Intraoral light irradiation device

Abstract

To provide an intraoral light irradiating device which not only accurately irradiates light onto the gingival margin and free gingiva over the entire dentition of a user, but also gives an excellent wearing feeling when the user wears a mouthpiece deep in the oral cavity. [Solution] In an intraoral phototherapy device having a mouthpiece 1 and a light source 2 disposed thereon and equipped with a plurality of light emitters 20, the mouthpiece has an occlusion tray 3 and front and rear flanges 4, 5 that face the outer and inner surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums, respectively, and the upper and lower edges of the front flange are provided with recesses 4c in which the wearer's upper and lower frenulum are respectively positioned, and the upper and lower edges of the rear flange are provided with recesses 5c in which the wearer's palatine raphe and lingual frenulum are respectively positioned.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an intraoral light irradiation device, and in particular to an intraoral light irradiation device that not only accurately irradiates light onto the gingival margin and free gingiva over the entire dentition of the user, but also provides an excellent wearing comfort when the user wears the mouthpiece deep inside the oral cavity. [Background technology]

[0002] Various dental light irradiation devices have been proposed to promote sterilization and disinfection in the oral cavity by irradiating light and restore normal conditions from diseases such as periodontal disease. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2000-70292 (Patent Document 1) proposes a dental light irradiation device that arranges multiple light-emitting diodes along the dentition and efficiently irradiates light where needed. The dental light irradiation device includes a mouthpiece with a recess into which the dentition is inserted and that holds the dentition from the front and back, multiple light-emitting diodes inside the recess of the mouthpiece with their light-emitting surfaces arranged along the dentition, and a switch for turning the light-emitting diodes on and off. The device in Patent Document 1 includes multiple light-emitting diodes that emit light with a wavelength of 470 nm or less, which has a strong disinfecting effect, and also includes infrared light-emitting diodes that apply thermal stimulation to the gums to improve blood circulation in the gums.

[0003] In addition, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-553650 (Patent Document 2) discloses an oral treatment device equipped with an intraoral mouthpiece, - a body made of a thermally conductive material, the body having upper and lower surfaces each with a flat portion between a lingual edge and a buccal or labial edge, the body being positioned against a tooth surface; a plurality of light sources attached to the body and adapted to transmit light to the tooth surface; the edges have surfaces, at least a portion of which is planar and inclined in cross section of the body to form an angle of 5 to 85° with respect to the flat portions of the upper and lower surfaces; at least a portion of the light source is disposed on at least one of a beveled buccal, labial, or lingual edge of the body; The oral treatment device proposed in Patent Document 2 has the main body and light source embedded in a case made of a transparent polymer material. The device in Patent Document 2 is configured to emit light at 405 nm or light at 780 to 820 nm. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes that a photosensitizer may be used in combination with the light irradiation.

[0004] However, mouthpiece-type intraoral light irradiation devices are required not only to accurately irradiate light onto the gingival margin and free gingiva across the entire dentition from the front teeth to the back teeth, but also to improve the wearing comfort, such as suppressing discomfort and gag reflexes when the user wears the mouthpiece in the oral cavity. In particular, a shape that takes into consideration the wearing comfort when the mouthpiece is worn deep in the oral cavity to treat periodontal disease in back teeth and wisdom teeth is required. However, the devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not provide a comfortable wearing comfort for the mouthpiece, making it difficult to sufficiently suppress discomfort and gag reflexes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2000-70292 [Patent Document 2] Special table number 2022-553650 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an intraoral light irradiation device that not only accurately irradiates light onto the gingival margin and free gums across the user's entire dentition, but also provides an excellent wearing comfort when the user wears the mouthpiece deep within the oral cavity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] As a result of intensive research in light of the above-mentioned objectives, the inventor discovered that by providing recesses on each of the upper and lower edges of the front and rear flanges of the mouthpiece, it is possible to obtain an intraoral light irradiation device that not only accurately irradiates light onto the gingival margin and free gingiva across the user's entire dentition, but also provides an excellent wearing comfort when the user wears the mouthpiece deep within the oral cavity, and thus conceived the present invention.

[0008] The inventor also discovered that if the outer edge of each rear end of the occlusal tray is formed flush with the tip of the rear end of the connected front flange, and both rear ends of the rear flanges are positioned forward of the outer edge of both rear ends of the occlusal tray, an intraoral light irradiation device can be obtained that not only accurately irradiates light onto the gingival margin and free gingiva across the user's entire dentition, but also provides an excellent wearing comfort when the user wears the mouthpiece deep within the oral cavity, and thus conceived of the present invention.

[0009] That is, the first intraoral phototherapy device of the present invention is a mouthpiece formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and fitted into the oral cavity; a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and having a plurality of light emitters; The light emitter irradiates light onto the gums of the wearer, The above mouthpiece is an occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and adapted to be occluded by the wearer's upper and lower jaw dentition; a front flange disposed vertically along the outer edge of the bite tray and facing the outer surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; a posterior flange disposed vertically along an inner edge of the bite tray and facing the inner surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is arranged to be able to irradiate light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and / or an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; an upper edge of the front flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's upper lip frenulum is positioned, and a lower edge of the front flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's lower lip frenulum is positioned; The upper edge of the rear flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's palatine raphe is positioned, and the lower edge of the rear flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's lingual frenulum is positioned.

[0010] In a preferred example of the first intraoral phototherapy device, the recesses on the upper and lower edges of the front flange are located in the center facing the midlines of the upper and lower dental rows, respectively, and the recesses on the upper and lower edges of the rear flange are located in the center facing the midlines of the upper and lower dental rows, respectively.

[0011] The second intraoral phototherapy device of the present invention is a mouthpiece formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and fitted into the oral cavity; a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and having a plurality of light emitters; The light emitter irradiates light onto the gums of the wearer, The above mouthpiece is an occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and adapted to be occluded by the wearer's upper and lower jaw dentition; a front flange disposed vertically along the outer edge of the bite tray and facing the outer surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; a posterior flange disposed vertically along an inner edge of the bite tray and facing the inner surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is arranged to be able to irradiate light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and / or an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; The outer edge of each rear end of the bite tray is formed flush with the tip of the rear end of the connected front flange, and both rear ends of the rear flange are located forward of the outer edge of both rear ends of the bite tray.

[0012] In a preferred example of the second intraoral phototherapy device, the inner edge of each rear end of the bite tray is formed flush with the tip of the rear end of the connecting rear flange, and thus each rear end of the bite tray is inclined forward from its outer edge toward its inner edge in a plan view. This reduces irritation from both rear ends of the bite tray to the rear of the tongue, for example, the part of the tongue that touches the mandibular molars, thereby suppressing the gag reflex, and allows the molars to bite the outer edge of both rear ends of the bite tray, thereby enabling the mouthpiece to be held stably.

