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    • 专利摘要:
    METHOD FOR CLEANING AN ORAL CAVITY AND DEVICE FOR PLAQUE DETECTION ON A SURFACE OF THE ORAL CAVITY. Provided are devices and methods for cleaning an oral cavity by positioning a suitable device for detecting and removing surface plaque within the oral cavity to which a fluorescent agent capable of binding the plaque to the surface is substantially simultaneously cleaned and irradiated. with light of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when contacted with said fluorescent agent. A portion of the fluorescent emission is placed (APVI) and compared to a predetermined threshold value (PPTV). if the APVI is compared to a predetermined threshold value (pptv). If APVI is less than PPTV, the device is moved to another section. If APVI is greater than or equal to PPTV, then another portion of the fluorescent emission is collected (APV2). The percentage reduction from APVI to APV2 determines when the device is moved to another section.
    公开号:BR112012033369B1
    申请号:R112012033369-0
    申请日:2011-06-14
    公开日:2021-07-06
    发明作者:Megha REDDY；Curt Binner
    申请人:Mcneil-Ppc, Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    field of invention
    [0001] This invention relates to devices and methods for cleaning a surface of the oral cavity, for example teeth and gums. Background of the invention
    [0002] The expression "biological deposits" refers to deposits of material of biological origin, such as plaque, bacteria, tartar and calculus that are generally considered undesirable for dental hygiene. Dental plaque is a complex organic deposit generated in part by bacterial activity on the surfaces of the oral cavity, such as on teeth, or by contamination from, for example, food deposits on teeth, gums, tongue, or cheeks. Plaque is an undesirable precursor to tooth decay and the development of tooth decay.
    [0003] It is desirable to detect plaque deposits in the oral cavity to direct the removal action, for example by the use of toothbrushes (manual or electric), dental floss, toothpicks or oral irrigators, since the detection indicates the areas on which dental cleaning should be focused. Such deposits can be difficult to detect in situ/in vivo on teeth, gums, tongue or cheeks. It is especially important to detect dental plaque. For plaque detection it is known to use a fluorescence measurement, in which an incident radiation is directed to the surfaces of the oral cavity, and a fluorescence radiation with characteristics associated with the presence of biological deposits is emitted from the surfaces, and detected.
    [0004] In the presented technique there are two general methods to detect dental plaque. One method uses primary fluorescence, where the fluorescence of dental plaque or other dental material is monitored. The other method uses secondary fluorescence, where surfaces in the oral cavity suspected of carrying plaques are treated with a fluorescent marker material that preferentially binds to the dental plaque, and the fluorescence emission of the marker material on the surface of the oral cavity to which it has attached is detected to indicate the presence of dental plaque. Toothbrush heads are also known which have a bundle of optical fibers extending therethrough to direct incident radiation to a test tooth surface, and receive the radiation emitted from the test tooth surface.
    [0005] A requirement of such methods is that the incident radiation is directed to the surfaces of the oral cavity under investigation, and that the consequent fluorescence emission radiation from those surfaces is received. The amplitude of that radiation is a function of the amount of biological deposit on the surface, as well as the distance from the light source and detectors to the surface. Consequently, the actual plaque value detected will fluctuate depending on such factors, thus resulting in a plaque value that may not truly represent the state of plaque on the surface of the oral cavity. There are no known devices for compensating the distances between the radiation source and/or the sensors and the surface of the oral cavity in determining the amount of biological deposits on the surfaces of the oral cavity.
    [0006] The devices and methods for detecting and removing plaque in the oral cavity according to the invention and described and claimed herein are improved methods of dental cleaning, particularly where plaque is detected and removed. Invention Summary
    [0007] The present invention includes devices and methods for cleaning the surfaces of an oral cavity. The methods include the steps of: a) positioning within the oral cavity a device suitable for detecting and removing plaque from a surface of at least one tooth of the oral cavity. b) substantially simultaneously cleaning and irradiating the surface of at least one tooth in the oral cavity, the at least one tooth having applied to it a fluorescent agent capable of binding to the surface plates of the at least one tooth, with incident radiation of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when placed in contact with the fluorescent agent from the surface of the at least one tooth, c) collect at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a first period of time, d ) determine a first average fluorescent emission value (APV1 - average plate value) based on the fluorescent emission collected in the first period of time, e) compare APV1 with a predetermined plate threshold value (PPTV - pre-determined plate threshold value), provided that if APV1 is greater than or equal to said PPTV, then f) collect at least a portion of the fluorescent emission over a second period of time, g) determine a second value r mean plate (APV2) based on fluorescent emission collected in the second time period, h) determine the percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2, i) compare the percentage reduction from APV1 to a predetermined percentage reduction threshold value (PPRT - percent percentage reduction threshold), j) continue substantially simultaneously cleaning and irradiating at least one tooth in the section until the percentage reduction of APV1 is equal to or less than the PPRT, or for a predetermined maximum period of time ( PMTP - preset maximum time period). Brief description of the drawings
    [0008] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the operating principle of the devices and methods of the present invention;
    [0009] Figure 2 shows a top plan view of a bristle face embodiment of a toothbrush head embodiment of the present invention;
    [0010] Figure 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a method of the present invention;
    [0011] Figure 4 illustrates a second method of mode of use of an oral cleaning device that includes the plaque detection device of the present invention;
    [0012] Figure 5 is a sample plot of in-vivo data produced by a mouthwash device of the present invention; and
    [0013] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device for use in cleaning surfaces of the oral cavity in accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description
    [0014] The following terms are used interchangeably, both in the specification and in the claims. APV (average plaque value) means an average plate value. ACPV (average compensated plate value) means an average compensated plate value. PPRT (predetermined percent reduction threshold) means a predetermined percentage reduction threshold. PMTP (predetermined maximum time period) means a predetermined maximum time period. PPTV (predetermined plate threshold value) means a predetermined plate threshold value.
