generating ions for delivery into the subject's oral cavity during electrochemical treatment. One or more processors 4 are configured to obtain, via the detection system, tartar indications indicative of tartar in the subject's oral cavity and control the electrochemical treatment provided by the electrochemical system based on the tartar indications. Additionally, methods of controlling the electrochemical system of such an oral care system, and associated computer programs, are provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, in particular an oral care system, and further to a method for controlling an electrochemical system of such an oral care system, and an associated computer program. [Background technology]

[0002] The buildup of calcified deposits in the body can be problematic. An example of a calcified deposit is dental tartar.

[0003] Calculus or early calculus is a risk factor for gingivitis and periodontitis. Calculus has calcium phosphate crystalline phases with different solubilities. The low water solubility of some of the calcium phosphate crystalline phases can make calculus difficult to remove.

[0004] Currently, tartar tends to be treated / removed only by dentists and oral hygienists using mechanical or ultrasonic scalers.

[0005] Such scaling tends to be relatively safe because it is performed by an oral care professional. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in-office treatments require the patient / subject to visit a dental clinic. Additionally, mechanical or ultrasonic scraping to remove tartar tends to cause discomfort and sometimes even pain during the procedure.

[0007] It would be desirable to provide a dental tartar-related treatment solution that addresses such challenges and, in particular, allows treatment to be delivered safely and / or efficiently in the subject's home.

[0008] US 2015 / 297085 A1 discloses dental devices and methods of using dental devices that utilize a low-intensity excitation light having a first frequency or intensity for detecting when the dental device is placed in a user's oral cavity and a high-intensity excitation light having a second frequency for detecting plaque or treating dental conditions.

[0009] US10179038B2 discloses an improved oral care device incorporating one or more electrode pairs. Within each electrode pair, a sacrificial metal is used that decomposes when a potential difference is applied across the electrode pair. As the metal decomposes, ions are released that aid in oral health. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The invention is defined by the independent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments.

[0011] According to an example of one aspect of the present invention, an oral care system is provided, comprising: a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity; an electrochemical system for generating ions to be supplied to the subject's oral cavity during electrochemical treatment; and one or more processors, the processor configured to obtain tartar indications indicative of tartar in the subject's oral cavity via the detection system, and to control the electrochemical treatment provided by the electrochemical system based on the tartar indications.

[0012] As used herein, the term "tartar" can refer to early stage tartar, which has inorganic and some organic material.

[0013] In some embodiments, the dental calculus comprises, eg, is defined by, eg, octacalcium phosphate-containing dental calculus.

[0014] Electrochemically generated ions may be suitable for treating a variety of tartar-related problems.

[0015] In some embodiments, the ions generated by the electrochemical system are one or more selected from hydrogen ions, zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and silver ions.

[0016] Hydrogen ions help lower the pH in the oral cavity near dental structures such as teeth, which can aid in the dissolution of tartar.

[0017] In embodiments in which hydrogen ions are generated by an electrochemical system, the electrochemical system may be configured to generate hydrogen ions through electrolysis of water, for example, water contained in saliva.

[0018] Zinc, tin, copper, and / or silver ions may provide various oral health benefits, including, for example, antibacterial activity.

[0019] In embodiments in which zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions are generated by an electrochemical system, the electrochemical system may include one or more zinc-containing, tin-containing, copper-containing, and / or silver-containing sacrificial electrodes.

[0020] More generally, the present disclosure is based at least in part on the insight that the presence or absence of dental calculus in a subject's oral cavity can be beneficially used as a guide for controlling ion production in an electrochemical system.

[0021] In particular, if the electrochemical system is configured to generate hydrogen ions, the detection of tartar may justify lowering the pH near the subject's teeth to dissolve the tartar. On the other hand, if no tartar or only a small amount of tartar is detected, it may be desirable to instead control the electrochemical system to avoid lowering the pH or to first provide hydrogen ions and then raise the pH to minimize the risk of enamel dissolution. This is because enamel, like tartar, dissolves more easily at lower pH levels.

[0022] In embodiments in which the electrochemical system generates ions other than hydrogen ions, e.g., zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions, it may be desirable to limit the production of such ions only when calculus is detectable in the subject's oral cavity, since detection of calculus indicates that therapeutic, e.g., antimicrobial, ion treatment is warranted. On the other hand, if no calculus or only small amounts are detected, it may be desirable to instead control the electrochemical system to avoid the production of such ions, e.g., to extend the operational life of sacrificial electrodes from which ions can be electrochemically generated.

[0023] The oral care system correspondingly includes a detection system for detecting tartar in the subject's oral cavity and one or more processors configured to obtain tartar indications in the subject's oral cavity via the detection system and, based on the tartar indications, control the electrochemical system to provide an electrochemical treatment, e.g., to electrochemically generate ions and / or deliver electrochemically generated ions into the subject's oral cavity.

[0024] Dental calculus detection, in particular, can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled and unwanted dissolution of protective enamel on healthy teeth, allowing for safer implementation of lower pH-driven dental calculus dissolution, which may mean that oral care systems according to the present disclosure can be used for home calculus removal.

[0025] The detection system may utilize any suitable tartar detection principle, for example a detection principle that distinguishes one or more properties of tartar relative to enamel.

[0026] For example, the detection system may include an ion detection system configured to detect tartar via an emission rate of one or more ions from enamel that is different, in particular lower, than an emission rate of one or more ions from tartar.

[0027] Such differences in release rates may reflect the fact that dental calculus forms through a transition from an organic biofilm to a primarily or completely inorganic calcareous structure through a process of progressive mineralization and cross-linked network formation.

[0028] In some embodiments, the detection system can include a material hardness detection system configured to detect tartar via hardness measurement, for example, via a tapping element configured to tap against a material in the subject's oral cavity.

[0029] In such an embodiment, the detection system may be configured to detect tartar based on the hardness difference between tartar and enamel.

[0030] Tartar tends to be softer than enamel, especially in the early stages of its formation.

[0031] In some embodiments, the detection system comprises an optical detection system for optically detecting calculus in the subject's oral cavity.

[0032] Optical detection of dental calculus has proven particularly advantageous due, at least in part, to the different interactions of light between dental calculus and enamel, which are due to the different chemical and structural properties of dental calculus compared to tooth enamel.

[0033] The optical detection system may include, for example, an imaging system for imaging the subject's oral cavity and / or a non-imaging optical detection system including, for example, a photodiode and optical fiber.

[0034] In some embodiments, the detection system comprises a spectral detection system configured to spectroscopically detect the presence of calculus in the subject's oral cavity, and thus the calculus indication can be based on the spectroscopic detection of the presence of calculus.

[0035] Such spectroscopic detection of the presence of dental calculus can take advantage of the different chemical / structural properties of dental calculus compared to enamel, which result in spectral differences between these materials that can be distinguished spectroscopically. An important aspect of this disclosure relates to the use of spectral information to distinguish between dental calculus and enamel.

[0036] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to execute a spectral comparison algorithm to distinguish between tartar and enamel, and the tartar indication comprises a result of the spectral comparison algorithm.

[0037] In other words, the spectral comparison algorithm, which may alternatively be referred to as a spectral matching algorithm, may be executed on a processor, and the results of the spectral comparison algorithm may be used to generate a control signal for controlling the electrochemical system. Such a control signal may, for example, initiate or terminate an electrochemical process, such as (hydrogen) ion production, based on the results of the spectral comparison algorithm.

[0038] In some embodiments, spectroscopic detection of the presence of calculus in the subject's oral cavity comprises infrared spectroscopic detection, e.g., using mid-infrared and / or near-infrared radiation, which can provide a relatively convenient and reliable manner of distinguishing between enamel and calculus.

[0039] In such an embodiment, the electrochemical system may be adaptively controlled, for example, by switching the electrochemical process on or off based on infrared optical measurements of materials in the oral cavity.

[0040] Where the electrochemical treatment includes generating hydrogen ions for delivery into the subject's oral cavity, infrared optical measurement-based control can provide a particularly convenient and reliable aspect that helps minimize the risk of uncontrolled / unwanted dissolution of healthy enamel.

[0041] In some embodiments, the electrochemical system includes a controller and one or more pairs of conductive elements, such as electrodes, in contact with the aqueous solution. In such embodiments, the one or more processors can be configured to trigger the controller to provide an electrical signal based on a tartar indication that indicates the presence of tartar. The electrical signal causes at least one electrode of the one or more electrode pairs to generate hydrogen ions from water in the aqueous solution for delivery into the oral cavity of the subject.

[0042] In such embodiments, the hydrogen ions can assist in lowering the local pH near the subject's teeth to aid in dissolving tartar.

[0043] Varying the control signal can control the production and / or neutralization of hydrogen ions.

[0044] Varying the electrical signal, e.g., varying it over time, can provide control over the production of hydrogen ions, as opposed to the uncontrolled production of hydrogen ions via a non-varying voltage across a pair of electrodes, e.g., provided by a continuously applied DC power source. This allows for tighter control of the local pH to which the subject's teeth are exposed, thereby facilitating home use of the oral care system.

[0045] It should be noted that the term "electrical signal" as used herein can refer to a voltage signal or a current signal. Alternatively, the electrical impedance can be controlled.

[0046] In some embodiments, the variation of the electrical signal limits the rate of change of hydrogen ion production for a non-varying voltage of a magnitude equivalent to the peak amplitude of the electrical signal across a pair of electrodes, for example, provided by a direct current source.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, the variation in the electrical signal can facilitate neutralization of hydrogen ions, for example, by the electrical signal comprising or being defined by a bidirectional waveform applied to the electrodes, the enhanced neutralization provided by such a bidirectional waveform being described in more detail herein below.