[0013] More preferably, the inclined shape of each of the rear ends of the occlusion tray is a curved shape that starts convex from the outer end, turns concave midway, and then changes curvature to become concave near the inner end.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the first and second intraoral phototherapy devices, the light source is configured to emit light with a wavelength selected from at least the range of 380 to 500 nm. When light with a wavelength selected from the range of 380 to 500 nm (so-called blue light) is irradiated onto at least the gingival margin and the adjacent free gingiva, the vibrational energy of the light acts on harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity, particularly in the periodontium, achieving a sterilizing effect, thereby non-invasively improving periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis and preventing and treating bad breath. The wavelength of the blue light is preferably selected from the range of 390 to 470 nm.

[0015] More preferably, the light source is configured to also emit light of a wavelength selected from the range of 600 to 1000 nm. By emitting red light (wavelength 600 nm to 770 nm) and / or near-infrared light (wavelength longer than 770 nm to 1000 nm or less), it is possible to promote blood circulation in the gums and relieve pain and discomfort in the gums.

[0016] Red light is particularly effective in relieving pain on the outside of the gums, while near-infrared light is particularly effective in promoting blood circulation in the gums by applying thermal stimulation to the gums, relieving pain on the inside of the gums, and treating alveolar bone. The wavelength of the red light is preferably in the range of 640 nm to 770 nm. Therefore, it is more preferable that the light source is set to simultaneously irradiate light with a wavelength selected from the range of 640 nm to 770 nm and light with a wavelength selected from the range of more than 770 nm to 1000 nm. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The first intraoral light therapy device of the present invention has recesses on the upper and lower edges of the front and rear flanges of the mouthpiece, so that the front flange does not interfere with the upper labial frenulum and lower labial frenulum, and the rear flange does not interfere with the palatine raphe and lingual frenulum.As a result, not only can light be accurately irradiated onto the gingival margin and free gums across the user's entire dentition, but the user does not feel any pain or discomfort when wearing the mouthpiece deep inside the mouth, and it is comfortable to wear.

[0018] The second intraoral light treatment device of the present invention has a configuration in which the outer edge of each rear end of the occlusal tray is formed flush with the tip of the rear end of the connected front flange, and both rear ends of the rear flanges are positioned forward of the outer edge of both rear ends of the occlusal tray.This reduces irritation caused by the rear flanges to the rear of the tongue, the base of the tongue, and the surrounding areas.As a result, not only can light be accurately irradiated to the gingival margin and free gums across the user's entire dentition, but it can also suppress discomfort and vomiting reflexes when the user wears the mouthpiece deep in the mouth, resulting in an excellent wearing comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an intraoral light irradiation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an intraoral light irradiation device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the intraoral light irradiation device is attached to the oral cavity. [Figure 9] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of the upper and lower recesses of the front flange when the intraoral light irradiation device is attached to the oral cavity, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of the upper and lower recesses of the rear flange when the intraoral light irradiation device is attached to the oral cavity. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the positions of both rear end portions of the rear flange when the intraoral light irradiation device is installed in the oral cavity. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. 1 and a controller are connected via an electric cable, and a power supply unit connected to the controller via a power cable. FIG. [Figure 12] 2 is a plan view showing a state in which a power supply pack with a control function is connected to the intraoral light irradiating device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of an intraoral light irradiation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the following description is not intended to be limiting, and various modifications may be made within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention.

[0021] Figures 1 to 5 show an intraoral light irradiating device according to one embodiment (first embodiment) of the present invention, and Figures 6 and 7 show an intraoral light irradiating device according to another embodiment (second embodiment) of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the intraoral light irradiating device of the present invention has a mouthpiece 1 formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and worn in the oral cavity, and a light source 2 disposed on the mouthpiece 1 and having a substrate 21 on which a plurality of light emitters 20 are arranged.

[0022] [1] Mouthpiece The mouthpiece 1 includes a U-shaped bite tray 3 formed to fit the wearer's dentition; a front flange 4 that is vertically attached along the outer edge of the bite tray 3 and faces the outer surface of the wearer's gums, particularly at least the gingival margin; and a rear flange 5 that is vertically attached along the inner edge of the bite tray 3 and faces the inner surface of the wearer's gums, particularly at least the gingival margin. The mouthpiece 1 is used by being placed over the wearer's upper and lower dentition. The bite tray 3, front flange 4, and rear flange 5 maintain their shape while possessing appropriate flexibility, allowing them to be fitted to conform to the shape of the oral cavity. The mouthpiece 1 has a shape that is symmetrical both bilaterally and vertically. In this specification, the outer surface of the gums refers to the surface facing the cheeks and lips, and the inner surface of the gums refers to the surface opposite the outer surface of the gums, facing the tongue.

[0023] The occlusal tray 3 has a generally U-shape in plan view corresponding to the shape of the wearer's dentition and is a portion on which the wearer can bite when holding the mouthpiece 1 in the oral cavity. The occlusal tray 3 is formed so that the center of the height direction (vertical direction) of the inner circumferential surface 4a of the front flange 4 is connected to the center of the height direction (vertical direction) of the outer circumferential surface 5a of the rear flange 5. Therefore, when the mouthpiece 1 is worn in the oral cavity, the upper and lower rows of teeth are inserted between the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5. The width of the occlusal tray 3 (the distance between the inner circumferential surface 4a of the front flange 4 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the rear flange 5) may be set so that the inner circumferential surface 4a of the front flange 4 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the rear flange 5 are in close contact with the gums with an appropriate pressure. If necessary, the width may be set so that an appropriate gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface 4a of the front flange 4 and the outer circumferential surface 5a of the rear flange 5 and the gums.

[0024] The front flange 4 and rear flange 5, particularly the front flange 4, are formed to face at least the back teeth (second molars), and if necessary, even the wisdom teeth (third molars, wisdom teeth), and are designed so that light can be emitted from the light emitter 20 to at least the gum line and its vicinity. The height (vertical length) of the front flange 4 and rear flange 5 may be such that, when the mouthpiece 1 is worn in the oral cavity, the light emitter 20 disposed on the light source 2 can sufficiently irradiate light onto the outer and inner surfaces of the wearer's gums, particularly at least the gum line and its vicinity. In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the light source 2 is disposed only on the front flange 4, irradiating light only onto the outer surface of the wearer's gums. In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the light source 2 is disposed on both the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5, irradiating light onto both the outer and inner surfaces of the wearer's gums. These different arrangements of the light source 2 can be selected as appropriate depending on the purpose of treatment, the condition, the bacteria to be killed, etc.