    [0015] A device and methods are provided for cleaning a surface of the oral cavity, including the detection and removal of plaque on the surface of the oral cavity, for example teeth and gums. The device comprises a radiation source for directing incident radiation to a surface within the oral cavity to which a fluorescent agent has been attached. The device further comprises a means for cleaning the surface of the oral cavity. Once having the benefit of this description, the person skilled in the art will recognize that there are multiple modalities suitable for cleaning the surface of the buccal cavity, for example teeth. For example, manual or electric toothbrushes are useful in the present invention. Additionally, such devices that are effective to deliver pressurized water for cleaning teeth and interdental surfaces can be used in the present invention. Additionally, means for providing sonication in a jet of water applied to the surface of the oral cavity can be used in the present invention. Additionally, a combination of any surface cleaning mechanism can be used.
    [0016] "Fluorescent agent", for use in the present invention, means a composition or compound applied to the surface of the oral cavity, for example teeth or gums, which is capable of binding to the plaque present on the surface of the oral cavity and is capable of of providing a fluorescent emission when irradiated with incident radiation of a particular wavelength. By "bonding" or "attached" to the plaque, it is meant that the fluorescent agent is attached to plaque deposits on the surface of the buccal cavity in such a way that it is not separated from the plaque deposit under the cleaning conditions described herein. For example, brushing the treated surface with a toothbrush, either manual or electric, will not remove the fluorescent agent from the surface unless the plaque to which it is attached is removed from the surface.
    [0017] The radiation source can typically provide light having a peak wavelength of about 450 to about 500 nanometers, although this range may vary depending on the particular fluorescent agent applied to the surface of the oral cavity to be cleaned. The device may optionally include a filter to filter incident radiation prior to contact with the surface of the oral cavity to be examined. The device also includes optical receivers for receiving fluorescent emission, and optionally reflected light, resulting from the contact of incident radiation with the treated surface. In certain embodiments, optical receivers can comprise optical fibers or filaments. The device also includes an optical route to transmit the fluorescent emission and reflected light received in the device. In certain embodiments, the optical route can comprise optical fibers. Thus, optical fibers can serve both to receive and to transmit reflected light and fluorescent emission.
    [0018] The device further includes electrical components for sensing, or detecting, optical light from the fluorescent emission, means for converting the optical light signal into an electrical signal, and a data processor for manipulating the electrical signal correlated to the received fluorescent emission, taken at iterative intervals to determine an average plate value. Thus, the plate value, as discussed and determined in the present invention, is based on, and correlates with, the fluorescent emission generated by the contact of incident radiation with the fluorescent agent and collected by the device.
    [0019] In modalities where both the reflected light and the fluorescent emission are received, the device additionally includes electrical components for detecting the optical signal of the reflective light and the fluorescent emission. In one embodiment, optical signals from reflective light and fluorescent emission are detected or sensed sequentially, but essentially simultaneously. The term 'essentially simultaneous' means that, although measurements are not taken at exactly the same time, the time difference between the detection of reflective light and fluorescent light, respectively, is so small that their detection approximates the reading simultaneous. The device further comprises a means for converting an optical light signal into an electrical signal, for example a transducer. Devices may include a mode to amplify or condition the electrical signal, thereby providing a more regular or weighted signal, or a low noise signal. The device also includes a data processor which may contain an analog to digital converter to convert the electrical signal from analog format to digital format. The processor then mathematically manipulates the electrical signal from the received reflected light and fluorescent emission taken at iterative intervals to determine an average plate compensated value (ACPV) over a particular period of time. By "compensated plate value" it is meant that the plate value is determined by taking into account the distance between the optical receiver and the surface of the oral cavity being examined. In this way, the compensated plate value is determined as a function of the distance between the optical receiver and the surface of the oral cavity at any given time or reading. As a result of determining the plate value as a function of distance, the determined compensated plate value will be substantially the same for a particular surface at any given particular time/reading, regardless of the actual distance between the radiation source and the cavity surface. mouthpiece being cleaned. The expression 'substantially equal' means that a given plate value compensated for a given distance will be statistically the same. The device can be used as a component of, or in combination with, mouth cleaning devices such as toothbrushes, both manual and electric.
    [0020] Methods and devices of the present invention for cleaning surfaces in the oral cavity, for example teeth and gums, involve the use of a fluorescent agent applied to the surface of the oral cavity prior to cleaning. For example, fluorescein or salts thereof, for example sodium fluorescein, are known fluorescent agents and can be dispersed in a suitable medium such as toothpaste, dental gel or mouthwash containing the fluorescent agent. The fluorescent agent can be applied by rinsing the oral cavity with the fluorescent agent, or by using a dentifrice or dental gel containing the fluorescent agent. Plaque on the surfaces of the oral cavity retains an amount of fluorescent agent that is proportional to the amount of plaque on the surface. Although fluorescein is an example of a fluorescent agent, other known agents may bind to the plate similarly to fluorescein. The particular wavelength of incident radiation used in methods and devices of the present invention will vary depending on the particular fluorescent agent chosen.
    [0021] After applying the fluorescent agent to the surface of the oral cavity to be cleaned, the user positions the device that is suitable for detecting and removing plaque from the surface of the oral cavity within the oral cavity and continues with surface cleaning . The oral cavity can be partitioned into a plurality of sections, for example from 4 to 12 sections, so that cleaning of the oral cavity can be divided into stages, advancing from one section to another until the entire surface of the oral cavity, by eg teeth and/or gums, are clean. The number of sections into which the buccal cavity is partitioned can be pre-selected and programmed into the device as described here below. Alternatively, the number of sections can be determined continuously during cleaning, based on the average fluorescent emission readings being taken continuously during the cleaning process. In either case, the device provides an instruction to the user, for example without being limited to auditory, visual or vibratory, indicating that the user must move the device to another section of the plurality of sections in the oral cavity.
