A dentifrice dispenser, an assembly of the dispenser and a J / U shaped mouthpiece for cleaning teeth, a system including a dental cleaner and a storage station with the dispenser, uses of the dispenser, and methods of using the dispenser.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J- or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth locations with the dispensed dentifrice and cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece. The dispenser includes a dispenser ductwork having an inlet and a manifold. The manifold includes multiple outlet openings configured to dispense the dentifrice. The ductwork is configured to pass the dentifrice from the inlet to the outlet openings. The outlet openings are distributed along a curvature of the J- or U-shape and extend toward and / or along the curvature, the curvature conforming to at least a portion of a dental arch such that the outlet openings can dispense dentifrice to multiple locations along the curvature simultaneously, the multiple locations corresponding to the multiple outlet openings.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpieces for simultaneously covering and cleaning multiple tooth positions with cleaning elements provided on the mouthpiece. Cleaning may be brushing with brush bristles as cleaning elements. To cover upper and / or lower tooth positions, the mouthpieces to which the present invention relates define upper and / or lower troughs, which have a J-shaped and / or U-shaped length direction, respectively. To clean the tooth positions, the cleaning elements of the mouthpiece may be provided inside the troughs.

[0002] These J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpieces, which is the field to which the present invention relates, are used in particular for daily care of the teeth, for which dentifrice needs to be applied onto the mouthpiece, which is usually applied onto the mouthpiece through an opening as a foam from a toothpaste tube or from a container containing liquid dentifrice.

[0003] The present invention is more specifically directed to a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth locations with the dispensed dentifrice and with cleaning elements provided in the mouthpiece, such as in a trough of the mouthpiece.

[0004] The dispenser according to the invention may be used in J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpieces as known from the Applicant's previous patent applications, such as WO-2018 / 199760, WO-2020 / 017963, and unpublished NL patent applications NL-2025996, NL-2025997, and NL-2025996. [Background technology]

[0005] According to the prior art, dentifrice is expelled from the outlet opening (e.g. the dentifrice may be a paste expelled from a toothpaste tube) while the outlet opening and the mouthpiece move relative to each other to distribute the dentifrice along the J- or U-shaped length of the mouthpiece.

[0006] According to the present invention and generally, a dentifrice is an agent used in conjunction with a dental cleaner, such as a toothbrush, for the daily care of edentulous or edentulous tooth positions. Dentifrices are usually supplied in paste, powder, gel, liquid or foam form. According to the present invention, a tooth position is a position in relation to teeth in a denture, where teeth may or may not be present (e.g. in the form of natural or artificial teeth, or partly natural and partly artificial teeth).

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece, configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth locations with dispensed dentifrice and with cleaning elements provided on the mouthpiece. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a dentifrice dispenser that is easy to use and separate from the mouthpiece. It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a dentifrice dispenser that provides good distribution of dentifrice on the mouthpiece.

[0008] In the context of a U-shaped mouthpiece, it is known from US-2013 / 0260332 to provide the mouthpiece with a network of tubules or conduits that direct the pressurized spray pf cleaning liquid to a target location in the mouth of the user. This network of tubules or conduits is incorporated into the mouthpiece and permanently affixed / fixed thereto by sandwiching the network between an inner and an outer layer of the mouthpiece. US-2019 / 0000559 discloses a similar mouthpiece, called an oral insert, to provide personalized oral cleaning. Fluid openings integrated into the mouthpiece are positioned based on the oral or dental structure of the individual user's teeth to provide a customized fluid flow across the user's teeth. Fluid supply and fluid openings integrated into the mouthpiece do not work well with mouthpieces configured for tooth brushing, because integrating brushing elements and fluid supply into one mouthpiece increases the size of the mouthpiece, while the available space of the mouthpiece is limited in the mouth. Thus, US-2019 / 0000559 provides a first mouthpiece for fluid flossing and a separate second mouthpiece for brushing. Summary of the Invention

[0009] C1: One or more of the above mentioned objects are achieved according to a first aspect of the present invention by providing a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece, configured to simultaneously cover and clean a plurality of tooth positions with the dispensed dentifrice and with cleaning elements provided on the mouthpiece, the dispenser comprises a dispenser duct arrangement having an inlet and a manifold; a manifold including a plurality of outlet openings configured to dispense the dentifrice; a dispenser duct arrangement configured to pass the dentifrice from the inlet to a plurality of outlet openings; the exit orifices are distributed along the curvature of the J-shape or U-shape and develop toward and / or along the curvature, the curvature conforming to at least a portion of a dental arch including molars, premolars, canines, and incisors (which may include one or two lateral incisors and both central incisors) such that the exit orifices can expel dentifrice to multiple locations along the curvature, i.e., along the mouthpiece, simultaneously, the multiple locations corresponding to the multiple exit orifices; The dispenser is configured so that the mouthpiece can be detached from the manifold after the dentifrice has been dispensed onto the mouthpiece.

[0010] The manifold according to the invention is a separate manifold, i.e. a manifold that is a separate part from the mouthpiece. The mouthpiece on the one hand, the manifold with multiple outlet openings on the other hand, are therefore separate parts, in other words the manifold and its outlet openings are not integrated into the mouthpiece. While the mouthpiece is outside the user's mouth, dentifrice is dispensed onto the mouthpiece, after which the mouthpiece (without the manifold) is detached from the manifold in order to insert the mouthpiece (without the manifold) into the user's mouth for cleaning the tooth locations with the dentifrice.

[0011] A cleaning element may be provided within the trough of the mouthpiece according to further embodiments. The cleaning element may include, for example, one or more bristles, bristle tufts, a scrubbing pad, and a liquid nozzle for spraying or squirting a liquid, such as water or a cleaning liquid, onto a tooth location, such as a tooth and / or one or more non-edentulous gums.

[0012] The dentifrice passing from the inlet of the dispenser duct system to the multiple outlets of the dispenser duct system may be pressurized to facilitate its passage from the inlet of the dispenser duct system to the multiple outlets of the dispenser duct system.

[0013] The J- or U-shape of the mouthpiece corresponds to at least a portion of the user's dental arch.

[0014] By having a plurality of separate manifold outlet openings distributed along the curvature of the J-shape, respectively U-shape, which matches the J-shape, respectively U-shape, of the mouthpiece, in other words by having a plurality of separate manifold outlet openings distributed along the curvature of the J-shape, respectively U-shape, which matches at least a portion of the user's dental arch, dentifrice is provided simultaneously to a plurality of positions along the mouthpiece. No relative movement of the outlet with respect to the mouthpiece is required during delivery. Both may be immovable (held) relative to each other during delivery. The distribution of the outlets along the curvature, performed in a predetermined distribution, ensures that sufficient dentifrice can be provided to all parts of the mouthpiece, so that all teeth encompassed by the mouthpiece are effectively treated with dentifrice during cleaning.

[0015] C2-3: According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the outlet openings are arranged opposite each other across a plane defined by the curvature. This configuration allows for a mouthpiece having an upper trough for treating the upper dental bow and a lower trough for treating the lower dental bow to simultaneously provide dentifrice to both troughs at once. According to a further embodiment of this embodiment, a first set of outlet openings may be arranged on one side of said plane and a second set of outlets may be arranged on the other side of said plane, the first and second sets being spaced apart from each other transversely to said plane. According to another further embodiment of this embodiment, the outlet openings are arranged in symmetrical pairs with respect to the plane defined by the curvature.

[0016] C4: According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the curvature is U-shaped. This embodiment allows for efficient ejection of dentifrice especially onto a U-shaped mouthpiece.

[0017] It should be noted that, particularly with respect to U-shaped mouthpieces, the dimensions of the dental arch may vary from user to user. Not only do ages such as childhood, early adolescence, mid-adolescence, late adolescence, young adult, and adult come into play, but also individual differences. One of these dimensional changes is the width of the dental arch, i.e., the (horizontal) distance between the (vertical) legs of the U. Another dimensional change, particularly depending on the stage of dental development, is the length of the dental arch as seen along the U-shape. As from about mid-adolescence onwards, the size of the dental arch, particularly the width of the U, may be divided into small, medium, and large, although more refined subdivisions are possible and may include some or all ages in the age spectrum. Thus, dimensions such as the width and length of the mouthpiece may vary as well.

[0018] C5: A dispenser manifold having a U-shaped curvature to be able to deliver U-shaped mouthpieces of different sizes, according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, For a U-shaped mouthpiece, more specifically, a U-shaped curvature for dimensions such as width and / or length of the mouthpiece; and / or - configured to adjust the U-shaped mouthpiece to the curvature of the U-shape, The U-shaped curvature is a U-shaped curvature with a number of outlet openings distributed along it.