[0048] In some embodiments, the electrical signal has a periodic variation in at least one of amplitude, polarity, and frequency, which can assist in controlling the accumulation of hydrogen ions and thus the local pH.

[0049] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical signal has a bidirectional waveform. Alternating the polarity of the electrodes via such a bidirectional waveform can help to suppress the progression of a low pH "front" emanating from the electrodes and stabilize the pH because, following a polarity change, hydrogen ions previously generated at one electrode can be neutralized by hydroxide ions now generated at the same electrode.

[0050] In some embodiments, the positive peak amplitude of the bidirectional waveform is different from the negative peak amplitude of the bidirectional waveform. This can result in a continuous but controlled increase or decrease in pH at a specific location.

[0051] In some embodiments, one of the positive and negative peak amplitudes is at least 1.1 times, for example about 1.5 times, the other of the positive and negative peak amplitudes.

[0052] In one set of embodiments, the electrical signal is a continuous waveform, such as a sine wave or a square wave. Such a continuous waveform can be considered to provide a continuously varying electrical signal.

[0053] In another set of embodiments, the electrical signal is a pulsed electrical signal, which can, for example, produce more gentle and controlled changes in pH than would result from a non-varying voltage between a pair of electrodes.

[0054] In some embodiments, the duty cycle of the pulsed electrical signal is 90% or less, preferably 75% or less, and most preferably 50% or less.

[0055] Duty cycle is the percentage of the pulse duration or pulse width relative to the total period of the waveform. A short total current "on" time associated with a pulsed electrical signal relative to a non-varying voltage between a pair of electrodes can help limit the progression of the low pH "front" mentioned above.

[0056] In some embodiments, the electrical (current or voltage) signal is both pulsed and bipolar, and in such embodiments, the duty cycle associated with the positive component of the bipolar electrical signal may be the same as or different from the duty cycle associated with the negative component of the bipolar electrical signal.

[0057] In some embodiments, at least one electrode of the one or more electrode pairs where hydrogen ions are generated is insertable into the oral cavity of a subject. In such embodiments, the aqueous solution can comprise the subject's saliva and / or one or more oral care agents.

[0058] Such oral care agents may be at least one selected from dentifrices, mouthwashes, and whitening agents.

[0059] More generally, it should be noted that an aqueous solution, like water, may contain one or more types of ions.

[0060] In some embodiments, the oral care system includes at least one cleaning element for mechanically and / or fluidly cleaning the interior of the subject's oral cavity.

[0061] In such an embodiment, the scaling facilitated by ion production can be enhanced by the cleaning elements.

[0062] Any suitable type of cleaning element is contemplated. At least one cleaning element may have bristles for brushing the interior of the subject's oral cavity and / or a fluid delivery nozzle for cleaning surfaces within the subject's oral cavity. Alternatively or additionally, at least one cleaning element may have a cup formed from a resilient material for rubbing against surfaces within the subject's oral cavity. Such a cup is, for example, a so-called prophy cup.

[0063] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to control movement of the at least one cleaning element and / or fluid delivery from the at least one cleaning element.

[0064] Alternatively or additionally, the oral care system may comprise an actuator configured to cause movement of the at least one cleaning element and / or delivery of fluid (i.e., liquid and / or gas) from the at least one cleaning element.

[0065] Such actuators may be controllable, for example, by a processor, to implement mechanical and / or fluid treatment modes of the oral care system.

[0066] The actuator may include, for example, a drive train, eg, a drive train including a motor, and / or a hydraulic or pneumatic pump.

[0067] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to control movement of the at least one cleaning element and / or fluid delivery from the at least one cleaning element based on the tartar indication.

[0068] In such embodiments, the one or more processors may be configured to control the actuator based on the tartar indication, such that the actuator causes movement of the at least one cleaning element and / or fluid delivery from the at least one cleaning element.

[0069] Thus, mechanical and / or fluid cleaning, in addition to electrochemical treatment, can be achieved based on calculus indication via calculus-based control of the fluid pump, e.g., to control fluid jet pressure, flow rate, volume, and / or frequency, and / or via drive train control, e.g., to control drive train characteristics such as frequency, sweep amplitude, and / or type of motion.

[0070] Types of movement adjustments include, for example, adding a tapping motion (jackhammer) in addition to vibration, rotation, or translational movements.

[0071] In such embodiments, actuator control based on calculus indications can assist in more rapid removal of electrochemically treated, e.g., softened, calculus. Note that the organic components of calculus may be less susceptible to electrochemical treatment than the inorganic components. In other words, the electrochemical treatment assists in at least partially removing what may be considered a mineralized calcium phosphate scaffold, and actuator control, e.g., achieved simultaneously with or subsequent to the electrochemical treatment, can assist in removing organic material that is no longer, or is less retained to the tooth by the at least partially removed mineralized calcium phosphate scaffold.

[0072] In this manner, operation of the cleaning element, along with ion generation by the electrochemical system, can be beneficially linked to tartar detection, which can facilitate oral treatment with the oral care device being accomplished in a safe and effective manner.

[0073] In some embodiments, one or both of the electrodes are mechanically coupled to an actuator such that movement of the actuator causes movement of the electrode.

[0074] In such an embodiment, the movement of the actuator may result in an increase in the effective area, or footprint, over which the electrochemical process provided by the electrode is realized.

[0075] In some embodiments, the one or more processors are configured to control the electrochemical system to initiate ion generation based on a tartar indication that indicates the presence of tartar at a location within the subject's oral cavity, and to terminate ion generation based on detection of enamel at the location.

[0076] Thus, for example, electrochemical processing via hydrogen ion generation can be initiated based on the detection of calculus and stopped based on the detection of enamel at the same location, which may be due to the dissolution of calculus.

[0077] Alternatively or additionally, the processor may be configured to adjust the power used by the electrochemical system to generate ions based on a tartar indication indicating an amount of tartar, such as the amount of tartar relative to enamel, present at the location within the subject's oral cavity.

[0078] For example, if the calculus indication indicates that the calculus layer does not decrease in thickness during the electrochemical treatment, or that the rate of decrease in calculus layer thickness is below a threshold, the processor may be configured to increase the power used by the electrochemical system to generate ions and / or issue a notification to a user, e.g., a dental care provider.

[0079] Thus, the oral care system can provide adaptive electrochemical treatment for relatively stubborn calculus deposits.

[0080] In some embodiments, as the thickness of the tartar layer decreases, the power (i.e., the dose of electrochemical treatment) can be reduced, which can help protect the enamel from any adverse effects associated with the electrochemical treatment.

[0081] In some embodiments, the oral care system includes an oral care assembly insertable into the oral cavity of a subject. In such embodiments, the oral care assembly can be included in, e.g., defines, a brush head of, e.g., a toothbrush.

[0082] In such an embodiment, at least one ion-generating electrode can be included in the oral care assembly.

[0083] Thus, ions can be generated in the oral cavity, which can facilitate the supply of ions in the oral cavity.

[0084] As an alternative or in addition to the at least one ion-generating electrode included in the oral care assembly, a detection element of a detection system, for example a detection element having an optical element of the optical detection system described above, may be included in the oral care assembly.

[0085] Including a detection element in the oral care assembly, for example, the brush head, can provide a relatively simple manner of positioning the detection system to enable tartar detection.

[0086] In some embodiments, at least one ion-generating electrode and the sensing element are included in an oral care assembly, such as a brush head, which can provide a relatively easily implemented way of combining tartar detection with the delivery of ions within a subject's oral cavity.

[0087] In some embodiments, the oral-care system comprises an output device, and the one or more processors are configured to control the output device based on the tartar indication to provide a notification to a user.

[0088] In this way, the user can be informed of the tartar condition of the subject.

[0089] In some embodiments, the notification comprises an alert to schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner, for example, based on the number of treatments using the oral care system, e.g., a predetermined number of times, or the amount of time the oral care system has been used to treat the subject, e.g., a tartar indication indicating tartar that has not been removed after a brushing period.

[0090] In such embodiments, the user may be the subject and / or the subject's dental care provider. In embodiments in which the dental care provider is notified via a notification, the notification may provide an alert for the dental care provider to schedule an appointment with the subject, for example, for triage purposes.

[0091] More generally, the oral care device may be or comprise a toothbrush, a mouthpiece, an irrigator, or a professional dental instrument operable by a dentist or oral hygienist. Particular mention is made of oral care systems in the form of toothbrushes.

[0092] It should be noted that oral care systems having, for example, the form of, a toothbrush, a mouthpiece, and an irrigator can be considered examples of personal care oral systems, which can be used by the subject themselves at home.

[0093] According to another aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an electrochemical system of an oral care system further having a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity, the method comprising obtaining a tartar indicator indicative of tartar in the subject's oral cavity via the detection system, and controlling the electrochemical system based on the tartar indication.

[0094] Ions, such as hydrogen ions, zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions, can be provided to the oral cavity of a subject, as described above. In some embodiments, the method does not include providing ions to the oral cavity of a subject, and correspondingly, the method does not include any therapeutic treatment steps.

[0095] According to a further aspect, there is provided a computer program having computer program code configured, when executed on one or more processors included in an oral care system comprising a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity and an electrochemical system for generating ions, to cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0096] One or more non-transitory computer-readable media may be provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program having computer program code configured, when the computer program is executed on one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to perform a method according to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0097] More generally, embodiments described herein with respect to methods and computer programs are applicable to oral care systems, and embodiments described herein with respect to oral care systems are applicable to methods and computer programs.