    [0022] In practice, the device is positioned in a section of the plurality of sections of the oral cavity to be cleaned. The device substantially simultaneously cleans or brushes in the case of a toothbrush having bristles, and radiates a surface of at least one tooth in the section of the oral cavity being cleaned with incident radiation. The tooth surface in the section being brushed and irradiated has been applied with a fluorescent agent capable of binding plaque to the surface of the at least one tooth. The surface is irradiated with incident radiation of a wavelength effective to provide a fluorescent emission when placed in contact with the plate-bound fluorescent agent on the surface of the at least one tooth.
    [0023] The method of the invention includes collecting at least a portion of the fluorescent emission from the surface being cleaned for a first period of time and then determining a first mean plaque value (APV1). APV1 is the mean plate value based on multiple fluorescent emission readings collected during the first time period. APV1 is then compared to a predetermined card limit value (PPTV). If APV1 is smaller than PPTV, the device is moved and positioned in another section of the plurality of sections and the steps of brushing, irradiating, collecting the fluorescent emission, determining APV1 and comparing APV1 with PPTV are repeated in the next section .
    [0024] If APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV, then the fluorescent emission is collected for a second period of time and a second mean plaque value (APV2) is determined, which is the average of multiple fluorescent emission readings collected during the second time period. The percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2 is determined and compared to a predetermined percentage reduction limit value (PPRT). The user then proceeds, substantially simultaneously, to brush and radiate the at least one tooth in the section until the percentage reduction of said APV1 is equal to or greater than the PPRT, or for a predetermined maximum period of time (PMTP), what happens first. The moment the APV1 percentage reduction is equal to or greater than the PPRT, or when the PMTP expires, whichever comes first, the device is moved and positioned in another section of the plurality of oral cavity sections and the process is repeated in each section of the oral cavity until all sections of the plurality of sections of the oral cavity have been cleaned.
    [0025] In a mode where APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV and the percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2 is less than PPRT, the user continues to brush and radiate the surface until the PMTP expires. Upon expiry of the PMTP, the device is moved and positioned in another section of the plurality of sections and the process is repeated until all sections of the plurality are cleared.
    [0026] In another modality where APV1 is greater than or equal to PPTV and the percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2 is less than PPRT, additional iterative APVs are determined continuously over additional time periods. The percentage reduction from APV1 to the respective iterative APV is then compared to the PPRT. If at any time before the expiration of the PMTP the percent reduction from APV1 to the respective iterative APV is equal to or greater than the PPRT, the device is moved and positioned in another section of the plurality of sections. The process is then repeated until all sections of the plurality of sections have been cleared. In this modality, compared to the first described modality, the time spent cleaning the particular section may be less than the PMTP, while obtaining the desired percentage reduction from APV1, even if the percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2 is less than the PPRT.
    [0027] In certain embodiments, light reflected from the contact of the incident radiation with the treated surface is collected essentially simultaneously with the fluorescent emission. In these modalities, fluorescent emission values are offset fluorescent emission values, as defined above.
    [0028] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the principle of operation of methods and devices for cleaning surfaces of the oral cavity according to the present invention. The particular embodiment shown is a toothbrush, although other devices for use within the oral cavity are also contemplated by the invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of a toothbrush head in accordance with the invention, taken from the bristle side of the brush head. In the embodiment shown, the toothbrush head portion 14, shown as a dotted first box in Figure 1, includes, in addition to conventional bristle tufts 26 for tooth cleaning, radiation source 22 and optical fibers 24a and 24b for transmission of reflected light 33 and fluorescent emission 34 resulting from the contact of the surface of the oral cavity with the incident radiation. Head 14 may also include a first optical filter 42, depending on the radiation source.
    [0029] The electrical compartment 18, represented as a second dashed box in Figure 1, will contain other electrical components of a plate detection device located therein, as described above. In some embodiments, the electrical compartment 18 may be on a portion of the cleaning device handle, for example a toothbrush handle. In the embodiment shown, optical fibers 24a and 24b extend from head 14 into electrical housing 18. Housing 18 also includes a second optical filter 44, a first optical transducer 46, a second optical transducer 48, a first amplifier 52, a second amplifier 54, a data processor 56 and a power source 50 for operating the electrical components.
    [0030] Figure 1 also shows a representative surface of the oral cavity, for example the tooth 60, with the top surface 62 and the side surface 60. Although Figure 1 shows the device 10 directed towards the top surface 62 of the tooth 60, it is to be understood that the top surface 62 and side surface 64 of tooth 60 may come into contact with incident radiation. Furthermore, such contact can occur simultaneously on the top surface 62 and the side surface 64 of the multiple teeth 62, depending on the brushing technique of the user. The cleaning device can also be directed to other surfaces of the oral cavity, such as gums, tongue or cheeks.
    [0031] In operation, before using the cleaning device, the oral cavity is treated with a fluorescent marking material, that is, a fluorescent agent that preferably binds to dental plaque and produces a fluorescent emission when exposed to incident radiation. Depending on the particular fluorescent agent chosen, the peak wavelength of incident radiation may vary. In embodiments using fluorescein or salts thereof, for example sodium fluorescein, the incident radiation may have a peak wavelength in the range of about 450 to about 500 nanometers. Once placed inside the oral cavity, the radiation source 22 emits light of a peak wavelength of about 450 to about 500 nanometers (nm), or about 470 nanometers. Light can be passed through a fiber optic filter 42, which removes substantially all light having a wavelength above about 510 nm. As shown, incident radiation 32 from radiation source 22 is directed to top surface 62 of tooth 60, although, as discussed above, incident radiation may contact multiple surfaces of the oral cavity, e.g., teeth. Upon contact with the surface, the incident radiation interacts with the fluorescent agent that has bound to the plaque located on the surfaces of tooth 60. The fluorescent agent then produces a fluorescent emission 34 that has a peak wavelength of from about 520 to about of 530 nanometers. A first fluorescent emission portion 34 provided by the fluorescent agent is received by optical fibers 24a and transmitted by the device through optical fibers 24a for further mathematical processing. Consequently, a second reflected light portion 33 is simultaneously received and transmitted with the first fluorescent emission portion 34. The fluorescent emission 34 is passed through a second optical filter 44, which removes substantially all of the light of wavelengths below about 515 nm, ensuring that no reflected light is passed to data processor 56. The now filtered fluorescent emission 34 passes through the first optical transducer 46 in the form of a photodiode, which converts the optical signal from light to electrical signal. The electrical signal is passed through a first amplifier 52 to amplify the electrical signal being passed to data processor 56.