[0019] C6: Adjustment of the curvature of the U-shape to the U-shaped mouthpiece may be achieved, according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, by adjusting the positional relationship of the plurality of outlet openings to one another to adapt the curvature of the U-shape (along which the outlet openings are arranged) to the (dimensions of) the U-shaped mouthpiece. Adjustment of the positional relationship of the plurality of outlet openings to one another allows the adjustment to take into account changes in the width of the mouthpiece, to take into account changes in the length of the mouthpiece, or to take into account changes in the width and length of the mouthpiece. This may be achieved, for example, using one or more sensors configured to sense a dimension, such as the width and / or length of the mouthpiece, and connected to a controller that controls one or more actuators to adjust the positional relationship of the plurality of outlet openings to one another corresponding to the sensed dimension. These one or more sensors may be configured to sense the actual dimensions or may be configured to sense, for example read, markings provided on the mouthpiece - such as physical markers, such as bar codes, QR codes, colors or color codes, or readable chips, such as RFID (= radio frequency identification) or PCB (= printed circuit board), representing the dimensions of the mouthpiece.

[0020] C7: In addition to or as an alternative to the adjustment of the U-shaped curvature to the U-shaped mouthpiece, the manifold can be configured to adjust the U-shaped mouthpiece to the curvature of the U-shaped shape along which the outlet opening is located. If the mouthpiece is a U-shaped mouthpiece with two legs connected at a central portion, this can be achieved, for example, when the manifold comprises a W-shaped receiving dock with two adjacent receiving bays separated by a central member, the dock being configured to receive the legs of the U-shaped mouthpiece in the receiving bay when the legs of the mouthpiece are inserted in the receiving bay in an insertion direction, each receiving bay having an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being defined by a central member, the width of the central member being increased when viewed from the insertion direction, and the outer walls being tapered relative to each other when viewed from the insertion direction. When the legs of the mouthpiece are inserted into the receiving bay, the central portion of the mouthpiece so to speak bridges the central member of the dock. In this embodiment, the curvature of the U-shape along which the outlet opening is arranged may have a fixed or adjustable configuration with respect to the W-shaped dock. The dimensions of the W-shaped receiving dock, more specifically the dimensions of the receiving bay and the central member, may be preset according to a further embodiment and may be selected such that a mouthpiece of a given average width dimension is not deformed when, for example, pushed into the receiving bay with its legs. The free ends of the legs of the mouthpiece with the given average width dimension fit snugly into the receiving bay without any transverse play to the length of the legs. When received in the receiving bay, the central member may, for example, but not necessarily, fit snugly into the space defined by the legs of the U-shaped mouthpiece of the given average width. If a mouthpiece with a width smaller than the width of the mouthpiece of the given average width is inserted into the receiving dock, the widening of the central member ensures that the legs of the mouthpiece with the smaller width widen to fit the width of the mouthpiece of the given average width. When a mouthpiece having a width larger than that of a mouthpiece of a given average width is inserted into the receiving dock, the tapering of the outer walls relative to one another ensures that the legs of the larger width mouthpiece are, so to speak, squeezed to fit the width of the mouthpiece of the given average width.

[0021] C8: According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, the dispenser further comprises a dentifrice container for a dentifrice and a delivery section connecting the dentifrice container with the inlet and configured for transfer of the dentifrice from the dentifrice container to the inlet.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the dispenser with a dentifrice container, the dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention may further comprise an actuation mechanism configured to control the transfer of the dentifrice from the container to the inlet via the supply section. The actuation mechanism may comprise a release mechanism and a control button connected to or associated with the release mechanism. If the container is pre-pressurized, the release mechanism may be a valve arranged in the supply section, which opens upon actuation of the control button to allow the pressurized dentifrice to pass through the inlet. If the container is not pre-pressurized, the actuation mechanism may further be configured to pressurize the dentifrice so that it is transferred through or through the ductwork. For this purpose, the release mechanism may be configured, for example, to pressurize at least a portion of the dentifrice for transfer from the container to the inlet. Pressurizing the dentifrice may be, for example, by an electrically driven pump that is activated upon actuation of the control button, or by a mechanically driven pump that is driven by the movement of the control button when the control button is pressed to move a predetermined distance. In the case of an electrically driven pump, the control button may be, for example, a sensor or an electric switch. In the case of a mechanically driven pump driven by the movement of a control button, one can think of mechanisms used in all kinds of foaming substance and liquid dispensers, for example for dispensing soap. A pump, such as the aforementioned electrically driven pump, a mechanically driven pump, or any other pump, may be part of the supply section. It is noted that with regard to the pump, the pump, when configured to work in a pipe or duct, has a suction side and a pressure side, the suction side being on the side of the container and the pressure side being on the side of the ductwork. Furthermore, it is noted that pressurization may also be achieved by increasing the pressure in the dentifrice container, for example by an electrically or mechanically driven pump.

[0023] According to another further embodiment of the dispenser with a dentifrice container, the container is a replaceable dentifrice cartridge, whereby an empty container can be replaced with a new container full of dentifrice.

[0024] C12: According to another further embodiment of the dispenser with a dentifrice container, the container contains dentifrice.

[0025] C13: According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the dentifrice may comprise one or more of the following: - Fluoride, - 0.1 to 0.15 grams, for example 0.1125 to 0.1375 grams, or about 0.125 grams, of an abrasive, which may include one or more of aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, silica, and hydroxyapatite, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing; 15-80% by weight, for example 20-40% by weight or 45-70% by weight of water.

[0026] C14-16: According to another further embodiment of the dispenser comprising a dentifrice container, the container is dimensioned to contain multiple doses of dentifrice, for example 20-150 doses of dentifrice, and the actuation mechanism is configured to deliver a single predetermined dose of dentifrice upon actuation of the actuation mechanism. According to a further embodiment of this embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a single dose of dentifrice may comprise 0.2-1.25 mg of fluoride, for example 0.20-0.40 mg of fluoride, or 0.25-0.375 mg of fluoride, for example about 0.335-0.34 mg of fluoride. The container may be dimensioned to contain multiple doses, for example sufficient for a week, a month, three months or even a year for a person. The container may be configured to dispense a predetermined dose or a dose determined by the controller based on input received from a sensor or a user interface, according to another further embodiment.

[0027] C17: According to another further embodiment of the dispenser containing a fluoride-containing dentifrice, the fluoride may, according to the first aspect of the invention, comprise one or more of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and monofluorophosphate, or a combination comprising one or more of these.

[0028] C18: According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the dispenser may further comprise a dose adjuster configured to adjust the dose of dentifrice dispensed. This may, for example, allow for adjustment of the dose taking into account the size of the mouthpiece. A small mouthpiece may require a smaller dose than a larger mouthpiece.

[0029] C19: According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the dispenser may further comprise an indicator and at least one status sensor configured to sense the degree of filling of the container and / or the degree of use of the mouthpiece, the indicator being connected to the status sensor and configured to generate an indication signal representative of the degree sensed by the sensor or indicating when the degree sensed by the sensor is below a predetermined value, respectively. The sensor for sensing the degree of filling and the associated indicator can inform the user when the dentifrice container is empty or close to being empty. The sensor for sensing the degree of use and the associated indicator can inform the user when the mouthpiece is or will be too old for further use.

[0030] C20: According to a second aspect of the invention, the invention provides an assembly comprising a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention and a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously cover and clean multiple tooth positions with a dentifrice dispensed by the dispenser and cleaning elements provided in the mouthpiece. To cover multiple tooth positions, the mouthpiece may comprise one or more troughs provided with cleaning elements. The cleaning elements may for example comprise one or more bristles, tufts of bristles, scrubbing pads, and liquid nozzles for spraying or jetting a liquid, such as water or a cleaning liquid, onto the teeth.

[0031] C21: According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: - a dental cleaner comprising a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece as described above configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth positions with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece; a storage station for storing the J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece when not in use for cleaning teeth, a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention, and a holder, a storage station comprising: i) a holder configured to hold a J- or U-shaped mouthpiece in a storage position such that in the storage position the mouthpiece is aligned along the curvature of the J- or U-shape such that dentifrice dispensed through the outlet opening of the dispenser engages the mouthpiece at locations distributed along the curvature, and ii) such that said mouthpiece may be released from the holder after dentifrice has been dispensed onto the mouthpiece.

[0032] Such a system allows the user to place the U / J-shaped mouthpiece in the holder when the dentifrice is applied onto the mouthpiece. Thus, the user does not need to manually hold the mouthpiece in the correct position relative to the multiple outlets, which is done by the holder. This is not only easy to use, but also ensures that the mouthpiece is always in the correct position relative to the (outlet opening of) the manifold when dentifrice is dispensed onto it. Furthermore, such a system allows the U / J-shaped mouthpiece to be stored in the holder after use, stored in the holder when not in use, provided with dentifrice just before being removed from the manifold / holder, and then inserted into the user's mouth to clean the multiple tooth positions. The holder may be configured, according to further embodiments, such that the manifold engages with the mouthpiece, e.g., with the bristles of the mouthpiece, when the mouthpiece is in the stored position, or alternatively, such that the manifold is spaced away from the mouthpiece (to avoid the manifold directly contacting the mouthpiece) and faces its outlet opening towards a face of the mouthpiece that is configured to encompass the tooth positions.

[0033] C22: According to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the dental cleaner further comprises a handle to which the mouthpiece is attached, and the holder is a handle holder configured to receive the handle such that the mouthpiece attached to the handle is held in a stored position, such that the dental cleaner can be stored together with the handle while still attached to the handle in the storage station.