[0098] 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]

[0099] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an oral care system according to a first example. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the oral care assembly of the oral care system shown in FIG. 1 being used on a tooth with tartar. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an oral care system according to a second example. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an oral care system according to a third example. [Figure 5]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic view of an oral care system according to a fourth example. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 provides a block diagram of an oral care system according to a fifth example. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 provides the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) diffuse reflectance spectra of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP). [Figure 8] FIG. 1 provides the FTIR specular reflectance spectra of HAp and OCP. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 provides first derivative FTIR diffuse reflectance spectra of HAp and OCP, expressed as raw reflectance. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 provides a schematic representation of dental calculus layered on the pellicle layer of a tooth. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 provides a graph showing the solubility of two related crystalline phases of calcium phosphate as a function of pH. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an oral care system according to a sixth example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an oral care system according to a seventh example. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an oral care system according to an eighth example. [Figure 15A] FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit for providing a unipolar pulsed electrical signal. [Figure 15B] 15B shows a bipolar signal (top) and a unipolar pulsed electrical signal (bottom) provided by the circuit shown in FIG. 15A. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating actuator-driven movement of electrolysis electrodes according to an example. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of an oral care system according to a ninth example. [Figure 18] FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a portion of an oral care system according to a tenth example. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 provides a graph of the depth of dissolution of dental calculus and enamel over a 30 second period versus the voltage between the electrolysis electrodes. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a 2D simulation setup including two electrolysis electrodes. [Figure 21A] FIG. 10 provides a graph of non-varying voltage. [Figure 21B] 21B provides graphs of pH versus time at different points proximal to the electrodes shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signals shown in FIG. 21A are provided to the electrodes. [Figure 22A] FIG. 1 provides a graph of an electrical signal according to a first example. [Figure 22B] 22B provides graphs of pH versus time at different points proximal to the electrodes shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signals shown in FIG. 22A are provided to the electrodes. [Figure 23A] FIG. 10 provides a graph of an electrical signal according to a second example. [Figure 23B] 23B provides graphs of pH versus time at different points proximal to the electrodes shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signals shown in FIG. 23A are provided to the electrodes. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 provides a graph of an electrical signal according to a third example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 provides a graph of an electrical signal according to the fourth example. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 provides a flowchart of a method according to a first example. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 provides a flowchart of a method according to a second example. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 provides a flowchart of a method according to a third example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0100] 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:

[0101] The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures.

[0102] 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.

[0103] An oral care system is provided that includes a detection system for detecting calculus in a subject's oral cavity and an electrochemical system for generating ions for controlled delivery into the subject's oral cavity during electrochemical treatment. One or more processors are configured to obtain calculus indications indicative of calculus in the subject's oral cavity via the detection system and control the electrochemical treatment provided by the electrochemical system based on the calculus indication. Additionally, methods of controlling the electrochemical system of such oral care systems, and related computer programs, are provided.

[0104] 1 is a schematic diagram of an example oral care system 1. The oral care system 1 includes an electrochemical system 3 (not visible in FIG. 1) for generating ions for delivery into the oral cavity of a subject.

[0105] Such ions may be suitable for treating a variety of tartar-related problems.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ions generated by electrochemical system 3 are one or more selected from hydrogen ions, zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and silver ions.

[0107] The hydrogen ions help lower the pH in the oral cavity near the teeth, etc. Such a decrease in pH can aid in the dissolution of tartar, as explained in more detail below.

[0108] In embodiments in which hydrogen ions are generated by electrochemical system 3, electrochemical system 3 may be configured to generate hydrogen ions via electrolysis of water, for example, water in saliva, as also described in more detail below.

[0109] Zinc, tin, copper, and / or silver ions may provide various oral health benefits, including, for example, antibacterial activity.

[0110] In embodiments in which zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions are generated by electrochemical system 3, electrochemical system 3 may include one or more zinc-containing, tin-containing, copper-containing, and / or silver-containing sacrificial electrodes.

[0111] More generally, the present disclosure is based at least in part on the insight that the presence or absence of dental calculus in a subject's oral cavity can be beneficially used as a guide for controlling ion production in electrochemical system 3.

[0112] In particular, when electrochemical system 3 is configured to generate hydrogen ions, the detection of tartar can justify lowering the pH in the vicinity of the subject's teeth to dissolve the tartar. On the other hand, if no tartar or only a small amount of tartar is detected, it may be desirable to control electrochemical system 3 to avoid lowering the pH or to instead provide hydrogen ions first and then raise the pH, in order to minimize the risk of dissolving healthy or intact enamel. This is because enamel, like tartar, dissolves more easily at lower pH levels.

[0113] In embodiments in which the electrochemical system 3 generates ions other than hydrogen ions, such as zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions, it may be desirable to limit the generation of such ions to only when calculus is detectable in the subject's oral cavity, since detection of calculus indicates that ion treatment, such as antimicrobial ion treatment, is warranted. On the other hand, if no calculus or only small amounts are detected, it may instead be desirable to control the electrochemical system to avoid the generation of such ions, e.g., to extend the operational life of sacrificial electrodes from which ions can be electrochemically generated.

[0114] To this end, the oral care system 1 includes a detection system 2 that detects tartar in the subject's oral cavity and one or more processors 4. The processor 4 is configured to obtain a tartar indication indicative of tartar in the subject's oral cavity via the detection system 2, and to control the electrochemical system 3 to provide an electrochemical treatment, for example, to electrochemically generate ions and / or supply electrochemically generated ions into the subject's oral cavity, based on the tartar indication.

[0115] Dental calculus detection, in particular, can help reduce the risk of uncontrolled and unwanted dissolution of protective enamel on healthy teeth, allowing for safer implementation of lower pH-driven dental calculus dissolution, which may mean that the oral care system 1 according to the present disclosure can be used for home calculus removal.

[0116] The detection system 2 may utilize any suitable tartar detection principle, for example a detection principle that distinguishes one or more properties of tartar relative to enamel.

[0117] For example, the detection system 2 may include an ion detection system configured to detect tartar via an emission rate of one or more ions from enamel that is different from, e.g., lower than, an emission rate of one or more ions from tartar.

[0118] Such differences in ion release rates may reflect the fact that calculus formation occurs through a transition from an organic biofilm to a primarily or completely inorganic calcareous material via mineralization and cross-linked network formation processes.

[0119] In some embodiments, the detection system 2 may include a material hardness detection system configured to detect tartar via hardness measurement, for example, via a tapping element configured to tap against a substance in the subject's oral cavity.

[0120] In such an embodiment, the detection system 2 may be configured to detect tartar based on the hardness or (viscoelastic) stiffness difference between tartar and enamel.

[0121] Tartar tends to be softer than enamel, especially in the early stages of its formation.

[0122] In some embodiments, the detection system 2 comprises an optical detection system for optically detecting calculus in the subject's oral cavity.

[0123] Optical detection of dental calculus has proven particularly advantageous due, at least in part, to the different interactions of light between dental calculus and enamel, which are due to the different chemical and structural properties of dental calculus compared to tooth enamel, as explained in more detail below.

[0124] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 1, the oral care system 1 includes an oral care assembly 5 that is insertable into the oral cavity of a subject. In such embodiments, the oral care assembly 5 is included in, e.g., defines, a brush head of a toothbrush. An example of this is shown in Figure 1.

[0125] The electrochemical system 3 may comprise at least one ion-generating electrode 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D, such as a water electrolysis electrode and / or a sacrificial electrode, for generating ions for delivery into the oral cavity of a subject.

[0126] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the oral care assembly 5 includes at least one ion-generating electrode 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D.

[0127] Thus, ions can be generated in the oral cavity, which can facilitate the supply of ions in the oral cavity.

[0128] In embodiments in which the ions include hydrogen ions, at least one electrode 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D that generates hydrogen ions may be insertable into the subject's oral cavity. The aqueous solution comprises water from which hydrogen ions are generated via electrolysis. The aqueous solution includes the subject's saliva and / or one or more oral care agents, such as toothpaste, mouthrinse, and / or whitening agents. This can provide a relatively physically simple way to provide a low pH close to the subject's teeth.

[0129] In some embodiments, the electrochemical system 3 includes a controller (not visible in FIG. 1 ) and one or more pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D that contact the subject's saliva and / or an aqueous solution of one or more oral care agents, e.g., toothpaste, mouthrinse, and / or whitening agents. In such embodiments, the controller can provide an electrical signal that causes at least one of the one or more pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D to produce hydrogen ions from water in the aqueous solution, as described in more detail herein below.

[0130] In such an embodiment, the processor 4 may be configured to trigger the control unit to provide an electrical signal based on a tartar indication that indicates the presence of tartar.

[0131] In embodiments in which detection system 2 comprises, e.g., is in the form of, an optical detection system, the optical detection system may comprise, for example, an imaging system (e.g., including a photodiode and optical fiber) for imaging the subject's oral cavity, and / or a non-imaging optical detection system.

[0132] 1, the optical detection system 2 includes at least one optical element 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D for emitting and / or receiving light. At least one optical element 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D may be insertable into the oral cavity of a subject.

[0133] The optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D may be of any suitable type, provided that they are capable of emitting and / or receiving light to enable optical calculus detection.

[0134] 1, optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D may comprise or be in the form of, for example, optical fibers configured to emit and / or receive light within the oral cavity of a subject. Other possibilities for optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D are also contemplated, as will be described in more detail later herein.

[0135] As an alternative or in addition to including at least one ion-generating electrode 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D in the oral care assembly 5, a detection element, for example in the form of, for example, optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, can be included in the oral care assembly 5. An example of this is shown in FIG.

[0136] The inclusion of optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D in the oral care assembly 5, eg, the brush head, can provide a relatively simple manner of configuring the optical detection system 2 to enable tartar detection.

[0137] 1, at least one ion-generating electrode 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D and detection elements, e.g., optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, are included in an oral care assembly 5, e.g., a brush head. Thus, the oral care assembly 5 can be considered a combined detection and treatment module, including, e.g., treatment electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D, as well as optical illumination and sensing elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D.