    [0032] A first portion of the reflected light is received by optical fibers 24b and transmitted to the device by optical fibers 24b for further mathematical processing. Consequently, a second portion of fluorescent emission 34 is received and transmitted with the first portion of reflected light. The second fluorescent emission portion 34 and the first portion of the reflected light are transmitted through the second optical transducer 48, in the form of a photodiode, which converts the optical light signal into an electrical signal. While it is optional to provide an optical filter to remove substantially all of the fluorescent emission before passing through the second optical transducer 48, in the embodiment shown, neither the second portion of the fluorescent emission nor the first portion of reflected light is filtered out prior to passing it through. of the second optical transducer 48, as these signals are used to measure the distance between the radiation source 22 and the surface of tooth 60. The unfiltered electrical signal is passed through a second amplifier 54 to amplify the electrical signal being passed. to data processor 56.
    [0033] Electronic parts that can be used in the plate detection device 10 can include Taos TSL12S-LF photodiodes, Opamp Analog AD8544ARZ amplifiers, Semrock fluorescence filters (FF01-500-LP, FF01-475/64) and Atmel ATMEGA8L microprocessors -8AU.
    [0034] The data processor 56 performs a mathematical manipulation of the signals received from the first optical transducer 46 and the second optical transducer 48. In the mathematical manipulation, the electrical signal resulting from the filtered fluorescent emission 34 is modified to consider the unfiltered electrical signal that was used to determine the distance between the tip of the optical fiber 24b, ie the optical receiver, and the surface of the tooth 60. The relationship between the two signals is experimentally determined by measuring their respective intensities, at distances known from the surface of objects coated with a fluorescent agent. The result of the mathematical manipulation is a corrected electrical signal that produces a compensated plate value in accordance with the definition of the term given in this document.
    [0035] Figure 2 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of a device of the present invention. As shown, device 10 is in the form of a toothbrush with a handle portion 12 and a head portion 14. Figure 2 shows the bristle face 16 of the device 10. The bristle face 16 of the head portion 14 is shown as having a generally oval shape, but it is important that the face of the bristles 16 can have shapes such as triangular, square, rectangular, trapezoidal and other polygons, or shapes of circles, ellipses, crescents, deltoids, asteroids or other curved shapes .
    [0036] The radiation source 22, the optical receivers and transmitters 24 and the cleaning tufts 26 are located on the face of the bristles 16. The radiation source 22, preferably in the form of a light emitter such as a light-emitting diode light (LED), directs the incident excitation radiation to the tooth surfaces to be cleaned. Optical receivers and transmitters 24, typically in the form of optical fibers, receive the fluorescent radiation emitted from the teeth. Optical fibers can be produced from glasses such as silicon, but can be made from other materials such as fluorozirconate, fluoroaluminate and chalcogenide glasses, but can also take the form of plastic optical fibers (POFs).
    [0037] The cleaning tufts 26 are made of approximately 20 to 50 individual bristles arranged on the face of the bristles 16 in order to optimize the cleaning of the tooth surfaces. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of tufts 26 on the face of bristles 16. It should be understood that the arrangement of tufts 26 on the face of bristles 16 does not limit the scope of the present invention. Typical tufts are approximately 1.6 mm (0.063 inches) in diameter, with a cross-sectional area of approximately 2 mm2 (0.079 inches2). Commonly used bristle diameters are: 0.15 mm (0.006 inch) for soft bristle, 0.2 mm (0.008 inch) for medium bristle, and 0.25 mm (0.010 inch) for hard bristle.
    [0038] A general problem encountered in recognizing tooth decay, plaque or bacterial infections with the method described above is that the detected fluorescent radiation can be detrimentally superimposed by daylight or artificial ambient lighting. Ambient light can similarly be reflected from tooth 60 and therefore received by optical fibers 24a and 24b. The spectral region of ambient light falling within the detection region according to this invention produces a background signal, i.e. a noise, which restricts the sensitivity of plaque detection.
    [0039] This problem is effectively solved according to the invention since the incident radiation 32 generated by the radiation source 22 is periodically modulated. In this case, due to the short duration of the excited state, the fluorescent emission 34 follows the intensity of the excitation radiation practically instantaneously. On the other hand, ambient light is not periodically modulated and is superimposed on the detected emission 34 only as a constant component. For the evaluation of the emission 34, now only the radiation modulated with the corresponding frequency is used as a detection signal, and evaluated. In this way, the constant ambient light component is almost removed and the board is detected virtually independently of ambient light. Since ambient light is, however, slightly modulated by the frequency of the main voltage, a modulation frequency should be chosen for the incident radiation 32 that is distinctly different from the frequency of the main voltage, preferably in the range between 100 Hz and 200 kHz.
    [0040] Devices and methods for detecting and removing plaque in the oral cavity may also be used as part of, or in combination with, oral care systems that control the health of the oral cavity. These systems can record plaque levels on the surfaces of teeth, gums, tongue, or cheeks before and after cleaning operations, and can monitor levels over time, reporting the results to the user, or to health professionals. dental health.
