Invention Summary:
This invention provides a unique multi-purpose power toothbrush integrating high-vacuum functionality into a battery powered toothbrush, providing for effective removal of saliva, debris, and fluids during brushing. The removal of these potentially harmful and infectious materials aids in the prevention of pneumonia and other respiratory diseases caused by oral bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus mutans); which can be caused or exacerbated by particulate matter aspiration (references available).
The device can provide crucial health and convenience benefits for disabled, susceptible, as well as healthy individuals. Current evacuation technologies are bulky and difficult to use outside of dental offices.
Our research has developed a convenient vacuum device coupled with a tailored electric (battery-powered) toothbrush. This optimized toothbrush reduces the risk of infection by preventing harmful bacteria from aspirating into the lungs. The electric toothbrush removes plaque and foreign material from the oral cavity while the vacuum safely and simultaneously evacuates excess saliva, debris, toothpaste and fluids during brushing.
In addition to routine home use, this technology would be especially useful for the elderly and disabled, in nursing or hospital settings, in dentist offices, and for young children.
Market Applications:
- Oral care for personal-home and professional use, and prophylactic-preventative care.
- Plaque removal/cleaning outside of dental office: ambulatory, hospital, mobile settings
- Advantages:
- Eliminates aspiration of bacteria, debris & fluids into the lungs
- Improves oral hygiene
- Portable – ‘travel-friendly’
- Reusable or disposable accessories
- Multi-setting, adjustable power vacuum
- Convenient disposable liner option
- Ergonomic design
- Affordable, medical insurance coverage
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration.