[0025] The front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 are formed so that their heights gradually decrease from the vicinity of the front end to the rear end in a side view. This makes it easy to insert and remove the mouthpiece 1 into the oral cavity, and also reduces irritation from the rear flange 5 to the base of the tongue and its vicinity (for example, the part of the tongue that touches the mandibular molars), thereby suppressing the gag reflex. The degree of this gradual decrease in height may be within a range that allows light to be sufficiently irradiated from the light emitters 20 disposed at both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 and both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 onto the outer and inner surfaces of the wearer's gums, particularly at least the gingival margin and its vicinity.

[0026] At least the inner peripheral surface 4a of the front flange 4 and the outer peripheral surface 5a of the rear flange 5 are optically transparent, and in the first embodiment, a light emitter 20 is disposed in each light source 2 so as to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface 4a of the front flange 4, and in the second embodiment, so as to irradiate light from the inner peripheral surface 4a of the front flange 4 and the outer peripheral surface 5a of the rear flange 5. This allows light to be irradiated from the light emitter 20 only onto the outer surface of the wearer's gums (first embodiment) or onto both the outer and inner surfaces (second embodiment), and in particular, light can be irradiated at least onto the gingival margin and its vicinity. Note that in this specification, the outer peripheral surfaces of the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 refer to the surfaces outside the oral cavity that face the cheeks and lips, and the inner peripheral surfaces of the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 refer to the surfaces opposite the outer peripheral surfaces and inside the oral cavity that face the tongue.

[0027] When the mouthpiece 1 is fitted into the mouth, both rear ends 4b of the front flange 4 are inserted deep into the mouth and positioned on the buccal side of the molars, allowing the mouthpiece 1 to be fitted snugly into the mouth and held securely with light force without having to bite down too hard.

[0028] 8, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the oral cavity, the front flange 4 faces the outer surfaces of the gums 9, particularly at least the gingival margin 9a and its vicinity. The front flange 4 is optically transparent and has the light source 2 disposed therein, allowing light to be emitted from the light emitter 20 of the light source 2 onto the outer surfaces of the gums 9, particularly at least the gingival margin 9a and the free gingiva 9b in its vicinity. If necessary, light may also be emitted onto the attached gingiva 9c on the outer surface of the gums 9 and the alveolar mucosa 9d above and below it.

[0029] 8, when the mouthpiece 1 is attached to the oral cavity, the rear flange 5 faces the inner surface of the gums 9, particularly at least the gingival margin 9a and its vicinity. The rear flange 5 is optically transparent, and if necessary, a light source 2 is provided therein, allowing light to be emitted from the light emitter 20 of the light source 2 to the inner surface of the gums 9, particularly at least the gingival margin 9a and the free gingiva 9b in its vicinity. If necessary, light may also be emitted to the attached gingiva 9c on the inner surface of the gums 9 and the alveolar mucosa 9d above and below it.

[0030] In this way, the mouthpiece 1 has the dental crowns positioned on the upper and lower sides of the bite tray 3, the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b on the outer surface of the gums 9 positioned on the upper and lower edge sides of the front flange 4, and the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b on the inner surface of the gums 9 positioned on the upper and lower edge sides of the rear flange 5.

[0031] (1) Depression As shown in Fig. 3, the front flange 4 has an upper front recess 4c recessed downward (toward the occlusion tray 3) from its upper edge in the central portion facing the midline of the upper dentition, and a lower front recess 4c' recessed upward (toward the occlusion tray 3) from its lower edge in the central portion facing the midline of the lower dentition. As shown in Fig. 9(a), when the mouthpiece 1 is fitted into the oral cavity, a superior labial frenulum 91 is inserted into the upper front recess 4c, and an inferior labial frenulum 92 is inserted into the lower front recess 4c'. This allows the front flange 4 to be fitted to the upper and lower oral cavity facing the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b without interference between the front flange 4 and the upper and lower frenulum 91 and 92.

[0032] On the underside of the upper lip and the underside of the lower lip, the upper labial frenulum 91 and the lower labial frenulum 92 extend to the attached gingiva 9c on the alveolar mucosa 9d near the midline of the upper and lower dental rows. Therefore, if the upper and lower anterior recesses 4c, 4c' are not provided in the central portion of the front flange 4 facing the midline of the upper and lower dental rows, the upper edge of the front flange 4 will interfere with the upper labial frenulum 91, and the lower edge of the front flange 4 will interfere with the lower labial frenulum 92, making it difficult to fit the front flange 4 to the uppermost part of the oral cavity, i.e., the uppermost part of the underside of the upper lip, and the lowermost part of the oral cavity, i.e., the lowermost part of the underside of the lower lip. Furthermore, interference between the upper edge of the front flange 4 and the upper labial frenulum 91 or the lower edge of the front flange 4 and the lower labial frenulum 92 causes pain and discomfort, making it difficult to ensure a sufficient height for the front flange 4 to adequately face the gingival margin 9a and the nearby free gingiva 9b. The depth of the upper anterior recess 4c may be such that the frenulum 91 of the upper lip does not interfere, and the depth of the lower anterior recess 4c' may be such that the frenulum 92 of the lower lip does not interfere.

[0033] In this way, by providing upper and lower front recesses 4c, 4c' on the front flange 4, the front flange 4 can be attached to the top of the back of the upper lip and the bottom of the back of the lower lip without interference between the upper edge of the front flange 4 and the upper labial frenulum 91, or between the lower edge of the front flange 4 and the lower labial frenulum 92, and the front flange 4 can be placed against the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the posterior flange 5 has an upper posterior recess 5c recessed downward (toward the occlusion tray 3) from its upper edge in the center facing the midline of the upper dentition, and a lower posterior recess 5c' recessed upward (toward the occlusion tray 3) from its lower edge in the center facing the midline of the lower dentition. As shown in Fig. 9(b), when the mouthpiece 1 is fitted into the oral cavity, the palatine raphe 93 is inserted into the upper posterior recess 5c, and the lingual frenulum 94 is inserted into the lower posterior recess 5c'. This allows the posterior flange 5 to be fitted to the upper and lower oral cavity facing the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b without interference between the posterior flange 5 and the palatine raphe 93 or the lingual frenulum 94.