    [0041] There are a number of different methods, or modes, of using the mouthwash device of the present invention in detecting and removing plaque in the oral cavity. Figure 3 illustrates a first modality method of using the oral cleaning device 10. In this modality, used for cleaning teeth, the user is instructed to divide the dental cleaning operation into a number of sections, and move from section to section upon receiving an OUTPUT SIGNAL from the mouthwash 10. For illustrative purposes, and not intending to limit the scope, reference is made to Figure 1 and the modality shown in Figure 3 utilizes twelve (12) cleaning sections: three (3) for the front side of the upper teeth, three (3) for the back side of the upper teeth, three (3) for the front side of the lower teeth, and three (3) for the back side of the lower teeth. The order in which the sections are cleaned is not critical to the performance of the mouthwash 10.
    [0042] In the first step, the mouthwash 10 is turned on, and an internal COUNTER, used to store the number of cleaned sections, a GLOBAL STOPWATCH and a LOCAL STOPWATCH are set to zero. Progressing to the next step, incident radiation from radiation source 22 is directed to the upper surface 62 or side surface 64 of a tooth 60 (or teeth) in the section being cleaned. Processor 56 waits until the strength of the unfiltered electrical signal that was used to determine the distance from the radiation source 22 to the surface of tooth 60 is above a DISTANCE LIMIT SIGNAL. This is to ensure that the radiation source 22 is positioned in proximity to the upper surface 62 or side surface 64 of the tooth 60. When the strength of the unfiltered electrical signal is above the DISTANCE LIMIT SIGNAL, the program advances to the next steps , and both the GLOBAL STOPWATCH and the LOCAL STOPWATCH are started. The GLOBAL TIMETER is predetermined and set to a maximum cleaning time period (MCTP) in which the oral cavity will be cleaned.
    [0043] In the next step, the processor 56 starts the algorithm on the input data of the first optical transducer 46 and the second optical transducer 48, producing a corrected electrical signal. An APV is calculated from time 0 on the LOCAL TIMER to a first predetermined time period and recorded as APV1. The first predetermined time period can be 5 seconds (as shown in Figure 3), or it could be another value such as, but not limited to, 10, 5, 4, 2, 1, 0.5 or 0.25 seconds. In some embodiments, APV can be calculated by obtaining data at intervals such as 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1, 0.05 0.025, 0.0125, 0.01, or 0.005 seconds of time 0 to the first predetermined time period, and averaging the corrected electrical signal values over the number of data points already measured. Time intervals for data logging can be regular, or they can be randomly chosen during the first predetermined time period.
    [0044] In the next step of the program, the COUNTER value is increased by 1, and the operational program in processor 56 reaches a first decision block. In this block, the value of APV1 is compared to a predetermined board limit value (PPTV). PPTV can be experimentally determined as an average value in a chosen population of users of mouthwash device 10, or it can be determined for the specific user of device 10. If APV1 is less than or equal to PPTV, the operational program in processor 56 advances to a second decision block.
    [0045] If the value of APV1 is greater than PPTV, a second average plate value is now calculated from the end of the first predetermined time period to a second predetermined time period in the LOCAL TIMER and recorded as APV2. The second predetermined time period can be 10 seconds (as shown in Figure 3), or it can be another value such as, but not limited to, 15, 12, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5.5 or 5 .00 seconds. APV2 can, in some modalities, be calculated by obtaining data at intervals such as 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1, 0.05 0.025, 0.0125, 0.01, or 0.005 seconds of the ending the first predetermined time period to the second predetermined time period, and averaging the corrected electrical signal values over the number of measured data points. Time intervals for data logging can be regular, or they can be randomly chosen during the second predetermined time period.
    [0046] APV2 is compared to APV1. If APV2 is less than APV1 by a predetermined percentage reduction threshold (PPRT), the operational program at processor 56 advances to the second decision block. If the percentage reduction from APV1 to APV2 is greater than or equal to the PPRT, the program waits for a third predetermined time in the LOCAL TIMER. During the third predetermined time, the user continues to brush teeth on the section being cleaned to ensure adequate brushing time and plaque removal on the section being cleaned. The third predetermined time can be 10, 7.5, 5 (as in Figure 3), 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0.5 seconds, and can be determined by routine experimentation with the mouthwash 10. Na mode shown in Figure 3, the guaranteed proper brushing time for each section is 10 seconds, and the maximum brushing time on each section is 15 seconds. Upon expiration of the third predetermined time, the operating program in processor 56 advances to the second decision block. The predetermined percentage reduction between the APV1 and APV2 values can be 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 (Figure 3), 80, 90, 95, and are determined by routine experimentation with the device. oral cleaning 10.
    [0047] When the APV1 is equal to or less than the PPTV, or the reduction of the APV1 to the APV2 is less than or equal to the PPRT, or the third predetermined time has expired, whichever occurs first, the time value of running on the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is compared to a predetermined fourth time. If the runtime value on the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is greater than the fourth predetermined time, the operating program on processor 56 sends an END signal to the user to inform the user that the clearing process is complete. It is important to note that the predetermined fourth time must be greater than the product of the number of predefined sections and the maximum time in each section. In the case of the modality shown in Figure 3, the number of preset sections is twelve (12), and the maximum time in each section is fifteen (15) seconds. Then, the fourth predetermined time in the mode shown in Figure 3 is 180 seconds (3 minutes).
    [0048] If the running time value in the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is less than the fourth predetermined time, the operational programming processor 56 advances to the fourth decision block. In this decision block, the COUNTER value is compared to the preset number of sections being cleared. If the COUNTER equals the preset number of sections, the operating program in processor 56 sends an END signal to the user to inform the user that the cleaning process is complete. As mentioned earlier, the modality shown in Figure 3 utilizes twelve (12) cleaning sections.
    [0049] If the COUNTER is less than the preset number of sections, the operating program in processor 56 advances to the next step. Here, the LOCAL TIMER is reset to zero and the operating program in processor 56 sends an OUTPUT SIGNAL to the user to inform the user that he must move the mouthwash 10 to the next cleaning section. As shown in Figure 3, the operational program at processor 56 advances to the next step, where the LOCAL STOPWATCH is started, and the program begins a second loop.