[0034] C23: According to another further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the dental cleaner comprises a rechargeable battery and the storage station comprises a battery charger configured to be in charging contact with the battery when the mouthpiece is in the storage position, thereby allowing the battery of the dental cleaner to be charged when the mouthpiece is in the storage position, thereby ensuring that the battery is charged whenever a user requires the mouthpiece to clean a tooth location.

[0035] C24: According to another further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the storage station further comprises a cleaning device configured to clean the mouthpiece when it is in the storage position. The user may then store the mouthpiece in the storage station without a full cleaning after use, and the mouthpiece is cleaned by the storage station so that it is available in a cleaned state for the next use. After use, the user can simply rinse the mouthpiece with tap water without worrying about thorough cleaning. It is also conceivable that the user can place the mouthpiece directly in the storage station after use, without having to rinse the mouthpiece with tap water. Such a cleaning device may be configured, for example, to treat the mouthpiece with a liquid and / or gas jet and / or to purify the mouthpiece. Purification of the mouthpiece may include, for example, sterilization of the mouthpiece and / or disinfection of the mouthpiece and / or disinfection of the mouthpiece and / or antiseptic treatment of the mouthpiece. Purification may, for example, use UV radiation.

[0036] C25: According to another further embodiment of the system having the aforementioned cleaning device, the cleaning device comprises, according to the third aspect of the invention: a reservoir for a cleaning liquid, the outlet opening of the dispenser being arranged in the reservoir and adapted to receive the mouthpiece in a retracted position; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying a cleaning liquid into the tank; The cleaning device is configured to clean the mouthpiece with a cleaning fluid provided in the reservoir.

[0037] The mouthpiece can be inserted into the bath for the cleaning procedure. The bath may have, for example, a top open side that allows the mouthpiece to be inserted into the bath, but it is also conceivable to have a bath with a closable or sealable access opening (which access opening is closed and optionally sealed during the cleaning procedure) for inserting the mouthpiece into the bath and removing it from the bath. During the cleaning procedure, the bath may be filled, for example, with a large amount of cleaning liquid, and / or the bath may act as an enclosure to prevent leakage of the cleaning liquid, for example, pressure may be injected, such as in the form of one or more jets. The cleaning liquid may be tap water, and in one example, the cleaning liquid supply comprises a hose that may be attached to a water tap. The cleaning liquid may be drained from the bath by draining the contents of the bath into a sink. According to a further embodiment, a drain pipe may be attached to the bath and in fluid communication with the interior space of the bath. Such a drain pipe may have a drain end that is free to discharge, for example, into a sink.

[0038] According to another further embodiment of the system with a cleaning device, the cleaning liquid supply may comprise a dispenser duct arrangement or at least a part of a dispenser duct arrangement for supplying cleaning liquid to the tank through the outlet opening according to the third aspect of the invention. If a dispenser duct arrangement is used to supply cleaning liquid to the tank, the dispenser duct arrangement is likewise cleaned by the cleaning liquid passing through it. However, it is also conceivable that the cleaning liquid supply alternatively or additionally comprises a cleaning liquid duct arrangement separate from the dispenser duct arrangement, which cleaning liquid duct arrangement has its own outlet (i.e. an outlet different from the outlet openings) debouching into the tank.

[0039] C26-27: According to a further embodiment of the system with the aforementioned cleaning device with a bath, the cleaning device may further comprise a reservoir with a cleaning liquid, according to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the reservoir being operatively connected or connectable with a liquid supply for transferring the cleaning liquid from the reservoir into the bath. According to a further embodiment of this embodiment, the reservoir may be an exchangeable cleaning cartridge. According to another further embodiment of this embodiment, a drain in the form of a return pipe may connect the bath and the reservoir for draining the cleaning liquid from the bath back to the reservoir. In such an embodiment with a return pipe, the reservoir may be provided with a strainer, according to a further embodiment, for removing dirt particles from the cleaning liquid returned to the reservoir.

[0040] C28-29: In order to subject the mouthpiece in the basin to a mechanical cleaning action that helps remove dirt particles and debris from the mouthpiece, the liquid supply may be configured to introduce pressurized jets of one or more cleaning liquids into the basin, the jets being directed onto the mouthpiece, according to a further embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention. In the case of a dental cleaner provided with a drive system configured to subject cleaning elements, such as brush bristles, to a reciprocating motion, the cleaning device may alternatively or additionally be configured to take the mouthpiece in contact with the cleaning liquid into the basin and operate the drive system to subject the brushing elements to a reciprocating motion when the mouthpiece is in a stored position in the basin in contact with the cleaning liquid.

[0041] C30: According to another further embodiment of the third aspect of the invention, the system may further comprise a dose adjuster configured to adjust the dose of dispensed dentifrice in response to a user action or in response to said mouthpiece being placed in a retracted position. This may, for example, allow for adjustment of the dose taking into account the size of the mouthpiece. A small mouthpiece may require a smaller dose than a larger mouthpiece.

[0042] C31: According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention provides the use of a dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention or a system according to the third aspect of the invention for simultaneously applying dentifrice onto multiple positions of a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece prior to inserting said mouthpiece into a user's mouth, said mouthpiece being configured to encompass and treat multiple tooth positions simultaneously. The manifold is a separate component from the mouthpiece, such that after dispensing the dentifrice onto the mouthpiece, while the mouthpiece is outside the user's mouth, the mouthpiece can be detached from the manifold and then inserted into the user's mouth.

[0043] C32: According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the invention provides a method for applying a dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and treat multiple tooth positions, the method using a dispenser according to one of the first aspects of the invention or a system according to the third aspect of the invention to simultaneously apply the dentifrice onto multiple positions of the mouthpiece. The manifold is a separate component from the mouthpiece, such that after dispensing the dentifrice onto the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may be disengaged from the manifold while the mouthpiece is outside the user's mouth, and then inserted into the user's mouth. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] The invention will be further explained with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0045] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of the dental arches, with FIG. 1A showing the teeth of a lower dental arch and the teeth of an upper dental arch in plan view. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B shows an example of an upper dental arch with tooth positions. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of a U-shaped mouthpiece in a perspective view. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a J-shaped mouthpiece in a perspective view. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows very diagrammatically and in perspective view a first embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser according to the invention. [Figure 5A] Figure 5 very diagrammatically shows in perspective a second embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser according to the invention, and Figure 5A very diagrammatically shows the dentifrice dispenser itself. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows very diagrammatically that the outlet openings are arranged opposite each other across a plane defined by the curvature; [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C very diagrammatically shows the dentifrice dispenser of FIG. 5A with a U-shaped mouthpiece. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 very diagrammatically illustrates examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as configurations of manifolds and manifold sections. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows very diagrammatically examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as configurations of manifolds and manifold sections. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows very diagrammatically examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as configurations of manifolds and manifold sections. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows very diagrammatically examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as configurations of manifolds and manifold sections. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 very diagrammatically illustrates examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as configurations of manifolds and manifold sections. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows very diagrammatically and in perspective view a third embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser according to the invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows very diagrammatically in side view a fourth embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser according to the invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows very diagrammatically in side view a first embodiment of a system according to the invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows very diagrammatically in side view a second embodiment of a system according to the invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 shows very diagrammatically in side view a second embodiment of a system according to the invention. [Figure 16A] Figure 16 shows very diagrammatically one embodiment of a manifold that allows the curvature of the U-shape to be adjusted relative to the U-shaped mouthpiece. [Figure 16B] FIG. 16B shows a lateral cross section in the initial state before adjustment; [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C shows a cross section similar to the one in FIG. 16B, but in an adjusted state after adjustment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17 shows one very schematic embodiment of a manifold that can adjust a U-shaped mouthpiece to a U-shaped curvature, with FIG. 17A showing a top view of the manifold. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B shows the same view as FIG. 17A with a smaller mouthpiece. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C shows the same view as FIG. 17A with a medium sized mouthpiece. [Figure 17D] FIG. 17D shows the same view as FIG. 17A with a larger mouthpiece. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18 very diagrammatically shows a further embodiment of the manifold of FIG. 17, with FIG. 18A showing a top view of the manifold; [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B shows the flow direction of the outlet opening shown in FIG. 18A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] Figure 1A shows, in plan view, a schematic upper dental arch 1 and a lower dental arch 2. Each dental arch typically has 16 tooth positions with the teeth named according to a nomenclature known to each dental practitioner. Using this nomenclature, Figure 1A shows: - Upper right third molar 3U and lower right third molar 3L, also called the grace teeth, - upper right second molar 4U and lower right second molar 4L, - Upper right first molar 5U and lower right first molar 5L, - Upper right second premolar 6U and lower right second premolar 6L, - Upper right first premolar 7U and lower right first premolar 7L, - upper right canine 8U and lower right canine 8L, - upper right lateral incisor 9U and lower right lateral incisor 9L, - upper right central incisor 10U and lower right central incisor 10L, - Upper left central incisor 11U and lower left central incisor 11L, - upper left lateral incisor 12U and lower left lateral incisor 12L, - upper left canine 13U and lower left canine 13L, - Upper left first premolar 14U and lower left first premolar 14L, - Upper left second premolar 15U and lower left second premolar 15L, - Upper left first molar 16U and lower left first molar 16L, - Upper left second molar 17U and lower left second molar 17L, and -Upper left third molar 18U and lower left third molar 18L, also called the grace teeth.