[0035] A palatal raphe 93 extends along the palate near the midline of the upper dental row, and a lingual frenulum 94 extends below the tongue 90 near the midline of the lower dental row. Therefore, if the upper and lower posterior recesses 5c, 5c' are not provided in the central portion of the posterior flange 5 facing the midlines of the upper and lower dental rows, the upper edge of the posterior flange 5 will interfere with the palatal raphe 93, or the lower edge of the posterior flange 5 will interfere with the lingual frenulum 94, making it difficult to attach the posterior flange 5 to the upper part of the oral cavity, i.e., the roof of the palate, and the lower part, i.e., the lowest part of the tongue 90. Furthermore, interference between the upper edge of the posterior flange 5 and the palatal raphe 93 or the lower edge of the posterior flange 5 and the lingual frenulum 94 causes pain and discomfort, making it difficult to ensure a sufficient height for the posterior flange 5 to adequately face the gingival margin 9a and the nearby free gingiva 9b. The depth of the upper posterior recess 5c may be such that the palatine raphe 93 does not interfere, and the depth of the lower posterior recess 5c' may be such that the lingual frenulum 94 does not interfere.

[0036] In this way, by providing upper and lower posterior recesses 5c, 5c' on the posterior flange 5, it can be attached to the top surface of the palate and the lowest part of the tongue 90 without interference between the upper edge of the posterior flange 5 and the palatine raphe 93 or the lower edge of the posterior flange 5 and the lingual frenulum 94, and the posterior flange 5 can be placed against the gingival margin 9a and free gingiva 9b.

[0037] (2) Shape of the rear end of the mouthpiece 2 and 7, both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 are formed to be located forward of both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4. By having both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5, which are attached between the dentition and the base of the tongue 90, located forward of both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4, which is attached between the inside of the cheek and the dentition, it is possible to reduce irritation by the rear flange 5 to the rear and base of the tongue 90 and their vicinity, for example, to portions 90a, 90a of the tongue 90 that come into contact with the mandibular molars, as shown in Fig. 10, thereby suppressing the gag reflex and providing a comfortable fit.

[0038] The positions of both rear ends 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 may be set, for example, forward of a site at the rear (base) of the tongue 90 that is prone to trigger a gag reflex when stimulated (e.g., portions 90a, 90a of the tongue 90 that touch the mandibular molars). For example, as shown in Fig. 10, both rear ends 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 are set to be positioned forward of the center of the second molar. The positions of both rear ends 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 are posterior to both rear ends 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5, and may be any position that allows the mouthpiece 1 to be fitted snugly in the oral cavity and to be stably held with light force without clenching the mouthpiece 1 strongly. However, the positions are preferably set so that they at least face the back teeth (second molars), and, if necessary, the wisdom teeth (third molars, third molars).

[0039] The outer edge 30a of each rear end 30 of the occlusal tray 3 is formed flush with the tip of the rear end 4b of the connected front flange 4, and the inner edge 30b of each rear end 30 of the occlusal tray 3 is formed flush with the tip of the rear end 5b of the connected posterior flange 5. In other words, the both rear ends 5b, 5b of the posterior flange 5 and the inner edge 30b of each rear end 30 of the occlusal tray 3 are located forward of the outer edge 30a of the both rear ends 30, 30 of the occlusal tray 3. Thus, when viewed in a plane, each rear end 30 of the occlusal tray 3 is inclined forward from its outer edge 30a toward its inner edge 30b.

[0040] Since each rear end 30 of the occlusal tray 3 is inclined forward from the outer edge 30a to the inner edge 30b, as shown in Figure 10, irritation to the rear part of the tongue 90, for example, the parts 90a, 90a of the tongue 90 that touch the mandibular molars, caused by the rear ends 30, 30 of the occlusal tray 3 can be reduced, thereby suppressing the gag reflex and allowing the molars to bite the outer edge 30a of the rear ends 30, 30 of the occlusal tray 3, so that the mouthpiece 1 can be held stably.

[0041] The slope of the rear end portions 30, 30 of the occlusal tray 3 is not limited and may be curved or linear. However, a curved shape, such as that shown in Figures 2 and 7, is preferred, starting convex from the outer end of the slope, then gradually inverting, and finally becoming concave near the inner end of the slope. When the slope is curved, the ratio of the convex portion to the concave portion is preferably 30 to 90%, more preferably 40 to 90%, of the linear distance from the outer end to the inner end of the slope, calculated as a straight line passing through the outer and inner ends of the slope (the sum of the linear distance between the ends of the convex portion and the linear distance between the ends of the concave portion). This ratio is approximately 60% in the first embodiment and approximately 88% in the second embodiment. In order to emphasize the effect of suppressing the vomiting reflex, if you want to reduce as much as possible the stimulation to the rear of the tongue 90 by both rear end portions 30, 30 of the occlusion tray 3, you can make the proportion of the convex area relatively small, for example, 30 to 70%.

[0042] The shape of both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 and both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 in a side view may be an arc shape (first embodiment) as shown in Fig. 1 or a straight line shape (second embodiment) as shown in Fig. 6. When both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 and both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 are arc-shaped as in the first embodiment, the mouthpiece 1 is relatively easy to fit into the oral cavity and to remove from the oral cavity, and the rear flange 5 is relatively effective in reducing irritation to the base of the tongue and its vicinity, for example, portions 90a, 90a of the tongue 90 that come into contact with the mandibular molars, and therefore the vomiting reflex is relatively effectively suppressed. When the rear ends 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 and the rear ends 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 are linear, as in the second embodiment, the light emitter 20 can be disposed as far as possible from the rear ends 4b, 4b and 5b, 5b, and can be disposed as far as possible from the upper edge and lower edge of the rear ends 4b, 4b and 5b, 5b, which is advantageous when it is desired to irradiate light as deep as possible into the oral cavity, and the front flange 4 can be attached to the upper part of the oral cavity, i.e., the topmost part behind the upper lip, and the lower part, i.e., the bottommost part behind the lower lip, thereby stably holding the mouthpiece 1.

[0043] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the tip surfaces of both rear end portions 4b, 4b of the front flange 4 and both rear end portions 5b, 5b of the rear flange 5 are formed in an arc shape in a plan view, so that a comfortable fit is achieved even when they come into contact with the buccal mucosa.

[0044] (3)Material The material of mouthpiece 1 is similar to that of mouthpieces conventionally used in the fields of sports and medicine, and is formed from a flexible, transparent or translucent resin material that can be irradiated with light from light source 2. Specifically, the material of mouthpiece 1 can be a resin that fits the shape of the oral cavity and has appropriate hardness and softness, such as, but not limited to, an olefin-based resin, a polyester-based resin, a urethane resin such as polyurethane, a polyimide-based resin, a silicone-based resin, a styrene-based resin, an acrylic-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, or a carbonate-based resin.

[0045] As the olefin-based resin, polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), etc. are preferred, and polyethylene (PE), polyethylene-based resin, polypropylene (PP), polypropylene-based resin, etc. are more preferred.