[0138] This can provide a relatively easily implemented manner for enabling detection of tartar and delivery of ions within a subject's oral cavity. In particular, the oral care assembly 5 having a brush head can be insertable into a subject's oral cavity to enable the detection system 2 to detect whether tartar is present within the subject's oral cavity and to facilitate delivery of ions generated by the electrochemical system 3 within the subject's oral cavity.

[0139] In some embodiments, the oral care system 1 includes at least one cleaning element 8 for mechanically and / or fluidly cleaning the interior of the subject's oral cavity. In such embodiments, the ion-generation-facilitated calculus removal can be enhanced by the cleaning element 8.

[0140] Any suitable type of cleaning element 8 is contemplated. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 1, at least one cleaning element 8 has bristles for brushing the interior of the subject's oral cavity. Alternatively or additionally, at least one cleaning element 8 can have a cup formed from a resilient material for rubbing against surfaces within the subject's oral cavity. Such a cup is, for example, a so-called prophy cup.

[0141] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 1, the oral care device 1 comprises an actuator 9 configured to cause movement of at least one cleaning element 8 and / or fluid delivery from the cleaning element 8 .

[0142] In such an embodiment, the one or more processors 4 may be configured to control the actuator 9 based on the tartar indication, such that the actuator 9 causes movement of the at least one cleaning element 8 and / or fluid delivery from the at least one cleaning element 8.

[0143] Thus, mechanical and / or fluid cleaning can be achieved based on calculus indications, in addition to electrochemical treatment, for example, via calculus-based control of a fluid pump to control fluid ejection pressure, flow rate, volume and / or frequency; and / or via control of a drive train to control drive train characteristics such as frequency, sweep amplitude and / or type of motion.

[0144] Types of movement adjustments include, for example, adding a tapping motion (jackhammer) in addition to vibration, rotation, or translational movements.

[0145] In such embodiments, actuator control based on calculus indications can assist in more rapid removal of electrochemically treated, e.g., softened, calculus. Note that the organic components of calculus may be less susceptible to electrochemical treatment than the inorganic components. In other words, the electrochemical treatment assists in at least partially removing what may be considered a mineralized calcium phosphate scaffold, and actuator control, e.g., achieved simultaneously with or subsequent to the electrochemical treatment, can assist in removing organic material that is no longer, or is less retained to the tooth by the at least partially removed mineralized calcium phosphate scaffold.

[0146] In this way, operation of the cleaning element 8, along with ion generation by the electrochemical system 3, can be beneficially linked to tartar detection. This can facilitate intraoral treatment with the oral care device 1 being accomplished in a safe and effective manner.

[0147] In embodiments in which the cleaning element 8 is actuated by the actuator 9 and configured to provide a fluid delivery from the cleaning element, such fluid delivery may include delivery of hydrogen ions followed by delivery of liquid into the oral cavity. In other words, the processor 4 may be configured to control the actuator 9 such that the actuator 9 causes delivery of liquid from the cleaning element 8 followed by control of the electrochemical system 3 to generate hydrogen ions for delivery into the oral cavity of the subject.

[0148] The provision of such a liquid can help raise the pH in the vicinity of the teeth after providing hydrogen ions, which can result in safer tartar dissolution through the provision of hydrogen ions in the subject's oral cavity.

[0149] By way of non-limiting example, as shown in Figure 1, the optical detection system 2 includes photodiodes and optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D in the form of optical fibers arranged around at least one pair of ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D. In the particular example shown in Figure 1, the optical fibers and ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D are arranged in a diamond pattern in a plane, as indicated by the parallelogram drawn around the circles representing the optical elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and the circles representing the ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D.

[0150] More generally, the electrochemical system 3 may comprise quadruple electrochemical electrodes 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D surrounded by four optical sensing elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D of an optical detection system 2 based, for example, on optical fibers and photodiodes.

[0151] 2, such an arrangement can facilitate detection of enamel 11 and tartar 14 by a detection system 2, e.g., an optical detection system, particularly during movement of the oral care assembly 5, e.g., a brush head, through the oral cavity. The gum line 13 is also depicted schematically in FIG. 2.

[0152] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 1 and 2, two or more optical sensing elements 7A; 7B, 7D; 7C of the optical detection system 2 are each positioned at a separate lateral position in the oral care assembly 5, e.g., the brush head, and two or more optical sensing elements 7B; 7A, 7C; 7D are each positioned at a separate longitudinal position in the oral care assembly 5, with the longitudinal direction of the oral care assembly 5 extending transversely to the lateral direction.

[0153] Such a quadruple arrangement of optical sensing elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D can facilitate detection of tartar during lateral / horizontal movement, e.g., lateral movement of the oral care assembly 5 as shown in FIG. 2 by the double-headed arrow indicating brush movement, as well as during up-and-down longitudinal / vertical movement.

[0154] The arrangement of the four optical sensing elements 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D may enable differential, e.g., comparative, measurements of substances in the subject's oral cavity and correspondingly enable control of the electrochemical system 3, e.g., switching of electrode signals, based on the substance, e.g., tartar or enamel, and based on horizontal or vertical movement of the oral care assembly 5, e.g., brush head.

[0155] FIG. 3 shows schematically an oral care system 1 with an oral care assembly 5 corresponding to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but with a slightly different arrangement of cleaning elements 8, in this case bristles, relative to the oral care assembly 5.

[0156] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the optical detection system 2 comprises an optical element 7E, for example in the form of a spectroscopic camera.

[0157] Spectroscopic cameras can be configured to image different wavelength windows, or in other words bandwidths.

[0158] In such an embodiment, the position of the spectroscopic camera may be offset from the positions of the ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D in the oral care assembly 5, for example, from one or two pairs 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D of ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D. This offset is illustrated in Figure 4 by the distance Δ from the periphery of the nearest electrodes 6D, 6C to the center of the spectroscopic camera and the aperture of the spectroscopic camera.

[0159] With this offset Δ, a first brushing session or brush strokes within a brushing session can be used to image the teeth to assess whether tartar is present, for example, and if tartar is detected, the electrochemical system 3 can be controlled to activate ion generation in a subsequent second session or stroke when the brush reaches the corresponding location again.

[0160] In such an embodiment, real-time position sensing of the oral care assembly 5, e.g., the brush head, may be employed. To this end, the oral care assembly 5 may include one or more sensors (not shown), such as, for example, an accelerometer and / or an inertial measurement unit, and the processor 4 may be configured to predict the position of the oral care assembly 5 based on data from the one or more sensors.

[0161] The processor 4 may, for example, be configured to execute machine learning algorithms to enable real-time device location estimation and / or future location prediction or forecasting.

[0162] FIG. 5 shows schematically an oral care system 1 with an oral care assembly 5 corresponding to that shown in FIG. 4, but with a slightly different arrangement of the cleaning elements 8, in this case the bristles, relative to the oral care assembly 5.

[0163] It should be noted that the oral care assembly 5 shown in Figures 1-5 is not limited to being incorporated into a toothbrush, for example, incorporated as or included in a brush head, but may alternatively be implemented in other types of oral care devices, such as a full or partial mouthpiece or a combined brushing and flossing device.

[0164] The oral care system 1 may comprise or be a toothbrush, a mouthpiece, an irrigator, or a professional dental instrument operable by a dentist or oral hygienist. Particular mention is made of an oral care system 1 in the form of a toothbrush.

[0165] It should be noted that an oral care system 1 having, for example, the form of a toothbrush, a mouthpiece, and an irrigator can be considered an example of a personal care oral system 1. Such a personal care oral system 1 can be used by a subject at home.

[0166] 6 provides a block diagram of the oral care system 1. The oral care system 1 includes the detection system 2, the electrochemical system 3, and the actuator 9 described above.

[0167] The actuator 9 may be controllable to achieve mechanical and / or fluid cleaning modes, for example via drive train movement, as previously described.

[0168] In embodiments in which the detection system comprises or is in the form of an optical detection system 2, the optical detection system 2 may comprise an optical spectral module including, for example, a light source and an optical detector, and / or a spectral camera or other optical system such as an optical fiber, to acquire spectral information.

[0169] In some embodiments, the optical detection system 2 includes a light source, such as a light source of infrared wavelength light, e.g., a mid-infrared light emitting diode (MID) for providing a spectral range of 2.7-4.7 μm. Alternatively or additionally, the optical detection system 2 can include optical fibers / waveguides, sensor elements for detecting reflected infrared light, such as photodiodes, and / or a spectroscopic camera, such as a hyperspectral camera. Such a spectroscopic camera can include, for example, a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensing element.

[0170] The electrochemical system 3 can be considered to be or to have an electrochemical processing unit or cell including ion-generating electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D.

[0171] The processor 4 may be in the form of, for example, a microcontroller including a microcontroller configured to obtain, via the detection system 2, calculus indications indicative of calculus in the subject's oral cavity, and to provide electrochemical treatment based on the calculus indications, for example, to control the electrochemical system 3 to electrochemically generate ions.

[0172] The processor 4 may also be configured to control the actuator 9, such that the oral care system 1 operates in a mechanical and / or fluid cleaning mode while the electrochemical system 3 is controlled (optionally the electrochemical system 3 and the actuator 9).

[0173] In some embodiments, such as those shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the oral care system 1 includes an output device 10, and the processor 4 is configured to control the output device 10 based on the tartar indication and provide a notification to the user.

[0174] In this way, the user can be kept continually informed of the subject's tartar condition.

[0175] In some embodiments, the notification may include an alert to schedule an appointment with a dental practitioner based on, for example, the number of treatments using the oral care system 1, e.g., a predetermined number of times, or the amount of time the oral care system 1 has been used to treat the subject, e.g., a tartar indication indicating tartar that has not been removed after a brushing period.

