Patent ID: 6217327
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: A46B

Abstract:
An apparatus for loosening and removing food particles and plaque deposits from tooth surfaces, comprising:a reservoir means for containing a predetermined volume of a liquid fluid;a toothbrush having bristles and a base to which said bristles are mounted;a plurality of apertures formed in said base;an outlet conduit providing fluid communication between said reservoir means and said apertures;an inlet conduit having a first end in fluid communication with ambient air and a second end positioned within said reservoir means at a preselected location above a liquid level in said reservoir means;a bypass conduit providing fluid communication between said inlet conduit and said outlet conduit, said bypass conduit bypassing said reservoir means;a pump means having a suction inlet for intake of ambient air and a compression outlet in fluid communication with said inlet conduit;said pump means being positioned upstream of said bypass conduit so that said pump means simultaneously pumps said liquid fluid from said reservoir means and pumps air through said bypass conduit so that air pumped to said base contains air bubbles;whereby said liquid fluid is applied to tooth surfaces in a spray or mist that is effective to loosen food particles and plaque deposits from tooth surfaces so that said food particles are removed from said tooth surfaces by said bristles during tooth brushing; andwhereby the spray or mist is applied at the same time that the brushing takes place.