[0046] The polyester resin is a polycondensation product of a polycarboxylic acid (such as a dicarboxylic acid) and a polyalcohol (such as a diol). Examples of the polyester resin include polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0047] The urethane resin is a polycondensation product of a compound having an isocyanate group and a compound having a hydroxyl group. Examples of the urethane resin include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).

[0048] Polyamide resins are (co)polymers formed by bonding multiple monomers through amide bonds. Examples of polyamide resins include nylon, para-amide, and meta-amide.

[0049] The acrylic rubber resin is a (co)polymer containing acrylic rubber as the main component. Examples of the acrylic resin include a block copolymer of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate.

[0050] The occlusion tray 3, the anterior flange 4 and the posterior flange 5 may be made of different materials to have different hardnesses.

[0051] The mouthpiece 1 is obtained by molding the material described above integrally with the light source 2. The material injection conditions are set according to the size and shape of the mouthpiece 1, and the entire mouthpiece 1 is usually molded using a single mold. The size of the mouthpiece 1 need only be such that it has a shape suitable for fitting the dentition of an average person. If the wearer is an adult, the mouthpiece is manufactured as an adult mouthpiece having a size and shape that corresponds to the dentition of an average adult, and if the wearer is a child, the mouthpiece is manufactured as a child mouthpiece having a size and shape that corresponds to the dentition of an average child.

[0052] (4) Light source The light source 2 includes a substrate 21 and a plurality of light emitters 20 disposed on the substrate 21. The intraoral light irradiation device uses the light emitters 20 to irradiate at least the gingival margin 9a and the adjacent free gingiva 9b with blue light, thereby killing harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity, particularly in the periodontium, thereby non-invasively improving periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis and preventing and treating bad breath. Furthermore, the light emitters 20 can irradiate red light and / or near-infrared light, promoting blood circulation in the gums and relieving pain and discomfort in the gums.

[0053] (4-1) Circuit Board The substrates 21 are disposed along the side surfaces of the front flange 4 and rear flange 5 of the mouthpiece 1, respectively, and are generally rectangular in shape and curved in a U-shape in accordance with the shapes of the front flange 4 and rear flange 5. In the first embodiment, one generally rectangular substrate 21 corresponding to the shape of the front flange 4 is curved in a U-shape over almost the entire side surface of the front flange 4, while in the second embodiment, two generally rectangular substrates 21 corresponding to the shape of the front flange 4 are curved in a U-shape along the upper and lower edges of the front flange 4, respectively, and two generally rectangular substrates 21 corresponding to the shape of the rear flange 5 are curved in a U-shape along the upper and lower edges of the rear flange 5, respectively. However, the present invention is not limited to these configurations.

[0054] Light emitters 20 are respectively disposed on the substrate 21 so as to emit light only from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange 4 (first embodiment), or from the inner peripheral surface of the front flange 4 and the outer peripheral surface of the rear flange 5 (second embodiment). As a result, in the first embodiment, the light source 2 faces only the outer surfaces of the wearer's gums 9, and light can be irradiated onto the gingival margin 9a on the outer surface of the gums 9 and the free gum 9b nearby, while in the second embodiment, the light source 2 faces between the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5, and light can be irradiated onto the gingival margin 9a on the outer and inner surfaces of the gums 9 and the free gum 9b nearby.

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, a connection terminal portion 21a is formed on the substrate 21 provided on the front flange 4 in a central portion facing the midline of the upper and lower dental rows, and as shown in Figures 1, 3, 6, and 11, a lead-out portion 10 from which an electric cable 60 is led out is provided in the center of the outer surface of the front flange 4. Each light emitter 20 on the substrate 21 provided on the front flange 4 is connected to the connection terminal portion 21a via internal wiring. Each light emitter 20 on the substrate 21 provided on the rear flange 5 is connected to the connection terminal portion 21a via internal wiring that passes through the occlusal tray 3 in a central portion facing the midline of the upper and lower dental rows.

[0056] 11, the connection terminal portion 21a is connected to the controller 6 via, for example, an electric cable 60 extending from the outer surface of the center of the front flange 4 of the mouthpiece 1. The light source 2 is controlled by the controller 6 connected to the end of the electric cable 60 to control the light emission (e.g., irradiation ON / OFF, irradiation area, irradiation mode (time, radiation intensity, irradiation amount, etc.)) of the light emitter 20. The controller 6 is further detachably connected to the power supply unit 7 via a power cable 70.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 12, the connection terminal portion 21a may also be detachably connected to a power supply pack 7' with a control function that has a built-in controller capable of controlling the light source 2, without using a cable.

[0058] There are no particular restrictions on the substrate 21 as long as it is a flexible substrate that is flexible and can mount the light emitter 20, and for example, a known flexible substrate with a base film made of polyimide (PI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc. can be used.

[0059] (4-2) Light emitter The light emitter 20 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), semiconductor laser diodes (LDs), polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs), light-emitting polymers (LEPs), optical fiber bundles, and combinations thereof. The light emitter 20 is covered by the transparent or translucent resin that constitutes the mouthpiece 1, as the light source 2 is integrally molded with the mouthpiece 1. Therefore, the light source 2 is capable of irradiating light into the oral cavity and is protected by the resin material when the mouthpiece 1 is in use or when it is cleaned.

[0060] A plurality of light emitters 20 are mounted on the substrate 21 from one end to the other along the longitudinal direction. In the first embodiment, two rows of 14 to 16 light emitters 20 are arranged on the substrate 21 of the front flange 4, irradiating the upper and lower tooth rows, respectively. In the second embodiment, two rows of 18 to 20 light emitters 20 are arranged on each of the upper and lower substrates 21 of the front flange 4, and two rows of 10 to 12 light emitters 20 are arranged on each of the upper and lower substrates 21 of the rear flange 5. The arrangement pattern and number of the light emitters 20 are not limited to these examples. For example, in the first embodiment, the light source 2 is provided only on the front flange 4, but the rear flange 5 may also be provided with a light source 2 in which two rows of light emitters 20 are arranged, irradiating the upper and lower tooth rows, respectively.

[0061] The light emitter 20 constituting the light source 2 has a first light emitter that emits blue light (wavelength 380 to 500 nm), a second light emitter that emits red light (wavelength 600 to 770 nm), and a third light emitter that emits near-infrared light (wavelength longer than 770 nm and equal to or shorter than 1000 nm). Note that in this specification, the first to third light emitters may be referred to as "light emitter 20" when no distinction is made between them or when referring to all of the first to third light emitters.

[0062] Examples of the first light emitter include a semiconductor laser diode (LD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), etc. that emit blue light (wavelength 380 to 500 nm). Examples of the second light emitter include an LD, an LED, an OLED, etc. that emit red light (wavelength 600 nm to 770 nm). Examples of the third light emitter include an LD, an LED, an OLED, etc. that emit near-infrared light (wavelength greater than 770 nm to 1000 nm or less).

