Toothbrush

Abstract

Provided is a toothbrush with which it is possible to more effectively clean an interdental space or the like. The toothbrush has a long handle, a bristle implantation part formed at the distal end of the handle, and a brush part composed of a plurality of bristle tufts implanted in the bristle implantation part, and is for cleaning teeth by means of the brush part. The brush part has, as the bristle tufts, a plurality of central bristle tufts arranged side by side in the longitudinal direction of the handle, and a plurality of lateral bristle tufts arranged around and adjacent to the plurality of central bristle tufts. The central bristle tufts and the lateral bristle tufts are formed to be inclined in a mountain-shaped manner such that the heights thereof increase toward the center. The height of the central bristle tufts is higher than that of the adjacent lateral bristle tufts. The angles of mountain-shaped apexes at which the ridge lines of the distal ends of the central bristle tufts and the lateral bristle tufts intersect are the same and are in the range of 115-125°.

Description

Toothbrush

[0001] The present invention relates to a toothbrush for removing dirt such as dental plaque adhering to teeth by a brush portion implanted at the tip of a handle.

[0002] A toothbrush generally includes a handle formed longitudinally for easy gripping, and a brush portion implanted at the tip of the handle. By moving while gripping the handle, the tip of the brush portion formed at the tip of the handle hits the teeth, removing dirt such as dental plaque adhering to the teeth.

[0003] Recently, not only the dirt on the surface of teeth but also how to efficiently remove the dirt existing between teeth (interdental), at the boundary between teeth and gums, in the grooves of teeth, etc. has become an issue. Therefore, there is a toothbrush in which the configuration of the brush portion is devised so that the brush portion can efficiently enter between teeth and the like.

[0004] For example, the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1 is formed such that the brush portion is generally mountain-shaped when viewed from the side. That is, it is cut so that the height of the brush portion gradually increases as it approaches the vicinity of the center of the brush portion. Thereby, compared with the case where the surface of the brush portion is cut in a planar shape, the apex portion of the mountain shape of the brush portion easily enters between teeth, the gap between teeth and gums (so-called periodontal pocket), the groove of teeth, etc.

[0005] However, even if the tip of the brush portion when viewed from the side is simply formed to be generally mountain-shaped as a whole, there are cases where the dental plaque in the groove between teeth and the groove in the gap between teeth and gums cannot be effectively cleaned.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-075725

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a toothbrush capable of more effectively cleaning the space between teeth and the gap between teeth and gums by brushing with a short time and a light force.

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the toothbrush (1) of the present invention has a long handle (11), a bristle section (12) formed at the tip of the handle (11), and a brush section (20) consisting of a plurality of bristle bundles planted in the bristle section (12), and is a toothbrush that cleans teeth (T) with the brush section (20), wherein the brush section (20) has a plurality of central bristle bundles (21) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the handle (11) as bristle bundles, and a plurality of lateral bristle bundles (22) arranged adjacent to the plurality of central bristle bundles (21), and the plurality of lateral bristle bundles (22) have a first portion (22a) positioned closer to the handle (11) than the plurality of central bristle bundles (21), and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of central bristle bundles (21) The bristle includes a second portion (22b) positioned on both sides of the direction (Q) and a third portion (22c) positioned towards the tip of the multiple central bristle bundles (21). The second portion (22b) of the central bristle bundle (21) and the lateral bristle bundle (22) is formed in a mountain-like incline that increases in height as it approaches the center of the longitudinal direction (P) of the handle (11) in the bristle-planted portion (12). The height of the central bristle bundle (21) is higher than any portion of the lateral bristle bundle (22). The mountain-like apex angles (θ1, θ2) where the ridges (rL1, rR1, rL2, rR2) at the tips of the second portion (22b) of the central bristle bundle (21) and the lateral bristle bundle (22) intersect are the same and both are in the range of 115° to 125°.

[0009] According to the toothbrush of the present invention, the central bristle bundle can reach deep spaces such as interdental gaps without being obstructed by the lateral bristle bundles, and the lateral bristle bundles make contact with the surrounding area with a delay. Furthermore, the angle of the mountain shape is set within the range of the optimal fit angle, including individual differences, obtained through experiments, so a high level of tooth brushing effect can be obtained.