[0047] Furthermore, according to the commonly used nomenclature, the canines 8U, 8L, 13U, 13L, the lateral incisors 9U, 9L, 12U, 12L, and the central incisors 10U, 10L, 11U, 11L are referred to as the anterior teeth shown in grey in FIG. 1A, and all the molars 3U, 3L, 4U, 4L, 5U, 5L, 16U, 16L, 17U, 17L, 18U, 18L, and the premolars 6U, 6L, 7U, 7L, 14U, 14L, 15U, 15L are referred to as the molars shown in white in FIG. 1A.

[0048] FIG. 1B shows a very schematic part of an upper dental arch 1 in a perspective view with tooth positions 4-16. Each tooth position is indicated by a vertical dashed line. Each tooth position usually includes a tooth that is named according to a nomenclature known to each dentist. Tooth position 7 is, for example, the tooth position of the upper right first premolar 7U. In FIG. 1B, the tooth position of the upper left second molar is not shown, nor are the tooth positions of the cusps, right and left upper third molars.

[0049] FIG. 1B further shows a system of three mutually orthogonal axes, including an x-axis X, a y-axis Y, and a z-axis Z. The z-axis Z is a curved axis that follows the contour of the dental arches 1, 2. The x-axis X and the y-axis Y are mutually perpendicular and define an xy-plane that is essentially flat and perpendicular to the dental arches 1, 2. That is, each xy-plane that intersects a position on the z-axis is perpendicular to the curved z-axis Z at that position. The z-axis Z defines a curved length direction. The z-axis Z and the y-axis Y define a curved zy-plane when viewed along the z-axis, which is an arc shape similar to the shape of the dental arch. Furthermore, the z-axis Z and the x-axis X define a zx-plane, and the x-axis X and the y-axis Y define an xy-plane.

[0050] As used within the scope of this document, with reference to the terms "length of the J-shape or U-shape" and "cross-section of the U-shape," the "length of the J-shape or U-shape" refers to the z-axis Z of the U-shape in FIG. 1B, and the "cross-section of the U-shape" refers to the xy-plane in FIG. 1B.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a U-shaped mouthpiece 20 according to the present invention.

[0052] The mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2 has an upper part 21 for treating the upper dental arch 1 and a lower part 23 for treating the lower dental arch 2. The upper part 21 has an upper trough system 22, which has a U-shaped curved length axis, essentially parallel to the z-axis Z of FIG. 1. This upper trough system 22 with its curved length axis is configured to simultaneously encompass multiple tooth positions (or teeth) of the upper dental arch 1. The lower part 23 has a lower trough system 24, which also has a U-shaped curved length axis, essentially parallel to the z-axis of FIG. 1. This lower trough system 24 with its curved length axis is configured to simultaneously encompass multiple tooth positions (or teeth) of the lower dental arch 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower and upper trough systems 21, 23 may each be formed as one continuous trough. However, each trough system may also include multiple trough sections aligned along the curved length axis of the trough system to provide a discontinuous trough system.

[0053] Each trough system 21, 23 is provided with brushing elements 25. These brushing elements may be of any type suitable for brushing teeth according to the invention. As shown in Figure 2, these brushing elements are bristles and are arranged in tufts 25 that protrude from the trough wall into the trough. However, other brushing elements such as ribs or embossed surface structures are also very well conceivable within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. However, it should be noted that the brushing elements may also not be present.

[0054] 2 shows a so-called U-shaped full mouthpiece 20 in the context of the present invention. However, in the context of the present invention, the mouthpiece may also be a so-called U-shaped half mouthpiece (not shown). In a U-shaped half mouthpiece, the upper part 21 (or the lower part 23) of the mouthpiece 20 is missing, and the remaining part can be used to treat the upper and lower dental arches subsequently, by removing the mouthpiece from the mouth after treating one of the dental arches, pivoting it about a horizontal axis and inserting it back into the mouth for treating the other dental arch.

[0055] Figure 3 shows a J-shaped mouthpiece 30 in the context of the present invention, which is essentially the same as the U-shaped mouthpiece 20 of Figure 2, except that it is J-shaped rather than U-shaped. The J-shaped mouthpiece has an upper part 31 with an upper trough system 32 and a lower part 33 with a lower trough system 34. As in Figure 2, both trough systems 32 and 34 are provided with brushing elements 25. As in Figure 2, these brushing elements may also be absent.

[0056] The J-shaped mouthpiece shown is a so-called J-shaped full mouthpiece, which can simultaneously treat all tooth positions on the right side of the user's upper and lower dental arches, or all tooth positions on the left side of the user's upper and lower dental arches. After performing one side (right or left), the user removes the mouthpiece from the mouth, rotates it 180 degrees around the central axis 19 (see also FIG. 1A), and puts it back into the mouth for the other side (left or right). For the cleaning action, a drive system (not shown) is provided. This drive system is configured to reciprocate the brushing elements or the walls of the upper and lower trough systems. If brushing elements are provided on the walls of the upper and lower trough systems, these brushing elements also reciprocate in the same way when the walls of the trough systems reciprocate. The drive system may be of any type known from the prior art. The drive system may, for example, comprise one or more pressure chambers arranged in or within the upper parts 21, 31 and lower parts 23, 33 of the mouthpiece 20, respectively 30, which are alternately pressurized and depressurized. Such drive systems are described in detail in the applicant's previous applications such as WO-2018 / 199760, WO-2020 / 017963, and in the unpublished NL patent applications NL-2025996, NL-2025997, and NL-2025996. However, other drive systems known from the prior art in connection with U-shaped and J-shaped toothbrushes may also be used.

[0057] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a U-shaped mouthpiece, such as mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2, or a J-shaped mouthpiece, such as mouthpiece 30 of FIG.

[0058] Figure 4 shows very diagrammatically a first embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser 40 according to the present invention. The dentifrice dispenser 40 comprises a dispenser duct arrangement 41, 42, 43 having an inlet 41 and a U-shaped manifold 43 (shown in grey in Figure 4). The manifold 43 comprises a plurality of outlet openings 44. The plurality of outlet openings 44 may be any number of outlet openings, from two or three outlet openings 44 to a large number of outlet openings, such as 25 or more. In the example of Figure 4, nine outlet openings 44 are shown. These outlet openings are configured to dispense the dentifrice, as shown diagrammatically at 45. The dispenser duct arrangement may optionally comprise an intermediate pipe 42 between the inlet 41 and the manifold 43. The dispenser duct arrangement 41, 42, 43 is configured to pass the dentifrice from the inlet 41 to the plurality of outlet openings 44. The outlet openings 44 are arranged along and extend towards the bends 46 of the U-shape. Distributed along and extending towards the curvature 46 of the U-shape, the outlet openings 44 can dispense dentifrice to multiple locations along the curvature 46 simultaneously. In this way, the user only needs to place the mouthpiece along the manifold and the upper or lower trough system can provide the dentifrice 45 all at once without any dispenser outlet having to move along the mouthpiece to distribute the dentifrice throughout the mouthpiece once the dentifrice is provided to the inlet 41 as indicated by the arrow 47. For a so-called U-shaped half mouthpiece, one dispensing action of the dentifrice dispenser 40 of FIG. 4 is sufficient. For a so-called U-shaped full mouthpiece 20 as shown in FIG. 2, two dispensing actions of the dispenser 40 of FIG. 4 are sufficient. During the dispensing action, the mouthpiece 20 and the dentifrice dispenser 40 need to be inverted relative to each other.

[0059] In this embodiment, as well as in other embodiments of dentifrice dispensers for U-shaped mouthpieces, the curvature at least partially matches a dental arch extending from a left (upper or lower) molar to a right (upper or lower) molar. In a dentifrice dispenser for a U-shaped mouthpiece, the curvature may, for example, match a portion of a dental arch extending from a right first molar to a left first molar. In a dentifrice dispenser for a U-shaped mouthpiece, the curvature may, according to another example, match a portion of a dental arch extending from a right second molar to a left second molar.

[0060] Figure 5 very diagrammatically shows a second embodiment of a dentifrice dispenser 50 according to the invention: Figure 5A very diagrammatically shows the dentifrice dispenser itself, Figure 5B very diagrammatically shows the outlet orifices arranged on opposite sides of a plane defined by a curvature, and Figure 5C very diagrammatically shows a dentifrice dispenser similar to that shown in Figure 5A arranged in a dentifrice dispenser manifold, for example with a U-shaped mouthpiece such as mouthpiece 20 of Figure 2.