[0063] When blue light is irradiated, the vibrational energy of the light acts on harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity, particularly in the periodontal area, resulting in a sterilizing effect, which can non-invasively improve periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and prevent and treat bad breath. The wavelength of the blue light can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose of treatment, the condition of the disease, the bacteria to be killed, etc., but it is preferable to select it from the range of 390 to 470 nm. For example, light with wavelengths of 405 nm or 455 nm can be used.

[0064] Red light is particularly effective in relieving pain on the outside of the gums, while near-infrared light is particularly effective in promoting blood circulation in the gums by applying heat to the gums, relieving pain on the inside of the gums, and treating alveolar bone. The wavelength of the red light is preferably in the range of 640 nm to 770 nm. It is preferable to irradiate red light and near-infrared light simultaneously, for example, irradiating red light of 660 nm and near-infrared light of 810 nm simultaneously.

[0065] The arrangement of the first to third light emitters in the light source 2 can be appropriately determined depending on the purpose of treatment, the condition of the disease, the bacteria to be killed, etc. For example, in each row of the light emitters 20 on the front flange 4 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the first light emitters can be arranged every other one, and the second and third light emitters can be arranged in sequence between them. Furthermore, in each of the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 of the second embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the second and third light emitters can be arranged in sequence for each row of the light emitters 20 on the uppermost edge side and the lowermost edge side, and the two inner rows of these rows, i.e., the two rows of light emitters 20 adjacent to and along the upper and lower sides of the occlusal tray 3, can all be configured as first light emitters.

[0066] Furthermore, the light source 2 may be configured as a unit by combining first to third light emitters, in which case a plurality of units are provided on the surface of the substrate 21. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the units, and they can be designed arbitrarily. Examples include, but are not limited to, a unit having one each of the first to third light emitters, or a unit having two first light emitters, one second light emitter, and one third light emitter.

[0067] The intraoral light irradiating device has at least two modes for irradiating the light emitter 20. That is, the intraoral light irradiating device has at least a first mode in which only the first light emitter emits light and a second mode in which the second and third light emitters emit light simultaneously. However, the intraoral light irradiating device may have a mode in which the first to third light emitters emit light simultaneously, a mode in which the first and second light emitters emit light simultaneously, a mode in which the first and third light emitters emit light simultaneously, or a mode in which the first to third light emitters emit light separately. The mode switching is controlled by a control unit 6a provided in the controller 6.

[0068] The wavelength (wavelength: nm) and radiant flux (W) of the irradiated light emitted from each of the first to third light emitters are different. Therefore, the intraoral light irradiating device can change the mode by using the control unit 6a to adjust the irradiance (Irradiance: W / m) of the irradiated area in the first and second modes. 2 ) and irradiation energy (J), it is possible to irradiate the optimal light depending on the area to be irradiated and its symptoms.

[0069] In addition, the intraoral light irradiating device can appropriately set the light irradiation pattern in each mode. In the first mode, the first light emitter may be lit with the same radiation intensity or may be blinking. In the second mode, the second light emitter and / or the third light emitter may be lit with the same radiation intensity or may be blinking. When blinking, for example, pulsed light is generated. Furthermore, the irradiation position, radiation intensity, and irradiation pattern may be set to vary over time.

[0070] The area to be irradiated with light may be selectable by settings, such as a mode in which only the light source 2 on the front flange 4 is irradiated, a mode in which only the light source 2 on the rear flange 5 is irradiated, or a mode in which light is irradiated from the light sources 2 on both the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5. The area to be irradiated by each light source on the front flange 4 and the rear flange 5 may be uniformly irradiated from the entire light emitter 20, or may be selectable, such as the half on the front teeth side or the half on the back teeth side. The irradiation position, radiation intensity, and irradiation pattern may also be set to vary over time.

[0071] The irradiation times for each of the first and second modes can also be set appropriately. For example, an irradiation pattern can be set in which irradiation is performed for 300 seconds ±10% in the first mode, followed by irradiation for 300 seconds ±10% in the second mode, for a total of 600 seconds ±10%.

[0072] (5) Thermistor The substrate 21 may be provided with a temperature detection unit 21b such as a thermistor that detects the temperature of the light source 2. This makes it possible to control the light emission to stop when the light emitter 20 heats up to a predetermined temperature or higher, thereby protecting the wearer and the mouthpiece 1.

[0073] [2] Controller 11, the mouthpiece 1 is detachably connected to the controller 6 via, for example, an electric cable 60 extending from the outer surface of the center of the front flange 4. As shown in FIG. 13, the controller 6 includes a control unit 6a that controls the irradiation site, irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, radiation intensity, etc. of the light emitter 20 based on a program, and stores in memory or storage a mode in which the irradiation site, irradiation time, wavelength of the irradiated light, radiation intensity, irradiation energy, etc. are preset, as well as the operation history of the intraoral light irradiation device, and an operation unit 6c that includes operation buttons for turning the power on and off, turning irradiation on and off, and selecting a mode.

[0074] The controller 6 may be provided with a setting unit 6b for manually setting the irradiation area, irradiation time, irradiation wavelength, radiation intensity, irradiation energy, etc.; a display unit 6d such as an LCD panel for displaying the operating status and operation history of the intraoral light irradiation device, schedule management, remaining light irradiation time, remaining battery power, etc.; a notification unit 6e for notifying the end of a specified light irradiation or an error state by an alarm, light emission, vibration, etc.; and a communication unit 6f that connects to an external server 8 via the Internet and updates the control program and schedule stored in the control unit 6a and transmits the operation history saved in the control unit 6a.

[0075] The controller 6 is further detachably connected to a power supply unit 7 via a power cable 70. The power supply unit 7 can be a power supply device (adapter) connected to a household outlet, a mobile battery that houses rechargeable or disposable batteries, or the like. By separating the mouthpiece 1, the controller 6, and the power supply unit 7 and connecting them via a cable, the weight of the mouthpiece 1 when worn is limited to the weight of the mouthpiece 1 itself, preventing misalignment of the mouthpiece 1, reducing the burden on the wearer who holds the mouthpiece 1 in the oral cavity, and improving operability. Furthermore, the mouthpiece 1 being detachable from the power cable 70 makes it easy to clean the mouthpiece 1 after use.

[0076] As shown in Figure 12, a controllable power pack 7' incorporating a controller capable of controlling the light source 2 as described above and containing a rechargeable secondary battery or disposable battery may be detachably connected to the mouthpiece 1 without a cable. The secondary battery incorporated in the controllable power pack 7' may be removed from the controllable power pack 7' and recharged using an external charger connected to a household outlet or the like, or recharged by connecting a terminal on the controllable power pack 7' to a charger connected to a household outlet or the like via a cable. Using such a controllable power pack 7' makes it easy to carry the set of mouthpiece 1, controller, and power source.