[0010] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the angle (θ3) at which the lines connecting the short edges (rL3, rR3) of the central bristle bundle (21) and the lateral bristle bundle (22) intersect in the direction (Q) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (P) may be approximately 90°. With this configuration, even when cleaning the gaps between the gums, the central bristle bundle can reach in without being obstructed by the lateral bristle bundles, and the lateral bristle bundles then make contact with the surrounding area to clean the tooth surface, thus achieving a high level of tooth cleaning effectiveness.

[0011] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the tips of the first portion (22a) and the third portion (22c) of the lateral bristle bundle (22) may be formed at an angle along the ridge line (rL2, rR2). This allows the advantages of the mountain shape to be obtained throughout the entire brush portion.

[0012] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the apex angles (θ1, θ2) of the central bristle bundle (21) and the side bristle bundle (22) may both be 120°. This allows for greater versatility in accommodating individual differences.

[0013] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the central bristle bundle (21) and the side bristle bundles (22) may be different colors (for example, the color of the central bristle bundle (21) may be more noticeable than the color of the side bristle bundles (22)). This allows the brush head to be set to the optimal position and angle when brushing teeth while looking in a mirror.

[0014] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the number of lateral bristle bundles (22) located towards the tip of the central bristle bundle (21) may be less than the number of lateral bristle bundles (22) located towards the handle (11) of the central bristle bundle (21). This reduces resistance when brushing the back teeth and improves the efficiency of cleaning the oral cavity.

[0015] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the hardness of the bristles in the central bristle bundle (21) and the side bristle bundle (22) may be different. This allows for optimal selection according to the user's gum condition and oral condition.

[0016] Furthermore, in the toothbrush (1) described above, the amount of bristles in each bristle bundle in the central bristle bundle (21) may be different from the amount of bristles in each bristle bundle in the side bristle bundle (22). This allows for optimal selection according to the user's gum condition and oral condition.

[0017] According to the present invention, the angle of the mountain shape is set to a range of optimal fit angles that include individual differences obtained through experiments, so that the spaces between teeth and between teeth and gums can be cleaned more effectively with short brushing time and light pressure.

[0018] This is an overall plan view of a toothbrush according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is an enlarged view of the main part of the toothbrush shown in Figure 1, where (a) is a plan view of the brush part, (b) is a side view of the brush part, and (c) is a front view. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in Figure 2(b). This is a view of the teeth from above, showing the state of cleaning the gaps between teeth and the surface of the teeth. This is a view of the teeth and gums from the side, showing the state of cleaning the gaps between the gums and the surface of the teeth.

[0019] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is an overall view of a toothbrush 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The toothbrush 1 shown in Figure 1 has a toothbrush body 10 having a long handle 11 and a bristle section 12 formed on the tip side of the handle 11, and a brush section 20 composed of a plurality of central bristle bundles 21 and a plurality of side bristle bundles 22. The central bristle bundles 21 are shown as black circles for clarity.

[0021] The handle 11 has a gripping portion 11A that the user holds, and a neck portion 11B that is narrower than the gripping portion 11A and has elasticity. With this configuration, the user cleans their teeth T (see Figures 4 and 5) by gripping the gripping portion 11A and moving the brush portion 20 at the end of the handle 11. The handle 11 of the toothbrush 1 is made of a relatively hard synthetic resin material such as polypropylene, and the bristles that make up the central bristle bundle 21 and the side bristle bundles 22 of the brush portion 20 are made of a relatively soft synthetic resin material such as nylon. Furthermore, in order to make it easy to enter the oral cavity and easy to maneuver, the brush portion 20 of the toothbrush 1 is preferably made with a length w1 of about 20 mm and a width w2 of about 7 mm in the short direction. The thickness of the bristle portion 12 is about 4 mm.

[0022] The brush portion 20 of toothbrush 1 will be described in detail. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of the brush portion 20, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a side view, and (c) is a front view. As shown in Figure 2, the bristle bundles that form the brush portion 20 are classified into two types, central bristle bundles 21 and lateral bristle bundles 22, depending on where they are arranged in the bristle planting portion 12. That is, the brush portion 20 consists of a plurality of central bristle bundles 21 arranged along the longitudinal direction P in the center of the bristle planting portion 12, and a plurality of lateral bristle bundles 22 arranged adjacent to the central bristle bundles 21 so as to surround them.