    [0050] The process continues until the cleaning operation is completed on all sections. The END signal sent to the user to inform the user that the cleaning process is complete, as well as the OUTPUT SIGNAL sent to the user to inform the user to move the mouthwash 10 to the next section for cleaning, can be a variety of shapes. These signals can be in the forms directed to any of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste. For example, the handle portion 12 of the mouthwash 10 may have a light, or a series of lights, on its surface or embedded in the surface. The lights may be off while the user is clearing each section with device 10. The OUTPUT SIGNAL can be used to turn on the light(s), informing the user to move to the next section. The END signal sent to the user to inform them that the cleaning process is complete can be used to make the lights flash.
    [0051] In another modality, two-color lights can be used. Here, a light on, of a first color, informs the user that he must remain in the section that is currently being cleared. When it is time to move to a new section, the OUTPUT SIGNAL can be used to dim light of a first color, and illuminate light of a second color. The END signal can be used to turn all lights on, or cause all lights to flash.
    [0052] Mouth cleaning device 10 may use a tone, or a series of tones, in a similar way. Changing the volume, tone or frequency are some possibilities for OUTPUT SIGNAL and END signal. In other modalities, vibrational motions can be used to inform the user to move from section to section, or to inform them that cleaning is complete.
    [0053] Figure 4 illustrates a second mode method of using the mouthwash 10 of the present invention. In this mode, the user is instructed to move the device 10 around the mouth during the tooth cleaning operation, stay in an area when receiving the USER DATA OUTPUT signal from the mouth cleaning device 10, informing the user that they reached an area of high plaque content.
    [0054] In the first step, the mouthwash 10 is turned on, a GLOBAL STOPWATCH and a LOCAL STOPWATCH are set to zero. Progressing to the next step, incident radiation from radiation source 22 is directed to the upper surface 62 or side surface 64 of a tooth 60 (or teeth) in the area being cleaned. Processor 56 waits until the strength of the unfiltered electrical signal that was used to determine the distance from the radiation source 22 to the surface of tooth 60 is above a DISTANCE LIMIT SIGNAL. This is to ensure that the radiation source 22 is positioned in proximity to the upper surface 62 or side surface 64 of the tooth 60. When the strength of the unfiltered electrical signal is above the DISTANCE LIMIT SIGNAL, the program advances to the next step , and the GLOBAL STOPWATCH starts.
    [0055] In the next step, the processor 56 starts the algorithm on the input data of the first optical transducer 46 and the second optical transducer 48, producing a corrected electrical signal. An average plate value is calculated from time 0 on the LOCAL STOPWATCH to a first predetermined time period and recorded as SCROLL AVERAGE 1. The first predetermined time period can be 2 seconds (as shown in Figure 4), or it could be another value such as, but not limited to, 10, 5, 4, 2, 1, 0.5, or 0.25 seconds. The average can, in some modalities, be calculated by obtaining data at intervals such as 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1, 0.05 0.025, 0.0125, 0.01, or 0.005 seconds of the time 0 to the first predetermined time period, and averaging the corrected electrical signal values over the number of data points already measured. Time intervals for data logging can be regular, or they can be randomly chosen during the first predetermined time period.
    [0056] In the next step of the program, the operational program of the processor 56 reaches the first decision block. In this block, the SCROLL AVERAGE value 1 is compared to a predetermined board threshold (PPTV). PPTV can be experimentally determined as an average value in a chosen population of users of the mouthwash device 10, or it can be determined for the specific user of the device 10.
    [0057] If the SCROLL AVERAGE 1 value is greater than the PPTV, the operational program in processor 56 moves to the next step. Here, the OUT USER DATA signal from the mouthwash 10 is sent to the user, informing the user that an area with high plaque content has been reached. Simultaneously, the LOCAL TIMER is started, and the operating program in processor 56 advances to the next step.
    [0058] If the SCROLL AVERAGE value 1 is less than or equal to the PPTV value, the operational program in processor 56 advances to the fourth decision block shown in Figure 4, as discussed further below.
    [0059] In the step following the step in which the LOCAL STOPWATCH is started, the processor 56 starts the algorithm at the inputs of the first optical transducer 46 and the second optical transducer 48, producing a corrected electrical signal. An average plate value is calculated for a second predetermined time period and recorded as SCROLL AVERAGE 2. The second predetermined time period can be 0.5 seconds (as shown in Figure 4), or it could be another value like, but not limited to, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1, 0.05 or 0.01 seconds. The average can, in some modalities, be calculated by obtaining data at intervals such as 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, 0.1, 0.05 0.025, 0.0125, 0.01, or 0.005 seconds during the predetermined period of time, and averaging the corrected electrical signal values over the number of measured data points. Time intervals for data logging can be regular, or they can be randomly chosen during the second predetermined time period.
    [0060] Soon after, the operational program in processor 56 progresses to a second decision block. In the second decision block, the SCROLL AVERAGE 2 value is compared to SCROLL AVERAGE 1. If SCROLL AVERAGE 2 is less than or equal to SCROLL AVERAGE 1 by a predetermined percentage reduction threshold value, the program advances to the next step. Here, the OUT USER DATA signal is turned off, informing the user that he can now remove the mouthwash 10 from an area of high plaque content. The PPRT can be 5, 10, 20 (Figure 4), 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 95, and is determined by routine experimentation with the mouthwash 10.
    [0061] If the percentage reduction of the value of SCROLL AVERAGE 2 to SCROLL AVERAGE 1 is greater than or equal to PPRT, the program advances to a third decision block. In the third decision block, the LOCAL TIMER value is compared to a second predetermined time, ie the cleaning time for a particular section, and the user continues to brush teeth in the area being cleaned. If the LOCAL TIMER value is less than the second predetermined time, the operating program in processor 56 returns to the step of determining SCROLL AVERAGE 2. This will help ensure adequate brushing time for the area. The second predetermined time can be 15 (Figure 4), 10, 7.5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, or 0.5 seconds, and can be determined by routine experimentation with the mouthwash 10 .