[0176] In such embodiments, the user may be the subject and / or the subject's dental care provider. In embodiments in which the dental care provider is notified via a notification, the notification may provide an alert for the dental care provider to schedule an appointment with the subject, for example, for triage purposes. An example of this is described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 27.

[0177] In some embodiments, the processor 4 is configured to perform a spectral comparison algorithm to distinguish between tartar and enamel, and the tartar indication comprises the result of the spectral comparison algorithm.

[0178] In other words, a spectral comparison algorithm can be executed by the processor 4, and the results of the spectral comparison algorithm can be used to generate a control signal for controlling the electrochemical system 3. Such a control signal can, for example, start or stop an electrochemical process, such as ion production, based on the results of the spectral comparison algorithm.

[0179] The electrochemical mode of the oral care system 1 can be activated or deactivated based on the results of the spectral comparison algorithm.

[0180] 6, the oral care system 1 includes a spectral input 4M for executing the spectral comparison algorithm. The spectral input 4M can be stored, for example, in a local memory included in an oral care device with the oral care system 1, such as a toothbrush, and / or on a cloud-based server.

[0181] The detection system 2 may detect tartar in any suitable manner.

[0182] In some embodiments, the detection system 2 comprises, for example takes the form of, a spectral detection system configured to spectroscopically detect the presence of calculus in the subject's oral cavity, and thus the calculus indication can be based on the spectroscopic detection of the presence of calculus.

[0183] Such spectroscopic detection of the presence of dental calculus can take advantage of the different chemical / structural properties of dental calculus compared to enamel, which result in spectral differences between these materials that can be distinguished spectroscopically. An important aspect of this disclosure relates to the use of spectral information to distinguish between dental calculus and enamel.

[0184] In some embodiments, spectroscopic detection of the presence of calculus in the subject's oral cavity comprises infrared spectroscopic detection, e.g., using mid-infrared and / or near-infrared radiation, which can provide a relatively convenient and reliable manner of distinguishing between enamel and calculus.

[0185] In such an embodiment, the electrochemical system 3 may be adaptively controlled, for example, by switching the electrochemical process on or off based on infrared optical measurements of materials in the oral cavity.

[0186] When the electrochemical treatment involves generating hydrogen ions for delivery into the subject's oral cavity, control based on infrared optical measurements can provide a particularly convenient and reliable aspect that helps minimize the risk of uncontrolled / unwanted dissolution of healthy enamel.

[0187] To illustrate the above infrared spectroscopic detection, Figure 7 provides FTIR diffuse reflectance spectra of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP). HAp is a component of enamel, and OCP is the major inorganic component of early dental calculus.

[0188] Band B1 in Figure 7 is at 3500-3600 cm -1 This band provides a significant spectral difference. Note that between HAp and OCP, there is a distinct peak in HAp, but not in OCP.

[0189] As can be seen in Figure 8, which provides the FTIR specular reflectance spectra of HAp and OCP, -1 There is an overtone of this band in (see band B2 in Figure 8), which can also be used to differentiate enamel vs. tartar.

[0190] In addition to examining the absolute reflectance / absorption signals, first or second derivative spectra can be evaluated and / or ratios of spectral bands can be evaluated to better distinguish between enamel and calculus. Figure 9 provides the first derivative FTIR diffuse reflectance spectra of HAp and OCP, expressed as raw reflectance.

[0191] In some embodiments, the optical detection system 2 comprises a combination of light emitting diodes and photodiodes, the arrangement of which takes advantage of the relatively low reflectivity of dental calculus in the wavelength window mentioned above.

[0192] 2.8 or 1.4 μm wavelength light emitting diode (3600 or 7200 cm -1 ) is emitted by a 2.4 μm wavelength light-emitting diode (4200 cm -1 ) can be normalized by the background reflection from

[0193] More generally, the spectral measurement can be realized using an infrared source, a Bragg grating and an infrared detector, it being noted that the infrared detector may for example be a camera.

[0194] Figure 10 shows a schematic representation of a dental enamel layer 11 and a pellicle layer 12 on the enamel layer 11. Figure 10 also shows dental calculus 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D deposited on the pellicle layer 12.

[0195] The dental calculus 14A-D shown in Figure 10 contains multiple different calcium phosphate crystalline phases with different water solubility. The dental calculus layer 14A, which is furthest from the pellicle layer 12, contains dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD), the layer 14B adjacent to the dental calculus layer 14A contains octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and the layer 14D closest to the pellicle layer 12 and the layer 14C between the layers 14B and 14D may contain relatively small amounts of hydroxyapatite (HAp). HAp is the main component of the enamel layer 11, as described above.

[0196] HAp has lower water solubility than OCP, which in turn has lower water solubility than DCPD, resulting in a decrease in relative and / or absolute water solubility in the direction of arrow 16. However, the low absolute solubility of OCP and DCPD in water and their proximity to enamel layer 11 can hinder scaling by subjects, especially at home.

[0197] The water solubility of the above crystalline phases was found to be pH dependent. In particular, dissolution in aqueous solutions can be aided by lowering the pH. Figure 11 provides graphs 18 and 20 showing the solubility of calculus-containing crystalline phases of calcium phosphate as a function of pH. Figure 11 generally shows that for both OCP (graph 18) and HAp (graph 20), the concentration of dissolved calcium ions in solution increases as the pH decreases, with the solubility of OCP being nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of HAp at pH 5.5.

[0198] The pH at which tooth enamel 11 begins to dissolve is indicated by dotted line 22 in Figure 11. This pH may be approximately pH 5.5, which is clinically considered the critical oral pH (recognized as the threshold) at which tooth enamel dissolves.

[0199] The present disclosure is based in part on the realization that by controlling the pH local to the tooth to be less than 7 but greater than or equal to 5.5, the OCP and DCPD in dental calculus 14, particularly early stage calculus, can be dissolved with minimal or no damage to the dental enamel 11. This is because such a pH range can minimize the dissolution of HAp into the dental enamel 11, as shown in FIG.

[0200] 12 is a schematic diagram of an example electrochemical system 3. A control unit 102 is configured to provide an electrical signal. The electrochemical system 3 includes a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B in contact with an aqueous solution. Each of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B is connected to the control unit 102 and configured to generate hydrogen ions from water in the aqueous solution based on the electrical signal.

[0201] The generation of hydrogen ions, or H+ ions, from water in aqueous solution means that the potential difference between electrodes 6A, 6B resulting from the electrical signal is sufficient for electrolysis of water to occur.

[0202] The electrodes 6A, 6B can be made of any suitable conductive material that allows for the electrochemical generation of hydrogen ions via water electrolysis. For example, the electrodes 6A, 6B can be selected from platinum electrodes, platinum-clad electrodes, e.g., platinum-clad titanium electrodes, gold electrodes, gold-clad electrodes, carbon electrodes, e.g., graphite electrodes, and polymer-based electrodes in which the polymer is embedded with a conductive material. The conductive material can be selected from, for example, platinum, gold, or carbon, e.g., graphite.

[0203] Each of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B may be a non-sacrificial electrode. The term "non-sacrificial electrode" may mean that the electrodes 6A, 6B are each formed of a conductive material that does not dissociate into ions or dissociates only to a negligible extent based on an electric signal.

[0204] Referring again to FIG. 12, the following reaction occurs at electrode 6A when this electrode is operated as a cathode: The result is TIFF2025535877000002.tif23170.

[0205] This production of hydroxide ions (or consumption of hydrogen ions) can raise the pH proximate to electrode 6A. Such a localized increase in pH, shown in FIG. 12 in region 106A around electrode 6A, occurs when electrode 6B is operated as an anode, TIFF2025535877000003.tif21162, may have less of an effect on the dissolution of calculus 14 than a localized decrease in pH proximal to electrode 6B, as shown by region 106B around electrode 6B. This is because calculus dissolution can be assisted by lowering the pH, or in other words, by increasing the hydrogen ion concentration, as explained above, as represented by calculus dissolution spot 108 proximal to electrode 6B in FIG.

[0206] The pair of electrodes 6A, 6B may be spaced apart by any suitable distance 110, for example a distance 110 greater than 50 μm, for example a distance between 50 μm and 1 mm.

[0207] A distance 110 greater than 50 μm is believed to help prevent the hydrogen ions produced at the anode from being immediately neutralized by hydroxide ions produced at the cathode.

[0208] Half the distance (L / 2), e.g., 25 μm, takes ~0.07 s (L 2 / 4D, where D=9*10 -9 m 2 / s, the diffusion coefficient of H+ ions) is covered by the pH front. This lower limit of 50 μm means that the total treatment time is greater than 0.07 seconds. This total treatment time is the time period, e.g., the predetermined time period, during which the electrical signal is provided to the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B (and thus, in embodiments where the electrical signal is pulsed, not the current on / off time within the pulse).

[0209] More generally, it has been found that using a non-varying voltage between a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B provided by a DC power supply can provide relatively uncontrolled generation of hydrogen ions. An electrical signal, such as a time-varying electrical signal, in contrast, serves to enhance the control that can be exerted over hydrogen ion generation and thus over the local pH to which the subject's teeth are exposed. This is described in more detail below.

[0210] 13, the oral-care system 1 includes an actuator 9 connected to the controller 102. In such embodiments, the actuator 9 may be configured to move based on an electrical signal generated by the controller 102.

[0211] The term "moves based on an electrical signal" in this context may mean that the actuator control signal and the electrical signal provided by the control unit 102 to control the movement of the actuator 9 are the same as each other, or that one of the actuator control signal and the electrical signal is based on the other of the actuator control signal and the electrical signal.

[0212] The actuator control signal may, for example, be in phase with the electrical signal, or a phase difference may be defined between the actuator control signal and the electrical signal.