[0077] The secondary battery may be built into the controller 6 or the mouthpiece 1. The secondary battery built into the controller 6 or the mouthpiece 1 can be charged by connecting the controller 6 or the mouthpiece 1 to a power supply device connected to a household outlet via a power cable. The secondary battery built into the mouthpiece 1 may also be charged by storing the mouthpiece 1 in a mouthpiece case (not shown). In this case, the mouthpiece case is connected to a power supply device (adapter) connected to a household outlet via a power cable, or has a built-in power supply device and is connected to a household outlet via a power cable.

[0078] 14 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an intraoral light irradiation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 6a has a microprocessor 60a. The microprocessor 60a communicates information such as programs for irradiation modes and the operation history of the intraoral light irradiation device with a memory 61 or a storage 62. The microprocessor 60a also stores setting information of the setting unit 6b in the memory 61 or the storage 62, and controls irradiation according to the settings stored in the memory 61 or the storage 62.

[0079] The microprocessor 60a operates in response to the operation of a power switch 63 that turns the power on and off and an operation switch 64 that starts and stops irradiation. The microprocessor 60a also stops light irradiation in response to a signal from a temperature detection unit 21b such as a thermistor. This allows control to stop light irradiation when the light emitter 20 heats up to a predetermined temperature or higher, protecting the wearer and the mouthpiece 1.

[0080] Furthermore, the microprocessor 60a receives the output of a detection circuit 65 that detects the output voltage when the power supply unit 7 is configured as a mobile battery, determines the amount of charge, and controls the display unit 6d and the notification unit 6e to notify the user.

[0081] [3] How to use The method of using the intraoral light irradiation device will be described below. The intraoral light irradiation device is used by the user at predetermined intervals, for example, once to several times a day, for a predetermined time each time or per day (for example, about 10 minutes a day).

[0082] (1) Installation When using the intraoral light irradiation device, the mouthpiece 1 is worn with the upper and lower U-shaped grooves formed by the anterior flange 4, posterior flange 5, and occlusion tray 3 facing the upper and lower dentition. As shown in Figures 3 and 9(a), the upper and lower anterior recesses 4c and 4c' on the anterior flange 4 prevent the upper labial frenulum 91 and lower labial frenulum 92 from interfering with the anterior flange 4, allowing the mouthpiece 1 to be worn to the top of the underside of the upper lip and the bottom of the underside of the lower lip. As shown in Figures 4 and 9(b), the upper and lower posterior recesses 5c and 5c' on the posterior flange 5 prevent the palatal raphe 93 and lingual frenulum 94 from interfering with the posterior flange 5, allowing the mouthpiece 1 to be worn to the top of the palate and the bottom of the tongue 90. This allows the light sources 2 on the anterior flanges 4 and posterior flanges 5 to face the gingival margin 9a and the adjacent free gingiva 9b, as shown in Figure 8.

[0083] 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the light source 2 and the gums 9 when the intraoral light irradiation device is attached to the upper and lower dental arches. When the intraoral light irradiation device is attached along the upper and lower dental arches, the light emitter 20 faces the gingival margin 9a and the nearby free gingiva 9b, and irradiates the gingival margin 9a and the free gingiva 9b with a predetermined amount of light. If necessary, the anterior flange 4 and the posterior flange 5 may be configured to also irradiate light onto the attached gingiva 9c and the alveolar mucosa 9d above and below it.

[0084] (2) Irradiation The light used for irradiation includes at least light with a wavelength selected from the wavelength range of so-called blue light (generally light with a wavelength in the range of 380 to 500 nm), i.e., light with a wavelength selected from the range of 380 to 500 nm. When blue light is irradiated, the vibrational energy of the light acts on harmful bacteria present in the oral cavity, particularly in the periodontal area, resulting in a sterilizing effect, enabling non-invasive improvement of periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and prevention and treatment of bad breath. The wavelength of the blue light can be selected appropriately depending on the purpose of treatment, the condition of the disease, the bacteria to be killed, etc., but is preferably selected from the range of 390 to 470 nm. For example, light with a wavelength of 405 nm or 455 nm is used.

[0085] In addition to the blue light, light with a wavelength selected from the 600-1000 nm range is preferably irradiated. Red light with a wavelength selected from the 600-770 nm range and / or near-infrared light with a wavelength selected from the 770-1000 nm range are more preferred. Simultaneous irradiation of red light with a wavelength selected from the 600-770 nm range and near-infrared light with a wavelength selected from the 770-1000 nm range is even more preferred. Red light with a wavelength in the 600-770 nm range is effective for relieving pain on the outside of the gums, while near-infrared light with a wavelength in the 770-1000 nm range is effective for promoting blood circulation in the gums by applying heat stimulation to the gums, relieving pain on the inside of the gums, and treating alveolar bone. The wavelength of the red light is preferably in the range of 640-770 nm. In the simultaneous irradiation, for example, red light of 660 nm and near-infrared light of 810 nm are irradiated simultaneously.

[0086] Light radiant intensity (Radiation Flux: W / m 2), the irradiation site and irradiation time are not particularly limited, and the light irradiated to the irradiation site, particularly the gingival margin 9a, the free gingiva 9b and the periodontal sulcus, can kill harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, such as bacteria that cause periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis, and is set appropriately so as not to damage the teeth, gums, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, etc.

[0087] Below, examples of setting the wavelength, radiation intensity, irradiation time, and irradiation energy amount of light emitter 20 in each light irradiation mode are described. As described above, the surface of substrate 21 is provided with, for example, a first light emitter, an LED that emits blue light (emission wavelength: 380 to 500 nm), e.g., light with a wavelength of 405 nm or 455 nm, a second light emitter, an LED that emits red light (emission wavelength: 600 to 770 nm), e.g., light with a wavelength of 660 nm, and a third light emitter, an LED that emits near-infrared light (emission wavelength: longer than 770 nm and equal to or shorter than 1000 nm), e.g., light with a wavelength of 810 nm. In any mode, the operation stop temperature of light emitter 20 monitored by temperature detection unit 17 is set to, for example, 42°C.

[0088] In the first mode, only blue light is emitted by the first light emitters, for example, generating pulsed light at a frequency of 10 Hz and a 50% duty cycle such that each first light emitter has an average optical power of 1 W, and each first light emitter has a target illumination area of ​​0.6 cm. 2 Intensity of 650mW / cm 2 ±10% and irradiating for 300 seconds ±10%, the irradiation energy amount (fluence) was approximately 200 J / cm 2 So that it becomes.