    [0062] The loop between the step of determining the SCROLL AVERAGE 2, the second decision block and the third decision block is continued until the percentage reduction from SCROLL AVERAGE 1 to SCROLL 2 is less than the PPRT, or the LOCAL STOPWATCH value is greater than the second predetermined time. At this point, the program advances to the next step, and the USER DATA OUTPUT signal turns off, informing the user that they can now move the mouthwash 10 from an area of high plaque content.
    [0063] The operational program on processor 56 then advances to the next step shown in Figure 4. Here, the LOCAL TIMER is reset to zero, and the progress to the fourth decision block is shown in Figure 4. In this block, the value of the runtime on the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is compared to a third predetermined time If the runtime value on the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is greater than the third predetermined time, the operating program in processor 56 sends an END signal to the user to inform the user that the cleaning process is complete. The third predetermined time is the minimum time that the mouth cleaning device 10 will be used in the mouth cavity by the user. The third predetermined time in the mode shown in Figure 4 is 120 seconds (2 minutes), but may be 180, 150, 120, 90, 60, 45, or 30 seconds, and may be determined by routine experimentation with a cleaning device. oral 10.
    [0064] If, in the fourth decision block (shown in Figure 4), the value of the execution time in the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is less than the third predetermined time, the operational program in processor 56 returns to the step of calculating the SCROLL AVERAGE 1, the average plate value from time 0 on the LOCAL TIMER for the first predetermined time period.
    [0065] The process continues until the value of the execution time in the GLOBAL STOPWATCH is greater than the third predetermined time, and the cleaning operation is completed. As mentioned above, the END signal sent to the user to inform the user that the cleaning process is complete, as well as the OUTPUT SIGNAL sent to the user to inform the user to move the mouthwash 10 to another part of the oral cavity for cleaning, it can be in a variety of ways. These signals can be in forms directed to any of the five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell or taste.
    [0066] The signal can be emitted from the mouthwash device, or it can be transmitted to an external display device, which informs the user that the cleaning process is complete, or informs the user to move the mouthwash device 10 to another section of the oral cavity for cleaning.
    [0067] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a device 100 for use in cleaning oral cavity surfaces in accordance with the present invention. The particular embodiment shown is a toothbrush, although other devices for use within the oral cavity are also contemplated by the invention. As shown in Figure 6, device 100 has a handle portion 102, a neck portion 104, and a toothbrush head portion 114. The toothbrush head portion 114 includes tufts of bristles 126 for cleaning the teeth. teeth and radiation source 122. Cable portion 102 is hollow, and optical transducers 146 and 148, amplifiers 152 and 154, data processors 156, and power source 150 are contained therein.
    [0068] The present invention can be better understood with reference to the following examples. Examples Example 1: Determination of Board Compensated Value
    [0069] A toothbrush for plaque detection was created by modifying the head of a manual toothbrush, by inserting a blue light-emitting LED facing the outside of the head, allowing the LED light to illuminate the surface of the tooth. The LED was surrounded by an array of fiber optic filaments 12, also pointed at the tooth surface in the area illuminated by the blue LED. Optical fibers were passed through the neck of the toothbrush to a pair of photosensors (Taos TSL12S-LF) contained in the handle section of the toothbrush. Fibers were separated into two groups. One group passed through an optical filter (Semrock FF01-500/LP) that allowed only wavelengths above 515 nm to pass, while the second group allowed all wavelengths to pass, ie no filter. optical was used. Filtered light represented the plaque value while unfiltered light was used to interpret the distance between the optical receiver, ie, the tips of the optical fibers, and the tooth surface. The output of the photosensors was connected to amplifiers (Analog devices AD8544ARZ) which in turn were connected to an 8-bit microcontroller (Atmel ATMEGA8L-8AU). The microcontroller contained two 10-bit analog to digital converters, which allowed the information to be manipulated in digital form in the microcontroller.
    [0070] Using this apparatus, experiments were carried out using Typodent tooth models coated with a simulated plaque material containing a fluorescent material. The artificial plaque was painted over the tooth surfaces in a way that approximated the way plaque grows in the mouth of human beings. The experiments consisted of positioning optical receivers, for example the ends of optical fiber filaments, at varying distances from the tooth surface, in order to allow a relationship to be created between the distance and the plate value.
    [0071] The prototype device was operated with the following set of parameters: • Sampling at 500 Hz (0.002 seconds), sequentially taking 4 measurements in repeated succession. • Average every 20 data points per output data value. • Device driven by an 8-bit microcontroller and clocked at 7 MHz. • Reading RS232 output data to a spreadsheet, and • Ambient light compensation.
    [0072] The device was placed at distances between 0 and 10 mm from the surface of the tooth model. Readings were taken with the distance LED on, the distance LED off, the board LED on, and the board LED off. The value of the Board Total and Total Distance signals were calculated at each distance using: Board Total = Board LED on - Board LED off (I) Total distance = Distance LED on - Distance LED off ( II)
    [0073] Table I shows the measured/calculated values for Board LED On, Board LED Off, Board Total, Distance LED On, Distance LED Off, Total Distance. Table I: Distance and plate readings on the oral cleaning device prototype.
    • Column A value (total plate) was plotted against column B value (total distance). The resulting line was a curve fitted to the following straight equation: Total plate = 1.304 (total distance) - 66.61 (III)
    [0074] Since the total plaque value at a distance of 1 mm from the surface of the tooth model was 226, a Compensated Plaque Value (CPV) was determined using: CPV= 226 + (1.304 (total distance) - 66.61) / total plate (IV) Table II: CPV as a function of distance to mouthwash.