[0023] Next, the configuration of the central bristle bundle 21 and the side bristle bundles 22 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 2(a), the central bristle bundle 21 is composed of multiple bristle bundles and is arranged in a single row at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction P at the center of the short direction Q of the bristle planting section 12. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which six central bristle bundles 21 are arranged. As shown in Figure 2(b), the multiple central bristle bundles 21 are formed in a mountain shape (pyramid shape) that becomes higher as they approach the center N from both sides of the longitudinal direction P of the brush section 20. Specifically, the three bundles 21L on the handle 11 side of the central bristle bundle 21 become linearly higher as they approach the center N, and the three bundles 21R on the tip side of the toothbrush 1 become linearly lower as they approach the tip. Also, as is clear from Figure 2(b), the height of the central bristle bundle 21 is set to be higher than any part of the adjacent side bristle bundles 22.

[0024] As shown in Figure 2(a), the multiple side hair bundles 22 are arranged adjacent to the central hair bundle 21 so as to surround it. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which 17 side hair bundles 22 are arranged around the central hair bundle 21. Specifically, the side hair bundles 22 include a first portion 22a located closer to the handle 11 than the multiple central hair bundles 21, a second portion 22b located at equal intervals with the central hair bundles 21 on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction P of the multiple central hair bundles 21 (short direction Q), and a third portion 22c located closer to the tip than the multiple central hair bundles 21. In this embodiment, the first portion 22a consists of 3 bundles, the second portion 22b consists of 12 bundles in total on both sides, and the third portion 22c consists of 2 bundles.

[0025] The second portion 22b, like the central bristle bundle 21, is formed in a pyramidal shape, becoming higher as it approaches the center N from both sides of the longitudinal direction P of the brush portion 20. The second portion 22b is arranged at the same intervals as the central bristle bundle 21 and has the same amount of bristles, so as shown in Figure 2(b), it appears to overlap with the central bristle bundle 21 when viewed from the side. In addition, by having three bristle bundles on each side of the handle 11, while having two bristle bundles in the third portion 22c at the tip, the width of the tip side of the brush portion 20 can be made narrower. This makes it easier to clean the molars. As shown in Figure 2(b), the four bristle bundles (22bL and 22a) on the handle 11 side of the side bristle bundles 22 are formed in a way that they become linearly higher as they approach the tip, while the four bristle bundles (22bR and 22c) at the tip are formed in a way that they become linearly lower as they approach the tip. Note that in Figures 2(a) and 2(c), the left side (L) and the right side (R) are not distinguished in the central hair bundle 21 and the second portion 22b.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2(b), the peak angles θ1 and θ2 of the mountain-shaped intersection of the ridges rL1, rR1, rL2, rR2 at the tips of the second portion 22b of the central hair bundle 21 and the side hair bundle 22 are the same and both are in the range of 115° to 125°. In this embodiment, both peak angles θ1 and θ2 are set to 120°. The tips of the first portion 22a and the third portion 22c of the side hair bundle 22 are formed obliquely along the ridges rL2 and rR2.

[0027] The angles θ1 and θ2, which are the peak angles of the mountain-shaped toothbrush, were set from the perspective of whether the brush part 20 fits snugly between the teeth and whether it can efficiently remove plaque. This was determined based on the results of repeated toothbrushing tests using plaque-staining solution, and experiments conducted with different subjects (people). The experimental results showed that there were individual differences in the optimal angle due to differences in tooth alignment and tooth size, and these factors were taken into consideration to determine the angle range described above. When the angles θ1 and θ2, which are the peak angles of the mountain-shaped toothbrush, are set within the above range, it was confirmed that the area in which the brush part 20 fits between the teeth is larger compared to a general toothbrush with a non-mountain shape, and the plaque-staining solution is removed with fewer brushing motions. 120° is the median value for which good results can generally be expected.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the angle θ3 at which the lines connecting the short edges rL3 and rR3 of the central bristle bundle 21 and the side bristle bundle 22 intersect in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction P (short direction Q) is approximately 90°. In other words, the brush portion 20 has a mountain-like shape even when viewed from the short direction Q. The angle θ4 to the left and right in the short direction Q, with respect to the center of the central bristle bundle 21, is approximately 45°.