[0213] Movement of the actuator 9, which causes movement of the oral care assembly 5, for example a brush head, is thus provided in parallel with the production of hydrogen ions, with concomitant enhanced tartar removal.

[0214] Movement of the actuator 9 based on the electrical signal provided to the electrodes 6A, 6B may, in certain embodiments, facilitate a specific cleaning motion, such as a reciprocating motion, provided by the actuator 9 in addition to the electrical signal helping to control hydrogen ion generation at the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0215] Any suitable type of actuator 9 is contemplated, including, for example, a motor such as a reciprocating motor (not visible).

[0216] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 13, the system 1 includes at least one cleaning element 8 for mechanically cleaning the oral cavity, the at least one cleaning element 8 being mechanically coupled to an actuator 9 such that movement of the actuator 9 causes movement of the at least one cleaning element 8.

[0217] Any suitable type of cleaning element 8 is contemplated. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 13, at least one cleaning element 8 has bristles for brushing the inside of the subject's oral cavity. In such an embodiment, the scaling facilitated by the production of hydrogen ions may be enhanced by the movement of the bristles resulting from the movement of the actuator 9 based on an electrical signal.

[0218] The reciprocating motion of the actuator 9, for example the reciprocating motor mentioned above, may be provided based on a periodically varying electrical signal.

[0219] In such an embodiment, reciprocating movement of the actuator 9 may cause the cleaning elements 8, eg bristles, to correspondingly move in a reciprocating manner.

[0220] Such periodic electrical signals may also assist in controlling the local pH, particularly to help reduce the risk of the local pH at one or both of electrodes 6A, 6B dropping below a certain pH level, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0221] This combination of mechanical calculus disruption and low local pH assisted calculus dissolution is particularly effective and also offers the advantage of being feasible by subjects using System 1 at home, for example.

[0222] In certain embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 13, the controller 102 includes a drive train circuit 116 configured to provide actuator control signals to control the actuator 9 and to provide electrical signals to the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0223] In such an embodiment, the actuator control signal may be the same as the electrical signal, advantageously providing a simple and cost-effective electrical design.

[0224] In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 14, the control unit 102 includes drive train circuitry 116 configured to provide actuator control signals, as well as electrode control circuitry 118 configured to convert the drive train control signals into electrical signals for provision to a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0225] Electrode control circuitry 118 may include, among other things, only passive electronic elements, such as diodes, resistors, and / or capacitors configured to convert drive train control signals into electrical signals.

[0226] An example of such an electrode control circuit 118 is shown in Figure 15A. In this example, the diode converts the AC signal shown in the top diagram of Figure 15B into a rectified output waveform without the negative half cycle, as shown in the bottom diagram of Figure 15B.

[0227] The drive train circuitry 116 may be implemented in any suitable manner, such as by a microcontroller configured to generate actuator control signals, for example, the drive train circuitry 116 having a motor microcontroller.

[0228] It should be noted that the AC signals in the examples shown in Figures 15A and 15B do not have to be provided via drive train circuitry 116, but may in other examples be provided by a power source configured to power system 1, such as a mains power supply (not visible).

[0229] In such an example, the control unit 102 may include an electrode control circuit 118 for providing a unipolar pulse signal (as shown in the bottom part of FIG. 15B) from the AC signal provided by the power supply, where the drive train control circuit 116 is omitted.

[0230] 16, one or both of the electrodes 6A, 6B are mechanically coupled to an actuator 9. As a result, movement of the actuator 9 results in movement of the electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0231] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 16, the electrical signal 120 is a periodic bipolar electrical signal that varies with time t.

[0232] During a positive polarity half cycle 120A of the electrical signal 120 shown in Figure 7, the actuator 9, and therefore the electrodes 6A, 6B, exhibit a first movement. During a negative polarity half cycle 120B of the electrical signal 120, the actuator 9, and therefore the electrodes 6A, 6B, exhibit a second movement that mirrors the first movement. The slope / ramp of the electrical signal 120 is represented in Figure 16 by the dotted line 122.

[0233] This can be achieved by the control unit 102 providing an actuator control signal for controlling the actuator 9 that is in phase with the electrical signals provided to the electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0234] The movement of the actuator can result in an increase in the effective area, or footprint, over which the electrochemical process provided by electrodes 6A, 6B is realized. Furthermore, the alternating polarity means that hydrogen ion production is realized at both electrodes 6A, 6B, but sequentially, which further helps to increase the effective area over which the electrochemical process is provided. In addition, the cyclic electrical signal can also help to control the local pH, particularly to reduce the risk of the local pH at electrodes 6A, 6B dropping below a certain pH level. This is explained in more detail below.

[0235] In an alternative embodiment, the control unit 102 may be configured to provide an actuator control signal to control the actuator 9, wherein a phase difference is defined between the actuator control signal and the electrical signal supplied to the electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0236] The electrical signal may therefore be desynchronised from the actuator control signal and therefore from the movement of the actuator 9, eg the brush head movement, such as the reciprocating movement of the brush head.

[0237] Such a phase difference may be introduced in any suitable manner, such as via one or more capacitors, inductors, etc. Thus, relatively few electrical components are required to provide the phase difference (in addition to the electrical components for providing the actuator control signals).

[0238] In some embodiments, the controller 102 includes drive train circuitry 116 configured to provide actuator control signals, as well as electrode control circuitry 118 configured to convert the actuator control signals into electrical signals that are provided to the electrodes 6A, 6B, such that a phase difference is intentionally defined between the actuator control signals and the electrical signals.

[0239] 17, the oral care system 1 includes multiple pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D. In such embodiments, the controller 102 may be configured to provide an electrical signal to each of the multiple pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D.

[0240] The oral care system 1 can be powered in any suitable manner, such as via a mains power supply in the circuit and / or by one or more batteries 124. In embodiments in which the oral care system 1 is powered by one or more batteries 124, the controller 102 can be configured to generate an electrical signal, such as a current or voltage signal, from direct current originating from the one or more batteries 124.

[0241] The first electrical connection 126A can connect the controller 102 to one electrode 6A of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B, and the second electrical connection 126B can connect the controller 102 to the other electrode 6B of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0242] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 17, where two pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D are included in the oral care system 1, a first electrical connection 126A connects the control unit 102 to the electrodes 6A and 6C, and a second electrical connection 126B connects the control unit 102 to the electrodes 6B and 6D.

[0243] 17, the oral care system 1 includes a toothbrush including a brush head 128 attached to a handle 130. In such embodiments, a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B is preferably included in the brush head 128, and the controller 102, e.g., along with the processor 4, is included in the handle 130.

[0244] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 17, the battery(s) 124 are housed within the handle 130 along with the processor 4 and / or control unit 102.

[0245] In some embodiments, the brush head 128, including the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B, is removably coupled to the handle 130, allowing replacement of the brush head 128 without replacing the control unit 102 included in the handle 130. In such embodiments, the first and second electrical connections 126A, 126B between the control unit 102 included in the handle 130 and the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B included in the (replacement) brush head 128 may be established simultaneously when the brush head 128 is attached, e.g., snap-fit ​​or press-fit, to the handle 130.

[0246] In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 17, a brush head 128 includes a plurality of pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D, respectively.

[0247] In some embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 17, at least one cleaning element 8 has bristles that extend further from the brush head 128 than each of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B, such that both of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B are recessed relative to the bristles.

[0248] At least one cleaning element 8, and in some cases the entire brush head 128, can be moved by an actuator 9, as previously described.

[0249] In embodiments in which at least one cleaning element 8 has a cup formed from a resilient material, one or both of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B may be attached to the interior of the cup.

[0250] In embodiments in which multiple pairs of electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D are included in the oral care system 1, such as shown in FIG. 17, the oral care system 1 may include multiple cups. In such an embodiment, one or both of the electrodes 6A, 6B; 6C, 6D of each pair may be mounted within a separate cup of the plurality of cups.

[0251] The electrodes 6A, 6B can be arranged relative to one another in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the electrodes 6A, 6B are arranged such that one of the electrodes 6B defines an outer electrode 6B, which at least partially surrounds the other of the electrodes 6A, defining an inner electrode 6A. An example of this is shown in FIG. 17.

[0252] 17 also shows a region 106A around electrode 6A and a region 106B around electrode 6B. In one of these regions 106A, 106B, the local pH can be increased through the production of hydroxide ions based on an electrical signal, while in the other of these regions 106B, 106A, the local pH can be decreased through the production of hydrogen ions, as described above in connection with FIG.

[0253] Alternatively or in addition to one of the electrodes 6B defining an outer electrode 6B at least partially surrounding the inner electrode 6A, the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B may be interconnected.

[0254] The term "interconnected" in this context may mean that each of the electrodes 6A, 6B has multiple electrode members spaced apart from one another, and one electrode member of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B is disposed in the space between the other electrode member of the pair of electrodes 6B, 6A.

[0255] This can provide a particularly spatially efficient arrangement of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B, especially when the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B is included in a brush head 128 and / or when mounted within a cup where space is limited.

[0256] A non-limiting example of such an interconnection arrangement for a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B is depicted in FIG.

[0257] Similar to the non-limiting example shown in Figure 17, a cleaning element 8 having bristles is included in the oral care system 1 shown in Figure 18. In the latter non-limiting example, multiple peripheral tufts of bristles are arranged around a pair of centrally located interconnected electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0258] 18, the oral care system 1 includes a cup 132 for insertion into the oral cavity of a subject, the cup 132 having a recess 134 in which one or both of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B are attached. In this manner, the cup 132 can help protect the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B and minimize the risk of the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B coming into unintentional contact with tissue in the oral cavity of the subject.

[0259] The cup 132 can be formed of any suitable, e.g., electrically insulating, material. In some embodiments, the cup 132 is formed of a resilient material for rubbing against the surfaces in the subject's mouth, as previously described.