[0089] In the second mode, red light and near-infrared light are simultaneously emitted from the second and third light emitters. For example, pulsed light is generated at a frequency of 10 Hz and a duty cycle of 50% so that the average optical output of each of the second and third light emitters is 1 W. By irradiating for 300 seconds ± 10%, the total irradiation energy amount by the second and third light emitters is approximately 110 J / cm.2 So that it becomes.

[0090] The radiation intensity can be determined by measuring the radiant flux of light incident per unit area using a radiation intensity meter after irradiating from the light emitter 20. The amount of irradiation energy (J / cm 2 ) is the total amount of radiant intensity (W / cm 2 The total radiation intensity of the intraoral light irradiation device can be calculated by multiplying the radiation intensity (s) by the irradiation time (sec). The total radiation intensity of the intraoral light irradiation device can be calculated from the sum of the radiation intensities of the light emitters 20. Each mode can be selected by the controller 6.

[0091] The values ​​of the light emission wavelength, radiation intensity, operating time, and irradiation energy amount of the light emitter 20 in each of the above modes are merely examples, and the setting values ​​for each mode are not limited to those described above. In addition, the intraoral light irradiating device may be configured so that the color of the light emitted by the indicator of the notification unit 6e of the controller 6 changes for each mode, making it possible to identify which mode it is operating in.

[0092] After a mode is selected by the controller 6, light irradiation is performed according to the selected mode when an operation to start irradiation is performed. After light irradiation is completed, the mouthpiece 1 can be removed from the oral cavity and washed.

[0093] If necessary, a photosensitizer may be applied to the gums, tooth surface, etc. before irradiation with light. By using a photosensitizer in combination, the bactericidal effect can be further enhanced.

[0094] Photosensitizers may be either naturally occurring compounds (natural photosensitizers) or synthetic compounds (synthetic photosensitizers). Examples of natural photosensitizers include hypericin, curcumin, phenalenone derivatives, cercosporin, psoralen, xanthotoxin, angelicin, α-terthienyl, phenyltepatriin, cannabidiol, etc. Examples of synthetic photosensitizers include rose bengal, methylene blue, porphyrin derivatives, curcumin derivatives, methylene blue, indocinine green, erythosine, phenalenone derivatives, fullerene derivatives, xanthene derivatives, resveratrol, etc.

[0095] The photosensitizer may be a mixture of natural and synthetic photosensitizers, such as a mixture of curcumin and curcumin derivatives (curcumin mixture). Other photosensitizers include extracts of berries such as lingonberries and blueberries that contain polyphenolic and / or anthocyanin compounds.

[0096] The photosensitizer can be applied in the form of an aqueous solution, an alcohol-containing solution, a hydrophilic gel, a hydrophobic gel, a hydrophilic polymer, a hydrophobic polymer, or a paste, a lotion, or the like.

[0097] [4] Medical effects The medical effects obtained by using the intraoral light irradiation device of the present invention include the following. -Prevention, improvement or cure of all types of periodontal disease -Prevention, improvement or cure of all types of peri-implantitis Prevents, improves or cures all types of gingivitis -Effective in reducing infections associated with all types of periodontal surgery -Effective in reducing pain associated with all types of periodontal surgery - Effective in reducing bleeding from all types of periodontal disease Reduces inflammation in all types of periodontal disease -Effective in reducing pocket depth in all types of periodontal disease - Reduces activated matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) levels in all types of periocular diseases -Effective in reducing microbial pathogens in all types of periodontal disease - Effective in reducing visible plaque in all types of periodontal disease - Reduces gingival inflammation in all types of periodontal disease - Effective in reducing the number of bacteria such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia, and Parvimonas micra in all types of periodontal disease [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Mouthpiece 10...Derivation part 2...Light source 20... Light emitter 21... Substrate 21a Connection terminal 21b Temperature detection section 3. Occlusion tray 30...Rear end 30a...outer edge 30b Inner edge 4. Front flange 4a...Inner peripheral surface 4b...Rear end 4c, 4c'... Front recess 5 Rear flange 5a...Outer surface 5b...Rear end 5c, 5c' Posterior recess 6. Controller 6a Control section 60a···Microprocessor 6b Settings section 6c...Operation unit 6d...Display section 6e Notification Department 6f···Communications Department 61 Memory 62 Storage 63 Power switch 64 Operation switch 65...Detection circuit 7. Power supply unit 7'···Power pack with control function 8. External Server 9. Gums 9a Gingival margin 9b Free gingiva 9c... Attached gingiva 9d. Alveolar mucosa 60 Electrical Cable 70···Power cable 90. Tongue 90a: The part that touches the mandibular molars 91. Upper lip frenulum 92. Frenum of the lower lip 93 Palatal raphe 94. Lingual frenulum

Claims

1. a mouthpiece formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and fitted into the oral cavity; a light source disposed in the mouthpiece and having a plurality of light emitters; In the intraoral phototherapy device, light is irradiated from the light emitter to the gums of the wearer, The mouthpiece comprises: an occlusion tray formed in a U-shape according to the wearer's dentition and adapted to be occluded by the wearer's upper and lower jaw dentition; a front flange disposed vertically along the outer edge of the bite tray and facing the outer surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; a rear flange provided vertically along an inner edge of the bite tray and facing the inner surfaces of the wearer's upper and lower gums; the front flange and the rear flange are optically transparent, and the light source is arranged to be able to irradiate light from an inner peripheral surface of the front flange and / or an outer peripheral surface of the rear flange; an upper edge of the front flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's upper lip frenulum is positioned, and a lower edge of the front flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's lower lip frenulum is positioned; The upper edge of the rear flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's palatine raphe is positioned, and the lower edge of the rear flange is provided with a recess in which the wearer's lingual frenulum is positioned. An intraoral phototherapy device characterized by:

2. An intraoral phototherapy device as described in claim 1, characterized in that the recesses provided on the upper and lower edge portions of the front flange are provided in the center facing the midline of the upper and lower dental rows, respectively, and the recesses provided on the upper and lower edge portions of the rear flange are provided in the center facing the midline of the upper and lower dental rows, respectively.

3. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the light source is set to irradiate light of a wavelength selected from at least a range of 380 to 500 nm.

4. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 3, wherein the light source is set to further irradiate light of a wavelength selected from the range of 600 to 1000 nm.

5. The intraoral phototherapy device according to claim 4, characterized in that the light source is set to simultaneously irradiate light of a wavelength selected from the range of 640 nm or more to 770 nm or less and light of a wavelength selected from the range of more than 770 nm to 1000 nm or less.

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