    [0075] The table shows that the average calculated CPV value regardless of distance is 227.02 with a standard deviation of 0.012 (0.05%). Therefore, the plate reading value was compensated, taking into account the distance from the optical receiver to the surface of the tooth model. Example 2: Using the Mouth Cleaning Device
    [0076] The device described in Example 1 was used in a study to clean human teeth. Study participants had no oral hygiene for 18 to 24 hours before the study was conducted. The study was conducted using brushing performed by a dental hygienist using the Bass method approved by the American Dental Association. The mouth was divided into 12 equal sections so that each section could be analyzed individually. The maximum total time period for brushing each section has been predetermined and set at 10 seconds to simulate the time for a full two-minute brushing. During brushing, the data produced with the device were supplied via serial communication to a computer (PC) that stored the data.
    [0077] Figure 6 is a sample plot of the data produced from the device during the 10-second brushing of a particular section of the mouth. The data oscillates up and down as the sensing portion of the brush repeatedly passes over areas within the section containing different levels of plaque. A linear trendline drawn over the data shows the reduction of plates over the 10 second time period.
    [0078] While the aforementioned description and drawings represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various additions, modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be used with many modifications of structure, arrangement, proportions, materials and components or otherwise used in the practice of the invention, which are particularly adapted to specific environments and operational requirements, without deviating of the principles of the present invention. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple pieces or elements shown as multiple pieces can be integrally formed, the operation of the elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, or the size or dimensions of the elements can be varied. Therefore, the embodiments presented herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims, and not limited by the aforementioned description.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [0001]
    1. Device for detecting plaque on a surface of the oral cavity, said device (18) comprising: a) a radiation source (22) configured to direct radiation incident on said surface (82) of said oral cavity, b) optical receivers configured to receive reflected light and fluorescent emission, c) optical routes (24a) configured to transmit said received reflected light (33) and said received fluorescent emission (34) in said device (18), d) means (46, 48) configured to convert an optical light signal from said reflected light and said fluorescent emission into an electrical signal, e) means (56) configured to mathematically manipulate said electrical signal from said reflected light and said fluorescent emission to determine a compensated slab value, and f) means (26) configured to clean said surface (82) of said buccal cavity, characterized in that said slab value is a compensated slab value. The value of compensated plate considers a distance between the optical receiver and the surface (82) of the oral cavity, so that the value of the compensated plate determined for said surface (82) of said oral cavity is the same without taking into account the distance between the optical receivers and the surface (82) of the oral cavity and the distance between the radiation source (22) and the surface (82) of the oral cavity, said means (26) configured for cleaning effective to clean the teeth by sonication, pressurized water, brushing or any combination thereof with brushing.
    [0002]
    2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical receivers comprise an optical fiber.
    [0003]
    3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said optical route (24a) comprises an optical fiber.
    [0004]
    4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said means (46, 48) for converting said optical light signal from said reflected light and fluorescent emission into said electrical signal comprises a optical transducer.
    [0005]
    5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it additionally comprises a means configured to amplify or condition said electrical signal of said reflected light and said fluorescent emission.
    [0006]
    6. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that it additionally comprises a first optical filter (42) through which the incident radiation is passed before contacting said surface.
    [0007]
    7. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that it further comprises a second optical filter (44) through which a second portion of said reflected light and a first portion of said fluorescent emission are transmitted prior to conversion of said signal optical light in said electrical signal.
    [0008]
    8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a third optical filter through which a first portion of said reflected light and a second portion of said fluorescent emission are passed before converting said optical signal to light. in said electrical signal.
    [0009]
    9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said means (56) configured to mathematically manipulate said electrical signal of said reflected light and said fluorescent emission comprises a data processor ( 56), wherein said data processor (56) further comprises an analog to digital converter for converting said electrical signal of said reflective light and said fluorescent emission from an analog format to a digital format prior to handling said electrical signal .
    [0010]
    10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said means (26) for cleaning comprise a toothbrush, said toothbrush comprising a head (14), and the said head (14) comprises a face with bristles (16) attached to it.
    [0011]
    11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that said toothbrush is a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112012033369B1|2021-07-06|device for detecting plaque on a surface of the oral cavity
    JP6143998B2|2017-06-07|Device and method for detecting plaque in the oral cavity
    AU2011276692B2|2013-11-28|Method for cleaning the oral cavity
    AU2011276691B2|2013-09-19|Method for cleaning the oral cavity
    JP2016538903A|2016-12-15|Device for plaque detection
    CA2333226A1|1999-11-25|Toothbrush with fluorescence means for locating dental plaque
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP2587999A4|2015-03-25|
    JP2013535235A|2013-09-12|
    RU2013103710A|2014-08-10|
    NO2587999T3|2018-08-25|
    EP2587999B1|2018-03-28|
    EP2587999A1|2013-05-08|
    CA2802368A1|2012-01-12|
    US20110314618A1|2011-12-29|
    WO2012005888A1|2012-01-12|
    AU2011276688A1|2013-01-10|
    AU2011276688B2|2013-11-28|
    ES2665243T3|2018-04-25|
    JP6227409B2|2017-11-08|
    RU2570966C2|2015-12-20|
    BR112012033369A2|2016-11-29|
    US20130149671A1|2013-06-13|
    US8702422B2|2014-04-22|
    US8512040B2|2013-08-20|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-26| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2019-12-10| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-25| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-07-06| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/06/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. PATENTE CONCEDIDA CONFORME ADI 5.529/DF, QUE DETERMINA A ALTERACAO DO PRAZO DE CONCESSAO. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/825,838|US8702422B2|2010-06-29|2010-06-29|Device and method for cleaning the oral cavity|
    US12/825,838|2010-06-29|
    PCT/US2011/040324|WO2012005888A1|2010-06-29|2011-06-14|Device and method for cleaning the oral cavity|
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