[0260] Formed from a resilient material, the cup 132 is able to flare and flex to conform to the contours of the target tooth to aid in selective stain removal and interdental cleaning.

[0261] Any suitable resilient material is contemplated for the cup 132, such as silicone rubber.

[0262] 17 and 18, the brush head 128 is attached, e.g., removably coupled, to a handle 130 of the oral care system 1, in this case in the form of a toothbrush, via a neck 136. Such neck 136 can extend between an upper end of the handle 130 and a lower end of the brush head 128.

[0263] Figure 19 provides a graph 138 of calculus dissolution depth over 30 seconds versus continuous DC voltage across the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B. As the voltage increases, the associated local pH drop caused by the production of hydrogen ions causes calculus to dissolve to a greater depth. However, Figure 19 also provides a graph 140 of dental enamel dissolution depth over 30 seconds versus continuous DC voltage across the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B, which shows that the relatively low pH conditions caused by relatively high voltages can cause dental enamel dissolution.

[0264] FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram of a 2D simulation setup including two electrolysis electrodes 6A, 6B in a 0.1M KCl solution (to correspond to the experimental measurements shown in FIG. 10; a mixture of saliva and toothpaste also has a conductivity of the same order of magnitude), where d=145 μm and w=500 μm. L1 and L2 represent the domain boundaries. This 2D simulation setup was used to evaluate various electrical signals in the exemplary embodiment.

[0265] FIG. 21A provides a graph of a non-varying voltage (step signal) across a pair of electrodes 6A, 6B provided by a DC power supply, and FIG. 21B provides graphs 142B, 144B, 146B of pH versus time at discrete points 142A, 144A, 146A proximate electrodes 6A, 6B shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signal shown in FIG. 21A is provided to electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0266] While application of a DC signal results in a relatively large change and strong drift in pH, in graph 146B (corresponding to point 146A in FIG. 20) a relatively rapid / uncontrolled decrease towards a pH below pH 5.5 (see region 148 in FIG. 21B) can be observed.

[0267] FIG. 22A provides a graph of an electrical signal according to a first example in which the electrical signal is periodic and bipolar, and FIG. 22B provides graphs 142C, 144C, 146C of pH versus time at individual points 142A, 144A, 146A proximate electrodes 6A, 6B shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signal shown in FIG. 22A is provided to electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0268] Note that the magnitude of the non-varying voltage shown in FIG. 21A is normalized to allow comparison with FIGS. 22A and 22B.

[0269] It can be seen that the electrical signal shown in Figures 22A and 22B induces a relatively rapid stabilization of pH, with little overall change in pH, stabilizing at about pH 5. Thus, varying the electrical signal can enhance the control that can be exerted over hydrogen ion production and therefore the local pH to which the subject's tooth is exposed.

[0270] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 22A and 22B, the electrical signal has a periodic variation in amplitude, which can help control the accumulation of hydrogen ions and therefore the local pH.

[0271] Alternatively or additionally, the electrical signal has or is a bidirectional waveform. An example of this is shown in FIG. 22A. Alternating the polarity of electrodes 6A, 6B via such a bidirectional waveform can help to suppress the progression of a low pH “front” emanating from electrodes 6A, 6B and stabilize the pH. This is because, after a polarity change, hydrogen ions previously generated at one of electrodes 6A, 6B can be neutralized by hydroxide ions now generated at the same electrode 6A, 6B.

[0272] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 22A and 22B, the electrical signal has or is a continuous waveform. In particular, Figure 22A shows a continuous waveform in the form of a sine wave.

[0273] In an alternative embodiment, the electrical signal comprises or is a pulsed electrical signal, which may be generated, for example, in the manner described above in connection with Figures 15A and 15B.

[0274] FIG. 23A provides a graph of the electrical signal according to a second example in which the electrical signal is periodic, pulsed (10 Hz, 10% duty cycle) and unipolar, and FIG. 23B provides graphs 142D, 144D, 146D of pH versus time at individual points 142A, 144A, 146A proximate electrodes 6A, 6B shown in FIG. 20 when the electrical signal shown in FIG. 23A is provided to electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0275] In contrast to the non-varying voltage of FIGS. 21A and 21B, which causes the pH to reach an unsafe value of pH 4 relatively quickly, the pulsed signal of FIGS. 23A and 23B produces a much gentler and controlled change in pH, reaching a pH of 4.8 after about 0.5 seconds.

[0276] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 24, the duty cycle of the pulsed electrical signal is 90% or less, preferably 75% or less, and most preferably 50% or less. The duty cycle is the percentage of the pulse duration or pulse width relative to the total period 150 of the waveform. The shorter total current "on" time associated with the pulsed electrical signal relative to the non-varying voltage of Figures 21A and 21B can help reduce the progression of the low pH "front."

[0277] In some embodiments, such as that shown in Figure 24, the electrical (current or voltage) signal is pulsed and bipolar. Each half-cycle of the signal can be applied with a given duty cycle. In the non-limiting example shown in Figure 24, the duty cycle is 50%.

[0278] The duty cycle associated with the positive component of the bipolar electrical signal may be the same as or different from the duty cycle associated with the negative component of the bipolar electrical signal.

[0279] Note that in some embodiments, no duty cycle may be employed.

[0280] The electrical signal can, in some embodiments, be defined by an asymmetric pulse, which can help induce preferential pH changes in specific locations.

[0281] 25, the electrical signal is a bidirectional waveform, and the positive peak amplitude 152 of the bidirectional waveform is different from the negative peak amplitude 154 of the bidirectional waveform. This can result in a continuous, but controlled, increase or decrease in pH at specific locations. Thus, the greater control provided by pulsing the electrical signal relative to applying a non-varying voltage can be combined with the limited creation of "extreme" pH zones near electrodes 6A, 6B due to the periodic neutralization provided by the changing polarity.

[0282] In some embodiments, one of the positive and negative peak amplitudes 152,154 is at least 1.1 times the other of the positive and negative peak amplitudes 154,152.

[0283] 25, the negative peak amplitude 154 is 1.5 times the positive peak amplitude 152. The average signal is represented by the dotted line 156 in FIG.

[0284] In some embodiments, the controller 102 is configured to provide the electrical signal to the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B for a predetermined time period after the electrochemical system 3 is controlled by the processor 4 to provide the electrochemical process and before terminating the provision of the electrical signal to the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B. Such a predetermined time period in combination with, for example, the variation of the electrical signal can help control the accumulation of hydrogen ions generated by the electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0285] This predetermined time period may be the same as or different from the (further) predetermined time period during which the actuator 9 moves based on the electrical signal. For example, the further predetermined time period during which the actuator 9 moves based on the electrical signal may be longer than the predetermined time period during which the electrical signal is provided to the pair of electrodes 6A, 6B.

[0286] 26 provides a flowchart of method 200 for controlling an electrochemical system (and optionally an actuator and electrochemical system) of an oral-care system that further includes a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity. The oral-care system may be any of the embodiments described herein.

[0287] The method 200 includes obtaining 202, via a detection system, a calculus indication indicative of calculus in a subject's oral cavity, and controlling 204 an electrochemical system to generate ions based on the calculus indication.

[0288] Ions, such as hydrogen ions, zinc ions, tin ions, copper ions, and / or silver ions, can be provided to the oral cavity of a subject, as described above. In some embodiments, the method 200 does not include providing ions to the oral cavity of a subject, and correspondingly, the method 200 does not include any therapeutic treatment steps.

[0289] FIG. 27 provides a flowchart of a method 300, by way of non-limiting example, a computer-implemented method in the form of a software algorithm.

[0290] The processor 4 can execute the software method 300 shown in FIG. 27 to ensure safe and efficient use of the oral care system 1, and in particular the electrochemical scaling mode of the oral care system 1.

[0291] In step 302A, the software determines whether tartar is present.

[0292] In spectral measurements, peaks that distinguish enamel from calculus can be found by detecting local maxima of absorbance (local minima of reflectance) in the highlighted wavelength window (see Figures 7 and 8). For example, by setting a sufficiently high "peak prominence" as the criterion for peak detection, spurious results from noisy spectral data can be filtered out.

[0293] Using the Spectroscopic Camera 7E, enamel can be distinguished from calculus by combining images from different wavelength bins. A simple example of this would be: 3500-3700 cm -1 Reflection images in the region of 4000-4300 cm -1 The images from the wavelength window can be normalized (element-wise division of the image matrix) with the dark spots in the resulting image, which are calculus in the bright enamel.

[0294] In addition to classical spectral analysis, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning models can also be employed to classify regions as enamel or calculus based on their IR spectral features. The models can be trained using ground truth training data generated by the optical spectrum module or using known reference spectra from the cloud database 4M mentioned above.

[0295] A key advantage of the AI ​​model would be that it makes the software method(s) robust to noise due to the presence of saliva + toothpaste slurry or IR absorption. The inventors have separately demonstrated that it is possible to segment tooth regions with toothpaste from clean areas. Similar techniques can be used to identify tartar or enamel during toothpaste brushing.

[0296] Block 302B is a decision point (yes / no) based on the analysis results of step 302A. If no tartar is detected (N), the software repeats step 302A and the oral care system 1 continues to operate in the initial mechanical and / or fluid cleaning mode 306.

[0297] If calculus is detected based on the analysis (Y), then in step 304A, the scaling mode is activated and a calculus treatment counter is initialized (i=1). Each calculus treatment count can be a treatment cycle, such as an electrical pulse, but can also be related to an overall time base, e.g., one treatment = number of seconds t of contact of the positive, acid-generating electrode. Additionally, a predetermined number of electrochemical treatments, X, can be defined.

