Illuminated electric toothbrushes and methods of use

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for providing an oral care benefit by combining the use of an oral carc composition with an electric toothbrush having an electrically powered element disposed thereon. In particular methods are described for using an electric toothbrush comprising a light emitting element, with oral care compositions to provide tooth whitening and stain removal.

1 . A toothbrush comprising a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head, the toothbrush further comprising: 
 a bristle holder disposed on the head;    a light emitting element disposed in the bristle bolder, wherein the light emitting element protrudes through an aperture in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element emits light having a wavelength of between about 410 nm to about 550 nm having a flux density of less than about 100 mW/cm 2 .    
   
   
       2 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of bristle tufts extend from a surface of the bristle holder, wherein the plurality of bristle tufts include elastomeric materials.  
   
   
       3 . The toothbrush of  claim 2 , wherein the elastomeric materials are selected from the group consisting of: natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyolefins, polyetheramides, polyesters, styrenic polymers, polyurethanes, and combinations thereof.  
   
   
       4 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the bristle holder the handle comprises a hollow portion with a motor disposed therein, wherein the motor is operably coupled to the bristle holder such that the bristle holder such that the motor is capable of inducing motion in the bristle holder.  
   
   
       5 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the bristle holder is capable of moving with respect to the head.  
   
   
       6 . The toothbrush of  claim 5 , wherein the bristle holder oscillates or rotates about an axis of motion approximately normal to a longitudinal axis of the head.  
   
   
       7 . The toothbrush of  claim 6 , wherein the light emitting element is disposed along the axis of motion of the bristle holder.  
   
   
       8 . The toothbrush of  claim 7 , wherein the bristle holder is capable of oscillating or rotating about the light emitting element, and wherein the light emitting element is stationary with respect to the bristle bolder.  
   
   
       9 . The toothbrush of  claim 6 , wherein the light emitting element is capable of oscillating or rotating with the bristle holder.  
   
   
       10 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein the bristle holder includes a cylindrical volume that is devoid of bristles.  
   
   
       11 . The toothbrush of  claim 10 , wherein the light emitting element is disposed within the cylindrical volume.  
   
   
       12 . The toothbrush of  claim 10 , wherein the cylindrical volume has a diameter of between about 2 mm to about 8 mm.  
   
   
       13 . The toothbrush of  claim 10 , wherein the cylindrical volume has a diameter of between about 3 mm to about 6 mm.  
   
   
       14 . The toothbrush of  claim 11 , further comprising a voltage driver and/or a current driver.  
   
   
       15 . A toothbrush comprising a handle, a head, and a neck extending between the handle and the head, the toothbrush further comprising: 
 a bristle holder disposed on the head;    a light emitting element disposed in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element protrudes through an aperture in the bristle holder, wherein the light emitting element emits light having a wavelength of between about 410 nm to about 550 nm having a flux density of less than about 100 mW/cm 2 ;    a power source disposed within a hollow cavity in the handle; and    a switch in electrical communication with the power source and the light emitting element such that when the switch is closed, the light emitting element is activated.    
   
   
       16 . The toothbrush of  claim 15 , further comprising a voltage driver and/or a current driver disposed within the handle configured to deliver constant voltage and/or current output, respectively, to the light emitting element.  
   
   
       17 . The toothbrush of  claim 15 , wherein the bristle holder includes a cylindrical volume that is devoid of bristles.  
   
   
       18 . The toothbrush of  claim 17 , wherein the light emitting element is disposed within the cylindrical volume.  
   
   
       19 . The toothbrush of  claim 17 , wherein the cylindrical volume has a diameter of between about 2 mm to about 8 mm.  
   
   
       20 . The toothbrush of  claim 17 , wherein the cylindrical volume has a diameter of between about 3 nm u to about 6 mm.