[0061] The dentifrice dispenser 50 of FIG. 5 can be used to dispense dentifrice "in one go" onto a so-called U-shaped full mouthpiece, such as the mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2. For this purpose, the manifold of the mouthpiece 50 is extended, so to speak, with a second manifold part 49 having a plurality of outlet openings 44 distributed along the curvature and developing towards the curvature. The mouthpiece 50, similar to the mouthpiece 40, has a first manifold part 43 having a plurality of, for example, nine, outlet openings 44. The dentifrice supplied to the inlet 41 (see arrow 47) passes through an optional intermediate pipe 42 to the first manifold part 43. The second manifold part 49 is also connected to the inlet 41. As shown in FIG. 5A, this can be, for example, by an optional intermediate pipe 48, which connects the second manifold part 49 to the inlet via the first manifold part 43. However, other ways of providing a fluid connection between the inlet 41 and the second manifold part 49 are also conceivable. For example, the intermediate pipe 42 may be directly connected to the intermediate pipe 48, or the intermediate pipe 48 may have an inlet 42 such that the intermediate pipe 48 acts as a partition separating the dentifrice supplied to the inlet (arrow 47) between the second manifold portion 49 and the first manifold portion 43.

[0062] 5B, the arrows indicate dentifrice flowing through the outlet openings 44. The outlet openings 44 of the second manifold portion 49 are disposed above the plane 51 defined by the curves 46, and the outlet openings 44 of the first manifold portion 43 are disposed below this plane 51 defined by the curves 46. The outlet openings 44 of the second manifold portion 49 provide an outlet towards the curves 46, and the outlet openings 44 of the first manifold portion 43 provide an outlet towards the curves 46.

[0063] As can be seen in Figure 5B, the exit orifices 44 are arranged in symmetrical pairs with respect to the plane 51 defined by the curvature 46. The same applies to the exit orifices 44 shown in Figure 5A. Although exit orifices 44 arranged in symmetrical pairs with respect to the plane 51 are practical to obtain a similar distribution of dentifrice on both sides of the J / U shaped full mouthpiece, the exit orifices may also be arranged in non-symmetrical pairs, or may not be arranged in pairs at all.

[0064] 5B shows only three exit openings 44 in the second manifold section 49 and three exit openings 44 in the first manifold section 43. For a U-shaped mouthpiece, three exit openings per manifold section is about the minimum number of exit openings. Better distribution of dentifrice is obtained with more exit openings 44 per manifold section, such as four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or more exit openings 44 per manifold section.

[0065] As Figure 5A shows, the second manifold portion 49 and the first manifold portion 43 are positioned at a distance H from each other. To allow insertion of the mouthpiece between the second manifold portion 49 and the first manifold portion 43, this distance H is about the same as or greater than the height h of the mouthpiece shown in Figure 2. The distance H being greater than the height h facilitates insertion.

[0066] FIG. 5C very diagrammatically shows a mouthpiece, such as mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2, inserted between second manifold part 49 and first manifold part 43. As indicated by reference 52 and slight gray, dentifrice 52 is applied onto upper mouthpiece part 21 and lower mouthpiece part 23. In this embodiment, the dentifrice is applied to the through system of upper mouthpiece part 21 and to the through system of lower mouthpiece part 23. Dentifrice may also be located on top of the open side of the trough system. After the dentifrice is dispensed onto the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece may be disengaged from manifold parts 43, 49 along the direction indicated by arrow 53. Other ways of releasing the mouthpiece from the manifold are also possible, such as disengaging the manifold parts in the direction opposite to arrow 53, or folding the manifold parts by rotating one relative to the other, or sliding one manifold part away from the other manifold part and the mouthpiece, etc.

[0067] As exemplarily visualized in Fig. 5C, but also applicable to all other embodiments of the invention, the dentifrice dispensed on and / or into the mouthpiece is dispensed onto a surface of the mouthpiece configured to encompass the tooth location to be treated, which in this embodiment is an inner wall surface of a trough that is U-shaped or J-shaped in the length direction and has at least a partially U-shaped and / or V-shaped cross section, the U-shaped and / or V-shaped cross section being transverse to the length direction of the U-shape / J-shape. As further visualized in Fig. 5C, but also applicable to all embodiments of the invention using bristles, the outlet of the manifold may be configured to dispense the dentifrice onto and / or between the bristles provided in the trough.

[0068] 6-10 show very diagrammatically examples of possible configurations of multiple outlets, as well as examples of configurations of manifolds and manifold sections.

[0069] FIG. 6 very diagrammatically illustrates a manifold of a dentifrice dispenser 60 for a J-shaped mouthpiece, such as the mouthpiece 30 of FIG. 3. As with the dispenser of FIG. 4, the manifold 63 of the dispenser 60 may be a manifold including a one-piece manifold section for dispensing dentifrice on one side of the J-shaped mouthpiece 30 at a time. However, as with the dispenser of FIG. 5, the manifold 63 of the dispenser 60 may also be a first manifold section 63 of two cooperating manifold sections for dispensing dentifrice simultaneously on two opposing sides of the J-shaped mouthpiece 30. FIG. 6 illustrates only two outlet openings 44 of the manifold section 63. For a J-shaped mouthpiece, two outlet openings per manifold section is approximately the minimum number of outlet openings. Better distribution of dentifrice is obtained with more outlet openings 44 per manifold section, such as three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or more outlet openings 44 per manifold section.

[0070] FIG. 7 shows very diagrammatically a variation of i) the dentifrice dispenser 40 of FIG. 4, and ii) the dentifrice dispenser 50 of FIG. 5, with manifolds 43 each having eleven outlet openings 44 per manifold section.

[0071] Figure 8 shows very diagrammatically how dentifrice can be continuously supplied to a plurality of outlet openings of manifold 43 of Figure 4 or manifold parts 43, 49 of Figure 5. Dentifrice 47 supplied to inlet 41 (not shown) is passed through a pipe 54, called a series of pipes 54, having a plurality of outlets 44', 44", 44"' of increasing passage size relative to one another in the direction of passage of the dentifrice through the seral pipe. Although this variant is shown in relation to a dentifrice dispenser for a U-shaped mouthpiece, it will be apparent that this variant can also be applied to a dentifrice dispenser for a J-shaped mouthpiece.

[0072] Figure 9 shows very diagrammatically how dentifrice can be supplied in parallel to a number of outlet openings of the manifold 43 of Figure 4 or the manifold parts 43, 49 of Figure 5. Dentifrice 47 supplied to the inlet 41 is passed through a number of parallel pipes 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 which respectively lead to the outlets 44 of the multiple outlets. Although this variant is shown in relation to a dentifrice dispenser for a U-shaped mouthpiece, it will be clear that this variant can also be applied to a dentifrice dispenser for a J-shaped mouthpiece.

[0073] FIG. 10 shows very diagrammatically how at least a portion of the outlet openings of manifold 43 of FIG. 4 or manifold sections 43, 49 of FIG. 5 may be deployed along curve 46. In FIG. 10, arrow 47 indicates the supply of dentifrice to inlet 41 and lines 45, 57 indicate the direction in which the expelled dentifrice is distributed onto and within mouthpiece 20. Arrow 55 indicates that dentifrice expelled by outlet 44 is deployed in a direction along curve 46 (not shown). In this example, outlet 44, indicated by arrow 55, deploys approximately parallel to the curve. Arrow 56 indicates that dentifrice expelled by outlet 44 is deployed towards curve 46. In this example, outlet 44, indicated by arrow 56, deploys approximately transverse to the curve. Dentifrice expelled by outlet 44, indicated by arrow 56, is distributed transverse to and along curve 46 as indicated by line 57 in FIG. 10. Although this modification is shown in relation to a dentifrice dispenser for a U-shaped mouthpiece, it is clear that this modification can also be applied to a dentifrice dispenser for a J-shaped mouthpiece. Moreover, although this modification is shown in relation to a U-shaped full mouthpiece, it is clear that this modification can also be applied to a U-shaped half mouthpiece (or a J-shaped half mouthpiece).

[0074] Figure 11 shows a further embodiment of a further enhanced dispenser according to the present invention. The manifold 84 is essentially the same as that shown in Figure 5A. The section of ductwork between the inlet 41 and the first manifold section 43 and the second manifold section 49 is slightly different. However, it should be noted that this section of ductwork may also be the same as that shown in Figure 5A or may be different from that shown in Figure 11 or Figure 5A.

[0075] In Figure 11, the portion of the ductwork between the inlet 41 and the first and second manifold sections includes a first discharge pipe 86 which discharges the dentifrice received at the inlet 41 to the left and right, and two second discharge pipes 87 which discharge the dentifrice received from pipe 86 onto the first and second manifold sections 43, 49.

[0076] The embodiment of Figure 11 further comprises a dentifrice container 80 and a delivery section 81 connecting the dentifrice container 80 to the inlet 41. The dentifrice container 80 contains a dentifrice 85. According to a further embodiment, the dentifrice container may be a replaceable dentifrice cartridge.

[0077] 11 , the supply section 81 may, according to a further embodiment, comprise an actuation mechanism 82. The actuation mechanism may comprise a control button 88 connected to a release mechanism 89 provided within the actuation mechanism 82.

[0078] When container 80 is pressurized, release mechanism 89 may simply be a valve that opens upon actuation of the control button (arrow A) to allow the passage of pressurized dentifrice. The valve may be configured to allow the passage of dentifrice as long as it remains open upon activation of the control button, or may be configured to allow the passage of a predetermined or preselected dose of dentifrice with each actuation of the control button.

[0079] If the container is not pressurized, the release mechanism may include a pump or other pressurizing device configured to pressurize a dose or other of the dentifrice for delivery to the inlet 41 and outlet 44. The pump or other pressurizing device may be electrically or mechanically driven.