[0298] In step 304A, electrochemical scaling with or without mechanical and / or fluid cleaning can be implemented. The software can control the electrochemical treatment mode based on predetermined settings (e.g., voltage, pulse time, etc.). The electrochemical treatment can be performed without mechanical and / or fluid cleaning (=scaling mode) or preferably in the presence of mechanical and / or fluid cleaning (co-treatment mode). In the co-treatment mode, the processor 4 can be configured to control both the actuator 9 and the electrochemical system 3 based on the calculus indication, as described above.

[0299] In step 302C, an analysis of the spectrum or spectral image during the calculus or joint treatment mode is performed. In step 302C, the acquired spectrum or spectral image is analyzed to determine how much calculus has been removed during the treatment or whether healthy enamel has now appeared in the place of the previous calculus cover. The analysis of the spectrum has already been described in relation to step 302A.

[0300] Block 302D is a decision point (yes / no) based on the analysis of step 302C. If enamel is detected (e.g., calculus completely removed; Y), the software stops / disables the electrochemical scaling mode (step 304C). If enamel is not detected (N), i.e., calculus is still present based on the analysis, the software remains in the scaling or co-treatment mode and the number of scaling treatments is compared to a predetermined threshold (step 304B).

[0301] Block 304B is a decision point (yes / no) based on a comparison of the actual number of treatments i to the predetermined number of electrochemical treatments X.

[0302] For a No path (N) at step 304B, if the actual treatment number i is less than the predetermined number X, the software further executes steps 304A-304D (counter i=i+1) and controls the calculus / cooperative treatment mode. In the specific example where the user completes a treatment before completing the predetermined X treatments (on a different tooth, or a different location on the same tooth) and then moves the treatment device, the software can store the treatment number along with the location of the treated area (the location in this case can be a quadrant of the oral cavity map shown in the app, or can be specific to the tooth in that quadrant). On the second pass through that location, the process resets the counter value. It starts again at TIFF2025535877000004.tif33144 (step 304A).

[0303] For the Yes path (Y) in step 304B, if the actual treatment count i is equal to X (i=X), this indicates that the tartar cannot be efficiently removed. Accordingly, the processor 4 can control the output device 10 to provide a notification. For example, the user gets feedback, or a remote dental action is triggered (step 308). Triggering an action can include sending an alarm directly to the dental practitioner to schedule an appointment, or initiating a remote diagnosis (e.g., by sending an image of the relevant tooth position to the dental practitioner). Alternatively, the power of the electrochemical system can be adjusted, as described in more detail in FIG. 28.

[0304] FIG. 28 provides a flowchart of yet another example method 400 in which the optimal number of electrochemical treatment cycles required for a tooth is determined along with dynamic adaptation of the electrochemical power used in different treatment cycles to minimize possible damage to tooth enamel.

[0305] Method 400 begins at step 402, where an initial spectral signal is analyzed at step 403. At block 404, it is determined whether a characteristic calculus spectral pattern is detected. If yes, the logic proceeds to step 406, where the number of treatment cycles is calculated. The spectral characteristics of the initial signal can be used to calculate the total number of cycles required for the treatment event. This can be based on previous comparable calculus removal events from the same user and / or comparable calculus removal events from other users (e.g., from a historical database). At step 408, electrochemical processing is provided.

[0306] In step 410, a second spectral signal is obtained, and the pattern of the second spectral signal is compared to the spectral pattern of enamel in step 412. In step 414, based on the overlap of the second spectral signal with the enamel spectral pattern, e.g., the degree of overlap, the treatment power can be reduced.

[0307] At block 416, it is determined whether the second spectral signal is within the enamel spectral pattern. If yes, the treatment is stopped at step 418. If not, the logic returns to step 408.

[0308] As previously explained, enamel and calculus can have characteristic spectral patterns. When electrochemical scaling therapy is initiated, a layer of calculus is removed from the tooth surface during each cycle, reducing its thickness until the enamel is finally exposed to the electrochemical treatment. It is important to minimize any adverse effects on the enamel from these methods. As the calculus layer reduces in thickness, the spectral pattern gradually changes from a calculus pattern to an enamel pattern. This spectral information can therefore be used to dynamically adapt the power / amount of treatment delivered.

[0309] In particular, the power / amount of treatment can be reduced as the thickness of the tartar layer decreases in order to protect the enamel from any adverse effects. This can be expressed as: Treatment Power (PT) = f (calculus thickness) or Treatment Power (PT) = f (proximity to enamel).

[0310] In the above formula, the proximity to enamel can be determined by the spectral overlap of the second spectral signal with the spectral pattern of typical enamel, e.g., as published in the literature. A greater overlap indicates a closer proximity to enamel, and a proportional reduction in power can be provided.

[0311] During the electrochemical treatment, if the calculus indication, determined, for example, via spectral overlap, indicates that the calculus layer does not show a reduced thickness or that the rate of thickness reduction is below a threshold, the processor 4 may be configured to increase the power level, e.g., DC voltage or current, or impedance used by the electrochemical system 3 to generate ions and / or issue a notification to a user, e.g., a dental care provider in question.

[0312] Therefore, the oral care system 1 can provide electrochemical treatment suitable for relatively stubborn tartar deposits.

[0313] The processor 4, controller 102 (and / or drivetrain circuitry 116) described above can be implemented in a number of ways using software and / or hardware to perform the various functions required. One or more of these elements can employ a microprocessor that can be programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the functions.

[0314] However, the control unit 102 / drivetrain circuitry 116 may be implemented with or without a microprocessor, or may be implemented as a combination of dedicated hardware to perform some functions and a processor, such as one or more programmed microprocessors and associated circuitry, to perform other functions.

[0315] Examples of controller elements that may be employed in various embodiments of the present application include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

[0316] In some examples, the processor 4, controller 102 / drivetrain circuitry 116 are associated with one or more storage media, such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory, such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, etc. The storage media can be encoded with one or more programs that, when executed by the one or more processors and / or controllers, perform the required functions. The various storage media may be fixed within the processor 4, controller 102, and / or drivetrain circuitry 116, or may be transportable such that the program or programs stored thereon can be loaded into the processor 4, controller 102, and / or drivetrain circuitry 116.

[0317] 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.

[0318] A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims.

[0319] 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.

[0320] 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.

[0321] It should be noted that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or specification, the term "adapted to" is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to."

[0322] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An oral care system comprising: a detection system for detecting tartar in the subject's oral cavity; an electrochemical system for generating ions to be delivered into the oral cavity of the subject during electrochemical treatment; one or more processors, wherein the processors: obtaining, via the detection system, a calculus indication indicative of calculus in the subject's oral cavity; An oral care system that controls an electrochemical treatment provided by the electrochemical system based on the tartar indication.

2. 10. The oral care system of claim 1, wherein the detection system comprises an optical detection system for optically detecting tartar in the subject's oral cavity, and optionally the optical detection system comprises an imaging system.

3. 3. The oral care system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection system comprises a spectral detection system that spectroscopically detects the presence of tartar in the subject's oral cavity.

4. 4. The oral care system of claim 3, wherein the one or more processors execute a spectral comparison algorithm to distinguish between tartar and enamel, and the tartar indication comprises a result of the spectral comparison algorithm.

5. 5. The oral care system of claim 3 or 4, wherein the spectroscopic detection of the presence of tartar in the subject's oral cavity comprises infrared spectroscopic detection.

6. 6. The oral care system of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical system comprises a control unit and one or more electrode pairs in contact with an aqueous solution, and the one or more processors trigger the control unit to provide an electrical signal that causes at least one electrode of the one or more electrode pairs to generate hydrogen ions from water in the aqueous solution for supply to the oral cavity of the subject based on a tartar indication indicating the presence of tartar.

7. 7. The oral care system of claim 6, wherein at least one electrode of the one or more electrode pairs is insertable into the oral cavity of the subject, and the aqueous solution comprises saliva and / or one or more oral care agents of the subject.

8. 8. The oral care system of claim 6 or 7, wherein the variation of the electrical signal limits the rate of change of the production of hydrogen ions and / or promotes the neutralization of hydrogen ions.

9. 9. The oral care system of claim 1, further comprising at least one cleaning element for mechanically and / or fluidly cleaning the interior of the subject's oral cavity, optionally the at least one cleaning element having bristles and / or a fluid delivery nozzle for cleaning surfaces within the oral cavity of the subject.

10. 10. The oral-care system of claim 9, wherein the one or more processors control movement of the at least one cleaning element and / or fluid delivery from the at least one cleaning element.

11. The one or more processors control the electrochemical system to: Initiating the generation of ions based on a tartar indication that tartar is present at a location within the subject's oral cavity, and ceasing the generation of ions based on the detection of enamel at the location; and / or 11. The oral care system of claim 1, wherein the system adjusts the power used by the electrochemical system to generate the ions based on a tartar indication that indicates the amount of tartar present at the target oral location.

12. 12. The oral care system of claim 1, further comprising an oral care assembly insertable into the oral cavity of the subject, wherein the electrochemical system comprises at least one ion-generating electrode for generating the ions, and the detection system comprises at least one sensing element, the at least one ion-generating electrode and the at least one sensing element being included in the oral care assembly.

13. 13. The oral care system of claim 1, further comprising an output device, wherein the one or more processors control the output device to provide a notification to a user based on the tartar indication, and optionally the user is at least one of the subject and the subject's dental care provider.

14. 10. The method of claim 1 further comprising a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity, comprising: obtaining, via the detection system, a calculus indication indicative of calculus in the subject's oral cavity; and controlling the electrochemical system based on the tartar indication.

15. 15. A computer program having computer program code configured, when executed on one or more processors included in an oral care system including a detection system for detecting tartar in a subject's oral cavity and an electrochemical system for generating ions, to cause the one or more processors to perform the method of claim 14.

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