[0029] Next, we will explain the operation and advantages resulting from setting the angles θ1 to θ4 of the brush section 20 as described above.

[0030] Figures 4 and 5 show the state of use of the toothbrush 1, illustrating the cleaning of the interdental spaces TG between teeth T and the gum gaps MG between teeth T and gums M. Figure 4 is a view of multiple teeth T from above, and Figure 5 is a view of teeth T and gums M from the side. As shown in Figure 4, the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment cleans the surface TS of teeth T and the interdental spaces TG by applying the brush part 20 to the surface TS of teeth T and the interdental spaces TG and moving it in small increments.

[0031] In this case, the central bristle bundle 21 and the lateral bristle bundles 22 are inclined in a mountain-like (pyramid-like) shape, which allows the peaks 21T and 22T of the mountain shape to easily penetrate not only the surface TS of the tooth T but also the depressions TU of the tooth T and the interdental gaps TG, making it possible to scrape off dirt from deep positions. In this case, the central bristle bundle 21, which has a narrower width in the short direction Q, makes contact before the lateral bristle bundles 22, and in combination with the mountain-like shape, it can penetrate to deeper positions. In this case, the contact of the central bristle bundle 21 is not obstructed by the lateral bristle bundles 22, which are shorter in height than the central bristle bundle 21, so the central bristle bundle 21 can penetrate locally to a deeper position.

[0032] As described above, the peak angles θ1 and θ2 of the mountain-shaped design are set to the optimal angles for high polishing effectiveness based on experiments, so even with the same small, rapid movements of the brush section 20, dirt can be removed more efficiently than with conventional products. In practice, the central bristle bundle 21 cleans deep areas such as interdental gaps TG, while the surrounding areas (such as the tooth surface TS) are cleaned by the lateral bristle bundles 22, which hit the central bristle bundle 21 with a delay. In other words, the cleaning in the depth direction is functionally divided between the central bristle bundle 21 and the lateral bristle bundles 22. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the decrease in the dirt removal function in deep areas compared to when cleaning the tooth surface TS, etc.

[0033] As explained in Figure 3, the brush portion 20 has a mountain-like shape in the short direction Q as well, with the tip of the central bristle bundle 21 as the apex and the sides becoming lower. Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, if the toothbrush 1 is tilted at approximately 45° (θ4), the central bristle bundle 21 can enter the gum gap MG, making it easier to scrape off dirt from within the gum gap MG. In this case as well, since the side bristle bundles 22 are lower in height than the central bristle bundle 21, the tip of the central bristle bundle 21 is not obstructed from entering the gum gap MG by the side bristle bundles 22. The surface TS of the teeth T surrounding the gum gap MG is cleaned by the side bristle bundles 22. If the tip of the brush head is simply formed to be generally mountain-shaped, as in the toothbrush described in Patent Document 1, the height of the bristles in the short direction Q remains constant even when tilted at 45°. Therefore, even if the central bristles are directed towards the gum gap MG, the bristles on both sides come into contact with the tooth surface TS or gum M, preventing only the central bristles from entering the gum gap MG.

[0034] The 45° angle shown in Figure 5 is the optimal angle for cleaning the gum gap MG and its surrounding area. To easily achieve this angle, the central bristle bundle 21 should be pointed towards the gum gap MG, and the lateral bristle bundles 22 should be in contact with the tooth surface T TS. This will result in an angle of approximately 45°. If the color of the central bristle bundle 21 is different from that of the lateral bristle bundles 22 to make it more noticeable, it becomes easier to align the central bristle bundle 21 towards the gum gap MG when brushing while looking in a mirror, making it easier to set to 45°. In this case, the lateral bristle bundles 22 may be colored while the central bristle bundle 21 is colorless to make it more noticeable. Alternatively, it is possible to use similar colors but with different brightness and intensity levels.

[0035] Another method to easily obtain the 45° angle shown in Figure 5 is to create chamfered sections on both sides of the back side of the gripping section 11A (the side where the brush section 20 is not formed) to allow the thumb and index finger to rest, thereby creating a mountain-shaped cross-section. This allows the brush section 20 to be tilted to 45° simply by holding the gripping section 11A for brushing teeth. In other words, it is possible to set the toothbrush to 45° simply by holding the toothbrush 1 for brushing teeth.