[0080] FIG. 12 shows diagrammatically an example of implementation of what is shown very diagrammatically in FIG.

[0081] Figure 12 shows a dentifrice dispenser 90 in the form of a handheld unit. The dispenser comprises a dentifrice container 80 having dentifrice 85. A dispenser head 85 is provided on top of the container 80. The dispenser head 85 comprises: a first or lower manifold part 43 which may correspond to the first manifold part 43 of one of the previous embodiments; a second or upper manifold part 49 which may correspond to the second manifold part 43 of one of the previous embodiments; a receiving bay defined between the lower manifold portion 43 and the upper manifold portion 49 for receiving a U-shaped full mouthpiece, such as the mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2; a lower chamber 94; an upper chamber 95; a supply channel 96; a piston 91 separating a lower chamber 94 and an upper chamber 95 from each other and capable of vertical reciprocation; a suction tube 97 protruding from the lower chamber 94 into the container 80; a one-way valve 92 arranged between the lower chamber 94 and the suction tube 97 and configured to allow the passage of fluids in an upward direction and to prevent the passage of fluids in a downward direction; a one-way valve 93 arranged and configured to allow the passage of fluid from the upper chamber 95 to the lower chamber 94 and to prevent the passage of fluid from the lower chamber 94 to the upper chamber 95; a control knob 88 movable downwards against the force of a return spring (not shown) and movable upwards by the return spring (not shown), attached to the piston 91 and causing the piston 91 to move as a result of its own movement.

[0082] Pressing the control knob 85 downward in the direction of arrow A causes the plunger 91 to move downward. As the plunger 91 moves downward, the fluid present in the lower chamber 94 is pressurized because the one-way valve 92 prevents the fluid in the lower chamber 94 from escaping. The fluid in the lower chamber 94 can pass to the upper chamber 95 through the one-way valve 93, which opens as a result of the pressure built up in the lower chamber 94. When the plunger 91 reaches its bottom point, the upper chamber 95 is filled with a dose of dentifrice that has passed from the lower chamber 94 to the upper chamber 95. After releasing the control knob 88, a return spring (not shown) returns the knob 88 and the plunger 91 to its topmost position. This places the lower chamber 94 under pressure, opening the one-way valve 92 and allowing the dentifrice 85 to be sucked into the lower chamber 94 through the suction tube 97. This refills the lower chamber 94 with dentifrice and the dentifrice dispenser 90 is ready for the next dispensing operation. Returning the control knob and plunger to the uppermost position shown in Figure 12 by the return spring also pressurizes the dentifrice in the upper chamber 95 causing it to be forced into the delivery channel 96 and into the upper manifold portion 49 and lower manifold portion 43 for dispensing through the outlet 44 onto and / or into the mouthpiece 20 positioned in the receiving bay. The user can then remove the mouthpiece from the receiving bay and begin cleaning multiple tooth locations with the mouthpiece.

[0083] The actuation mechanism for controlling the transfer of fluid from the container to the inlet, as described above in relation to FIG. 12, is known for fluids such as soap, but not for dentifrices. It is also known that there are many variations of such actuation mechanisms, which may also be used in a dentifrice dispenser according to the invention. For example, it is conceivable to configure the mechanism so that the lower chamber is the chamber that supplies pressurized dentifrice to the supply channel, and the upper chamber is the chamber that sucks dentifrice from the container. This can be achieved by connecting the lower chamber to the supply channel 96 and the upper chamber to the suction duct 97 via the one-way valve 92, and by reversing the one-way valve 93. A pressing action on the control knob then results in ejection instead of the return movement of the control knob. Another variation is conceivable to promote foaming of the dentifrice by adding air to the dentifrice in the chamber connected to the supply channel. According to another variation, the upper manifold part 49 and / or the lower manifold part 43 may be configured to move relative to each other when the control knob moves upwards or downwards. This allows, for example, the bay to be wide for easy insertion of the mouthpiece and narrow or become smaller during expulsion of dentifrice.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, the mouthpiece 20 is mounted on a handle 101, together with which forms a dental cleaner 100, such as a toothbrush.

[0085] FIG. 13 shows, by way of example, a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a system 200 according to the invention. The system 200 comprises: - a dental cleaner 100 having a U-shaped mouthpiece, such as the mouthpiece 20 of FIG. 2; a storage station 220 for storing at least the mouthpiece 20 or the more complete dental cleaner 100 when not in use for cleaning the teeth;

[0086] The storage station comprises a dentifrice dispenser according to the first aspect of the invention and a holder 215. In this embodiment, the holder 215 is, by way of example, a recess 216 in the base 212 of the storage station 220. The holder 215 is configured such that, when the dental cleaner 100 is stored in the storage station 220 and in the stored position, the mouthpiece 20 is aligned along the curve 46, such that when the dentifrice is dispensed from the outlet openings 44 (not visible in FIG. 13 ) of the first and second manifold parts 43 and 49 onto and / or into the mouthpiece 20, the dispensed dentifrice is distributed along the curve and engages with the mouthpiece at a position relative to the respective outlet openings 44. In this example of FIG. 13 , the recess 216 is a handle holder that receives the free end 103 of the handle 102 in a manner that closes in a unique manner. This inherently closed reception ensures that the free end 103 is only received in the recess 216 in one predetermined manner, which in turn ensures that the mouthpiece is aligned along the curvature 46. Inherently closed reception can be achieved, for example, when the free end 103 has a radial slit into which a protrusion 217 protruding from the base 212 is received.

[0087] According to a further embodiment of the system 200, the dental cleaner 100 may include a rechargeable battery 102 and the storage station 220 may include a battery charger 211 configured to charge the battery 102 when the dental cleaner is stored in the storage station.

[0088] The dentifrice dispenser according to a first aspect of the invention is integrated into the storage station. The dentifrice container is in this embodiment a replaceable cartridge 201 having a spout 202 for receiving an end 204 of a dispensing section 205, which extends from a base 212 to an inlet 41.

[0089] In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the supply section 205 comprises, by way of example, an electric pump 206 for pumping dentifrice under pressure from the cartridge 201 to the inlet 41 of the ductwork of the manifold. This electric pump may be controlled by a controller 208 connected to the pump 206 via 210. The controller receives its input from a user interface, by way of example a touch screen 207 via 209 connected to the controller. The touch screen 207 has control buttons in the form of a touch sensor that senses the contact of a user's finger. The touch screen may also be configured to receive additional input regarding the dose of dentifrice to be dispensed, or the size or type of mouthpiece. This additional input may be used by the controller 208 to operate the pump for a longer or shorter time and / or at a lower or higher pressure depending on the dose of dentifrice to be dispensed.

[0090] Fig. 14 shows, as an example, a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a system 300 according to the invention. In addition to the system 200 of Fig. 13, the system 300 - a replaceable cartridge 233 with a cleaning fluid for cleaning the mouthpiece 20 after use; - a tank 240; A cleaning device is additionally provided, comprising: a cleaning liquid supply 244 for supplying cleaning liquid to the bath 240 .

[0091] In the embodiment of FIG. 14, the holder 205 is a clamp that encompasses the handle 101 of the dental cleaner 100 such that the mouthpiece is held in a trough aligned with a curvature (not shown).

[0092] In system 300, the cleaning fluid supply 244 from cleaning fluid cartridge 233 to reservoir 240 is separate from the dentifrice supply to the manifold. The cleaning fluid supply comprises a valve and can be operated between open and closed states under the control of controller 208 connected to valve 237 via 232. The cleaning fluid supply further comprises an electric pump 236 operated by controller 208. When controller 208 opens the valve, pump 236 is also operated to pump cleaning fluid into the reservoir. The cleaning fluid may be pumped into the reservoir such that a jet directed at mouthpiece 20 subjects the mouthpiece to a jet cleaning action, also referred to as a mechanical cleaning action, resulting from the jet impacting the mouthpiece. Additionally or alternatively, the reservoir may be filled with cleaning fluid and the mechanical cleaning action may be induced by operating a drive system of a cleaning element of the mouthpiece to vibrate parts of the mouthpiece. During and / or after cleaning of the mouthpiece, the cleaning liquid may be pumped from the tank 240 back to the cleaning liquid reservoir by a return pipe 234 provided with a pump 235 operated by the controller 208 .

[0093] The system 300 allows the mouthpiece to be thoroughly cleaned after use so that it is available for the next use in a clean condition. When the user wishes to use the mouthpiece for the next use, the user operates the user interface 207 for an exhalation action before removing the mouthpiece from the bath. Operating the user interface 207 for exhalation activates the controller, - closing valve 237 if it is not already closed; - if the tank is not already empty of cleaning fluid, empty the tank by operating the pump 235; - The valve 241 is then opened and the pump 239 is operated to transport the dentifrice from the dentifrice cartridge 201 to the manifold for dispensing the dentifrice through the multiple outlets onto or into the mouthpiece.

[0094] After the spit action is complete, the user may remove the mouthpiece from the bath to clean their teeth.

