Toothbrush Head for Optimized Toothpaste Distribution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a toothbrush head design with modified bristles for optimal toothpaste efficacy. The modified bristles are specifically designed to accommodate an optimal quantity of toothpaste and comprise a central reduction in the length of the bristles defining either a pea-shaped or rice-shaped cavity, depending on the age of the user. This particular design can be combined to any existing toothbrush and, more particularly, to toothbrush heads with various modified bristles. The present invention will improve toothpaste delivery to dental surfaces and, in particular, difficult-to-reach regions. The present invention provides, for the first time, a clear and simple guideline for health professionals as well as manufacturers for promoting optimal dosage.

1 . A toothbrush head, being connected to or connectable to a toothbrush grip handle, the toothbrush head comprising:
 a face and a longitudinal axis; and   a plurality composed of a first and of a second type of tufts of bristles extending perpendicular to the face and each having a length;   wherein:
 the first type of tufts of bristles is located close to the center of the face and to the longitudinal axis; 
 the second type of tufts of bristles is located close to the perimeter of the face; and 
 the tufts of bristles of the first type have shorter lengths than the lengths of the tufts of bristles of second type. 
   
     
     
         2 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the tufts of bristles of the second type encircling the tufts of bristles of the first type. 
     
     
         3 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the length of the tufts of bristles of the second type being of at least 1.0 cm. 
     
     
         4 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the tufts of bristles of the first type defining a pea-shaped cavity within the tufts of bristles of the second type. 
     
     
         5 . The toothbrush head of  claim 4 , the cavity being from 1.5 to 2.5 mm deep compared to the length of the longest tuft of bristle of the second type and being from 2.0 to 4.0 mm long along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         6 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the tufts of bristles of the first type defining a rice-shaped cavity within the tufts of bristles of the second type. 
     
     
         7 . The toothbrush head of  claim 6 , the cavity being about 1.0 mm deep from the length of the longest tuft of bristle of the second type and being about 2.0 mm long along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         8 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the tufts of bristle of the first type defining a rectangular cavity within the tufts of bristles of the second type. 
     
     
         9 . The toothbrush head of  claim 8 , the cavity being from 1.5 to 2.5 mm deep compared to the length of the longest tuft of bristle of the second type and being from 2.0 to 4.0 mm long along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         10 . The toothbrush head of  claim 8 , the cavity being about 1.0 mm deep from the length of the longest tuft of bristle of the second type and being about 2.0 mm long along the longitudinal axis. 
     
     
         11 . The toothbrush head of  claim 1 , the toothbrush head comprising six tufts of bristles of the first type. 
     
     
         12 . A method for effectively dispersing toothpaste on teeth, the method comprising:
 applying toothpaste in a cavity of a toothbrush head, the cavity being made by extending tufts of bristles encircled by longer extending tufts of bristles;   pressing the tufts of bristles comprising the toothpaste over teeth; and   brushing for at least 30 seconds.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 removing any applied toothpaste protruding out of the cavity prior to pressing the tufts of bristles over the teeth.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 stopping the brushing when the fluoride concentration of the toothpaste over brushed teeth is between 250 to 500 ppm.