[0036] As described above, according to the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, when the brush portion 20 is viewed from the side, the central bristle bundle 21 is higher than the lateral bristle bundle 22, creating a stepped, mountain-like shape. Furthermore, the peak angles θ1 and θ2 of the mountain shape are set to a range of high polishing efficiency obtained through experimentation. As a result, deep areas such as interdental gaps TG can be cleaned effectively by increasing the fitting area, and the surrounding areas (such as the surface TS of the tooth T) can also be cleaned effectively. Moreover, since the short-side direction Q also has a mountain-like shape, the gum gaps MG and their surrounding areas, where plaque tends to form, can be cleaned efficiently.

[0037] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the toothbrush 1 has a length L1 in the longitudinal direction P of the bristle section 12 that is approximately the same as the width L2 of two teeth T. This makes it easy to brush two teeth T at a time in sequence, allowing for thorough cleaning of each interdental gap TG and gum gap MG, enabling more effective cleaning in a shorter amount of time.

[0038] As described above, in the toothbrush 1 of this embodiment, by arranging the central bristle bundle 21 and the side bristle bundles 22 in a mountain shape (pyramid shape), the tip of the central bristle bundle 21, which is the highest of the multiple central bristle bundles 21 and multiple side bristle bundles 22, can reach deep positions such as the gum gap MG and tooth recesses TU without interference from the surrounding bristle bundles, making it possible to scrape away dirt from deep positions. Furthermore, since the angle of the mountain shape is set to a size that provides a high fit, as confirmed by experiments, the cleaning function can be further enhanced.

[0039] Furthermore, since the multiple central bristle bundles 21 are formed in a mountain shape, the second highest central bristle bundle 21, adjacent to the highest central bristle bundle 21, can easily enter the gum gap MG and tooth recess TU following the highest central bristle bundle 21. The same applies to the multiple lateral bristle bundles 22, which are also formed in a mountain shape. In addition, if the central bristle bundle 21 of the toothbrush 1 is made higher than the surrounding lateral bristle bundles 22, when the central bristle bundle 21 enters the deepest part of the gum gap MG and tooth recess TU, the lateral bristle bundles 22, which are lower in height than the central bristle bundle 21, can easily enter the tooth T and gum M adjacent to the deepest part.

[0040] Furthermore, by setting the apex angle θ1 of the central bristle bundle 21 and the apex angle θ2 of the lateral bristle bundle 22 to be the same, when the central bristle bundle 21 penetrates deep into the gum gap MG or tooth recess TU, the lateral bristle bundle 22 adjacent to the central bristle bundle 21 in the short direction Q penetrates and contacts the tooth T and gum M adjacent to the deep area at the same angle as the central bristle bundle 21. In this way, the central bristle bundle 21 and the lateral bristle bundle 22 effectively clean the gum gap MG and tooth recess TU, as well as the adjacent tooth T and gum M areas, resulting in a toothbrush that can effectively remove dirt from the entire oral cavity, including interdental spaces and gaps between teeth and gums, with short brushing time and light pressure.

[0041] Furthermore, in the toothbrush 1 with the above configuration, the hardness of the central bristle bundle 21 may be made harder than that of the side bristle bundles 22. By making the hardness of the bristle bundles 21 and 22, which become progressively longer and taller as they approach the center of the bristle portion 12, progressively harder as they approach the center of the bristle portion 12, the rigidity of the brush portion 20 can be maintained at a high level. Therefore, the cleaning performance of the central bristle bundle 21 when it reaches deep into interdental gaps TG, gum gaps MG, and tooth recesses TU can be maintained at a high level. Conversely, the hardness of the central bristle bundle 21 may be lower (softer) than that of the side bristle bundles 22. In this way, even in cases of gingivitis, the irritation caused by the contact of the central bristle bundle 21, which is the first to come into contact, can be reduced, and unexpected pain can be avoided.