[0095] FIG. 15 shows a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a system 400 according to the present invention as an example. The system 400 of FIG. 15 and the system 300 of FIG. 14 are basically different in that in the system 400, the supply of cleaning liquid to the reservoir is not separated from the supply of dentifrice to the multiple outlets. In fact, the supply of cleaning liquid utilizes a manifold and its multiple outlets for dispensing dentifrice. When cleaning the mouthpiece after use, the cleaning liquid is passed through the manifold and its multiple outlets into the reservoir. In doing so, dentifrice residues can also be removed from the ductwork to prevent it from becoming soiled or clogged. To achieve this, a switch valve 243 may be used that switches between a first state and a second state, the first state connecting the dentifrice cartridge 201 with the ductwork and the second state connecting the cleaning liquid cartridge with the ductwork. The controller 208 is further configured to operate the pump 242 to dispense a dose of dentifrice when the switch valve 243 is in the first state and to supply cleaning liquid into the reservoir when the valve 243 is in the second state.

[0096] FIG. 16A very diagrammatically shows an example of a manifold part 43 having a number of manifold sub-parts 43a, 43b, 43c. Each of these manifold sub-parts may have one or more outlet openings 44. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16A, there are three manifold sub-parts, each with two outlet openings. However, it will be understood that the manifold part 43 may also include more or fewer manifold sub-parts, and each manifold sub-part may include more or fewer outlet openings. The manifold part 43 is configured such that the curvature of the U-shape of the manifold (along which the outlet openings 44 are arranged) is adjustable or adjustable with respect to the U-shaped mouthpiece. As shown by arrow D, the manifold sub-parts of the manifold part are movable with respect to each other in a plane parallel to the plane defined by the curvature of the U-shape for this purpose. This mobility of the manifold sub-parts may, for example, be independent of each other. In the case of the first manifold section 43 and the second manifold section 49, the second manifold section may be configured the same as or similar to the first manifold section. The second manifold section 49 may, for example, have a different number of manifold sub-pieces than the number of manifold sub-pieces of the first manifold section 43 and / or the number of outlet openings of the manifold sub-pieces of the second manifold section 49 may be different from the number of outlet openings of the manifold sub-pieces of the second manifold section 43.

[0097] 16B and 16C show, by way of example, how manifold sub-pieces can be moved relative to one another to adjust the curvature of the U-shape along which the outlet opening 44 is disposed, according to a further embodiment described above.

[0098] Figures 16B and 16C show a U-shaped full mouthpiece 20 with a shape that does not match the curvature of the U-shape along which the outlet openings are located (see Figure 16B). The manifold sub-parts of the first manifold 43 and the second manifold 49 taper towards the mouthpiece 20. When moving the mouthpiece sub-parts according to arrow C relative to the mouthpiece 20, the taper of the manifold sub-parts engages with the side walls of the trough of the mouthpiece and is then guided in a direction parallel to the plane of curvature along which the outlet openings are located (arrow D) to reach a position aligned with the trough of the mouthpiece (see Figure 16C). The direction of arrow D depends on the deviation of the initial state in Figure 16B.

[0099] 17 shows diagrammatically a manifold 510 configured to adjust a U-shaped mouthpiece to the U-shaped curvature along which the manifold 43, or manifold portion 43 and outlet opening 44 of manifold portion 49 are disposed. This adjustment may be achieved according to a further embodiment by a manifold comprising a W-shaped receiving dock 511.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 17A, the W-shaped receiving dock 510 has two adjacent receiving bays 512, 513 with a central member 514 disposed therebetween. Each receiving bay has an outer wall 515 and an inner wall 516 defined by the central member 514. When viewed in the insertion direction K, the central member 514 widens, or in other words, when viewed in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, the inner walls 516 taper toward each other. Furthermore, in the insertion direction, the taper toward each other is seen. The manifold 510 further comprises a first manifold part 43 and a second manifold part 49. In the view of FIG. 17A, the first manifold part 43 is located above and overlaps the second manifold part 49.

[0101] 17B, ​​there is shown diagrammatically how the relatively small mouthpiece 20a is spread apart by the W-shaped receiving dock 510 when the legs of the mouthpiece 20a are inserted into the W-shaped receiving dock 510 in an insertion direction K. The inner sides of the legs of the mouthpiece 20a contact the inner side wall 516, spreading the legs of the mouthpiece 20a apart.

[0102] Referring to Fig. 17C, it is shown in a schematic manner how the medium-sized mouthpiece 20b is received by the W-shaped receiving dock without any deformation of the mouthpiece. If the legs of the mouthpiece 20b are not correctly aligned with the W-shaped receiving dock, the outer wall 515 and the inner wall 516 provide a correction of the misalignment when the legs of the mouthpiece 20b are inserted into the receiving bay 512, 513 in the direction of the arrow K. Such a correction of the misalignment is also performed if the relatively small mouthpiece 20a is misaligned during insertion. The same applies to the relatively large mouthpiece of Fig. 17D.

[0103] 17D, there is shown diagrammatically how the relatively large mouthpiece 20c is made smaller by the W-shaped receiving dock 510 when the legs of the mouthpiece 20c are inserted into the W-shaped receiving dock in an insertion direction K. The outside of the legs of the mouthpiece 20c contact the outer wall 515, squeezing the legs of the mouthpiece 20c.

[0104] FIG. 18A shows, as a further variation of FIG. 17, how the manifold can be adjusted to accommodate mouthpieces with legs of different lengths, viewed in the insertion direction K. For this purpose, the W-shaped receiving dock 511 is configured to be movable in the insertion direction K. This mobility of the receiving dock 511 may be countered by one or more springs 522, which act as return springs, for example, returning the receiving dock to its initial position in the direction opposite to the arrow K after removal of the mouthpiece. As shown in FIG. 18A, the bottom of each receiving bay 512, 513 may be provided with outlet openings 44b that unfold in the direction opposite to the arrow K. This is further illustrated by the four arrows in FIG. 18B, which point to the free ends of the legs of the mouthpiece. The manifold 520 may also further comprise a stop 523 configured to engage the mouthpiece and prevent further insertion of the mouthpiece such that the central outlet opening 44c is aligned with the incisor portion of the mouthpiece. Optionally, additional exit openings (not shown) may be disposed between central exit opening 44c and exit opening 44b along a fixed or adjustable curvature.

[0105] The embodiment as described with reference to FIG. 17 or FIG. 18 can be combined with the embodiment as described with reference to FIG.

[0106] Embodiments of the invention may also be described in terms of one or more of the following clauses:

[0107] 1] A dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth locations with the dispensed dentifrice and with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece, the dispenser comprises a dispenser duct arrangement having an inlet and a manifold; a manifold including a plurality of outlet openings configured to dispense the dentifrice; a dispenser duct arrangement configured to pass the dentifrice from the inlet to a plurality of outlet openings; The exit openings are distributed along the J-shaped or U-shaped curvature and debouch toward and / or along the curvature, the curvature conforming to at least a portion of the dental arch including molars, premolars, canines, and incisors, such as lateral and central incisors, such that the exit openings can eject dentifrice to multiple locations along the curvature simultaneously, the multiple locations corresponding to multiple exit openings.

[0108] 2] A dispenser as described in item 1, wherein the outlet openings are positioned opposite each other across a plane defined by the curvature.

[0109] 3] A dispenser as described in item 2, wherein the outlet openings are arranged in symmetrical pairs with respect to a plane defined by the curvature.

[0110] 4] The dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the curvature is U-shaped.

[0111] 5] The manifold, -U-shaped curvature for U-shaped mouthpiece and / or - The dispenser of paragraph 4, wherein the U-shaped mouthpiece is configured to adjust to the curvature of the U-shape.

[0112] Item 6] The dispenser of item 5, wherein the plurality of outlet openings are positioned relative to one another, and the manifold is configured to adjust the positional relationship of the plurality of outlet openings relative to one another to conform the curvature of the U-shape to the U-shaped mouthpiece.

[0113] 7] The mouthpiece is a U-shaped mouthpiece having two legs connected by a middle section; the manifold comprises a W-shaped receiving dock having two adjacent receiving bays separated by a central member; the dock is configured to receive the legs of the U-shaped mouthpiece in the receiving bay when the legs of the mouthpiece are inserted in an insertion direction into the receiving bay; Each receiving bay has an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being defined by a central member; When viewed from the insertion direction, the central member becomes wider, 7. The dispenser according to any one of paragraphs 4 to 6, wherein the outer walls taper relative to each other when viewed in the insertion direction.

[0114] 8] A dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a container for dentifrice and a supply section connecting the dentifrice container to the inlet for transfer of dentifrice from the dentifrice container to the inlet.

[0115] Item 9] The dispenser of item 8, further comprising an actuation mechanism configured to control the transport of the dentifrice through the supply section from the container to the inlet.

[0116] 10] The dispenser of paragraph 9, wherein the actuation mechanism is further configured to pressurize the dentifrice through the ductwork.

[0117] 11] A dispenser according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the container is a replaceable dentifrice cartridge.

[0118] 12] A dispenser according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the container contains dentifrice.