[0042] Furthermore, in the toothbrush 1 with the above configuration, the number of bristles in the central bristle bundle 21 may be greater than the number of bristles in the lateral bristle bundles 22. By increasing the number of bristles in the central bristle bundle 21, the rigidity of the central bristle bundle 21, which is longer than the lateral bristle bundles 22, can be improved. Therefore, the cleaning performance of the central bristle bundle 21 when it reaches deep into interdental gaps TG, gum gaps MG, and tooth recesses TU can be maintained at a high level. Conversely, the number of bristles in the central bristle bundle 21 may be less than that of the lateral bristle bundles 22. In this way, even in cases of gingivitis, the irritation caused by the contact of the central bristle bundle 21, which is the first to come into contact, can be reduced, and unexpected pain can be avoided.

[0043] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims, specification, and drawings.

[0044] For example, in the above embodiment, the mountain - shaped apex angles θ1 and θ2 where the ridge lines rL1, rR1, rL2, and rR2 at the respective tips of the central tuft 21 and the side tufts 22 intersect are the same and both are in the range of 115° to 125°. However, in addition to this, although not shown in the figure, it is also possible to set the mountain - shaped apex angles θ1 and θ2 where the ridge lines rL1, rR1, rL2, and rR2 at the respective tips of the central tuft 21 and the side tufts 22 intersect to different angles. As an example, the apex angle θ1 of the central tuft can be set to a smaller angle than the apex angle θ2 of the side tuft. In this case, for example, the apex angle θ1 of the central tuft can be set to 115°, and the apex angle θ2 of the side tuft can be set to 125°. Also, as another example, the apex angle θ1 of the central tuft can be set to a larger angle than the apex angle θ2 of the side tuft. In this case, for example, the apex angle θ1 of the central tuft can be set to 125°, and the apex angle θ2 of the side tuft can be set to 115°.

[0045] Also, in the above embodiment, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of central tufts 21 and the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of side tufts 22 are shown to be the same. However, in addition to this, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of central tufts 21 and the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of side tufts 22 may be different from each other. As an example, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of central tufts 21 can be made thicker than the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of side tufts 22. Also, as another example, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of central tufts 21 can be made thinner than the thickness (diameter dimension) of each tuft constituting the plurality of side tufts 22.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair (single hair) constituting each bundle of the multiple central hair bundles 21 and the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair (single hair) constituting each bundle of the multiple side hair bundles 22 are shown to be the same. However, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple central hair bundles 21 and the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple side hair bundles 22 may be different. For example, the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple central hair bundles 21 can be made thicker than the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple side hair bundles 22. Another example is that the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple central hair bundles 21 can be made thinner than the thickness (diameter dimension) of each hair in the multiple side hair bundles 22.

Claims

1. A toothbrush having a long handle, a bristle section formed at the tip of the handle, and a brush section consisting of a plurality of bristle bundles planted in the bristle section, wherein the brush section cleans teeth with the brush section, the bristle bundles comprising a plurality of central bristle bundles arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction of the handle, and a plurality of lateral bristle bundles arranged adjacent to the central bristle bundles, the plurality of lateral bristle bundles including a first portion located closer to the handle than the plurality of central bristle bundles, a second portion located on both sides in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the plurality of central bristle bundles, and a third portion located closer to the tip than the plurality of central bristle bundles, the central bristle bundles and the second portion of the lateral bristle bundles being formed in a mountain-like incline that becomes higher as it approaches the center of the handle in the longitudinal direction of the bristle section, the height of the central bristle bundles being higher than any portion of the lateral bristle bundles, A toothbrush characterized in that the peak angle of the mountain shape at which the ridges of the tips of the second portion of the central bristle bundle and the side bristle bundle intersect is the same and both are in the range of 115° to 125°.

2. The toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the angle at which the lines connecting the central bristle bundle and the short ridges of the side bristle bundle intersect in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is approximately 90°.

3. The toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the tips of the first portion and the third portion of the side bristle bundle are formed diagonally along the ridge line.

4. The toothbrush according to claim 1, characterized in that the apex angles of the central bristle bundle and the side bristle bundle are both 120°.

5. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the central bristle bundle and the side bristle bundle are of different colors.

6. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the number of lateral bristle bundles arranged closer to the tip than the central bristle bundle is less than the number of lateral bristle bundles arranged closer to the handle than the central bristle bundle.

7. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the hardness of the bristles in the central bristle bundle and the bristles in the side bristle bundle are different.

8. The toothbrush according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the amount of hair in each bristle bundle in the central bristle bundle is different from the amount of hair in each bristle bundle in the side bristle bundle.

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