[0119] 13] Toothpaste, - Fluoride, an abrasive, such as 0.1 to 0.15 grams, e.g. 0.1125 to 0.1275 grams, or about 0.125 grams, per dose of dentifrice, which may include one or more of aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, silica, and hydroxyapatite, or a combination comprising one or more of these; Item 13. The dispenser according to item 12, comprising one or more of: 15 to 80% by weight, for example, 20 to 40% by weight or 45 to 70% by weight of water.

[0120] 14] A dispenser according to any one of paragraphs 8 to 13, wherein the container is sized to contain multiple doses of dentifrice, for example 20 to 150 doses of dentifrice, and the actuation mechanism is configured to deliver a predetermined dose of dentifrice upon actuation of the actuation mechanism.

[0121] 15] A dispenser as described in paragraph 14, wherein the container is configured to dispense a predetermined dose or a dose determined by the controller based on input received from a sensor or a user interface.

[0122] 16] A dispenser according to item 14 or 15, wherein one dose contains 0.2 to 1.25 mg of fluoride, for example 0.20 to 0.40 mg of fluoride, or 0.25 to 0.375 mg of fluoride, for example about 0.335 to 0.34 mg of fluoride.

[0123] 17] The dispenser of paragraph 13 or 16, wherein the fluoride comprises one or more of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and monofluorophosphate, or a combination comprising one or more of these.

[0124] 18] The dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a dose adjuster configured to adjust the dose of dentifrice dispensed.

[0125] 19] A dispenser comprising an indicator and at least one status sensor, - the degree of filling of the container, and / or a condition sensor configured to sense a degree of use of the mouthpiece; 19. The dispenser of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the indicator is connected to the status sensor and configured to generate an indication signal representative of the degree sensed by the sensor or indicating when the degree sensed by the sensor is below a predetermined value, respectively.

[0126] 20] An assembly comprising a dispenser according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, and a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth positions with dentifrice dispensed by the dispenser and with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece.

[0127] twenty one] - a dental cleaner comprising a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece as described above configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth positions with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece; and a storage station for storing the J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece when not in use for cleaning teeth, - A dispenser according to any one of items 1 to 20, a holder, and a holder configured to hold a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece in a storage position such that in the storage position the mouthpiece is aligned along the curvature of the J-shape or U-shape such that dentifrice dispensed through the outlet opening of the dispenser engages the mouthpiece at locations distributed along the curvature.

[0128] 22] The system of item 21, wherein the dental cleaner further comprises a handle to which the mouthpiece is attached, and the holder is a handle holder configured to receive the handle such that the mouthpiece attached to the handle is held in a stored position.

[0129] 23] The system of claim 21 or 22, wherein the dental cleaner comprises a rechargeable battery, and the storage station comprises a battery charger configured to be in charging contact with the battery when the mouthpiece is in the storage position.

[0130] 24] The system of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the storage station further includes a cleaning device configured to clean the mouthpiece when the mouthpiece is in the storage position.

[0131] 25] A cleaning device, a reservoir for a cleaning liquid, the outlet opening of the dispenser being arranged in the reservoir and adapted to receive the mouthpiece in a retracted position; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying a cleaning liquid into the tank; 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the cleaning device is configured to clean the mouthpiece with a cleaning liquid provided in the reservoir.

[0132] 26] The system of claim 25, wherein the cleaning apparatus further comprises a reservoir having a cleaning liquid, the reservoir being operatively connected or connectable to a liquid supply for transporting the cleaning liquid from the reservoir into the tank.

[0133] 27] The system of paragraph 26, wherein the reservoir is a replaceable cleaning cartridge.

[0134] 28] The system of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the liquid supply is configured to introduce a pressurized jet of one or more cleaning liquids into the reservoir, the jet being directed onto the mouthpiece.

[0135] 29] A dental cleaner is provided with a drive system configured to subject cleaning elements, such as bristles, to a reciprocating motion; 29. The system of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the cleaning device is configured to take the mouthpiece into the tub in contact with the cleaning fluid and to operate the drive system to subject the brushing element to a reciprocating motion when the mouthpiece is in a stored position in the tub in contact with the cleaning fluid.

[0136] 30] The system of any one of claims 21 to 29, further comprising a dose adjuster configured to adjust the dose of dentifrice dispensed in response to a user action or in response to the mouthpiece being placed in a storage position.

[0137] 31] Use of a dispenser according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19, or a system according to any one of paragraphs 21 to 30, for simultaneously applying dentifrice onto multiple positions of a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and treat multiple tooth positions.

[0138] 32] A method for applying dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously cover and treat multiple tooth positions, comprising using a dispenser described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 19 or a system described in any one of paragraphs 21 to 30 to simultaneously apply dentifrice onto multiple positions of the mouthpiece.

Claims

1. 1. A dentifrice dispenser for dispensing dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth locations with the dispensed dentifrice and with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece, comprising: the dispenser comprising a dispenser duct arrangement having an inlet and a manifold; the manifold comprising a plurality of outlet openings configured to dispense dentifrice; the dispenser duct mechanism is configured to pass dentifrice from the inlet to the plurality of outlet openings; the exit orifices are distributed along a curvature of a J-shape or U-shape, evolving toward and / or along the curvature, the curvature conforming to at least a portion of a dental arch including molars, premolars, canines, and incisors such as lateral and central incisors, such that the exit orifices can expel dentifrice simultaneously to a plurality of locations along the curvature, the plurality of locations corresponding to the plurality of exit orifices; the dispenser is configured to disengage the mouthpiece from the manifold after dentifrice has been dispensed onto the mouthpiece; the curvature is U-shaped, the manifold is configured to adjust the curvature of the U-shape relative to the U-shaped mouthpiece and the U-shaped mouthpiece relative to the curvature of the U-shape, the plurality of outlet openings have a mutual positional relationship, and the manifold is configured to adjust the mutual positional relationship of the plurality of outlet openings to fit the curvature of the U-shape to the U-shaped mouthpiece; the manifold comprises a W-shaped receiving dock having two adjacent receiving bays separated by a central member; the dock is configured to receive the legs of the U-shaped mouthpiece in the receiving bay when the legs of the mouthpiece are inserted in an insertion direction into the receiving bay; Each receiving bay has an outer wall and an inner wall, the inner wall being defined by the central member; When viewed in the insertion direction, the width of the central member increases, and A dentifrice dispenser wherein, when viewed in the insertion direction, the outer walls taper towards each other.

2. 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the outlet openings are disposed on opposite sides of a plane defined by the curvature, the outlet openings being disposed in mirror pairs relative to the plane defined by the curvature.

3. 3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dentifrice container and a delivery section connecting the dentifrice container to the inlet for transfer of dentifrice from the dentifrice container to the inlet.

4. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, further comprising an actuation mechanism configured to control transfer of the dentifrice from the dentifrice container to the inlet and through the supply section, the actuation mechanism further configured to pressurize the dentifrice through ductwork.

5. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the dentifrice container is a replaceable dentifrice cartridge.

6. the dentifrice container contains dentifrice; The dentifrice comprises: Fluoride, 0.1 to 0.15 grams of an abrasive per dose of the dentifrice, which may include one or more of aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydrogen phosphate, calcium carbonate, silica, and hydroxyapatite, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing; 15 to 80% by weight of water, The dispenser of claim 3 comprising one or more of:

7. 4. The dispenser of claim 3, wherein the dentifrice container is sized to contain multiple doses of dentifrice, an actuation mechanism is configured to deliver a predetermined dose of dentifrice upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, and the dentifrice container is configured to dispense the predetermined dose or a dose determined by a controller based on input received from a sensor or a user interface, wherein a dose contains between 0.2 and 1.25 mg of fluoride.

8. 7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein the fluoride comprises one or more of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, and monofluorophosphate, or a combination comprising one or more of the foregoing.

9. 3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a dose adjuster configured to adjust the dose of dentifrice dispensed.

10. The dispenser includes an indicator and at least one status sensor, a status sensor configured to sense the degree of filling of a dentifrice container and / or the degree of use of the mouthpiece; The dispenser of claim 1 , wherein the indicator is connected to the condition sensor and configured to generate an indication signal indicative of the degree sensed by the condition sensor or when the degree sensed by the condition sensor is individually below a predetermined value.

11. 3. An assembly comprising a dispenser according to claim 1 or 2 and a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth positions with dentifrice dispensed by the dispenser and cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece.

12. a dental cleaner comprising the J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously encompass and clean multiple tooth positions with cleaning elements provided on or within the mouthpiece; and a storage station for storing said J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece when not in use for teeth cleaning, A dispenser according to one of claims 1 to 10, A holder, holding the J- or U-shaped mouthpiece in the retracted position such that in the retracted position the mouthpiece is aligned along the curvature of the J- or U-shape such that dentifrice expelled through the outlet opening of the dispenser engages the mouthpiece at locations distributed along the curvature; a holder configured to allow the mouthpiece to be detached from the holder after dentifrice has been dispensed onto the mouthpiece; a storage station comprising: A system comprising:

13. 13. A method for applying a dentifrice onto a J-shaped or U-shaped mouthpiece configured to simultaneously cover and treat multiple tooth positions, comprising using a dispenser as described in claim 1 or a system as described in claim 12 to simultaneously apply the dentifrice onto multiple positions of the mouthpiece.

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