Abstract:
This toothbrush is intended to create healthy gums while cleaning teeth. This toothbrush with its unique combination of bush geometry, specific rotational directions, and brush movement from gums to teeth crowns, will not loosen gums and will correctly position gums as the brush rotational motion and brush movement is always in the direction of gum growth, from gums to teeth crowns. All present toothbrushes, electric and manual on the market, tend to loosen gums as they brush across the direction of gum growth causing loose gums, receding gums, sensitive teeth, gum-line cavities, diseases as gingivitis, loss of teeth. When a dentist and/or hygienist clean under gums, or when a dentist does gum-line fillings, tooth extractions, tooth implants, and receding gum repair, gums need correct alignment to be maintained for a period of time while gums reattach. This toothbrush will be the only brush on the market capable of maintaining gum alignment for a period of time while gums reattach, avoiding tooth problems listed above. With a camera attached, gums can be viewed to insure correct gum positioning as well as spot cleaning teeth. The viewing device uses a type of cell phone most buyers already will have.

Description:
STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/824,124 having a filing date of 12 Aug. 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/121,521 having a filing date of 15 Sep. 2014. This patent application also claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/185,246 having a filing date of 17 Jun. 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/824,124 having a filing date of 12 Aug. 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/121,521 having a filing date of 15 Sep. 2014. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to the field of toothbrushes designed for a tooth and gum brushing technique that will not loosen or lift the gums during use as the toothbrush brushes in the direction of gum growth. More specifically, the present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes for tooth and gum brushing and tooth and gum health by having a unique combination of brush geometry, of specific brush rotational direction and brush movement from gums to the crowns of the teeth in the direction of gum growth. This combination will not loosen gums. 
         [0004]    Current toothbrushes, manual and electric on the market, tend to loosen gums as they brush across the direction of gum growth causing receding gums, sensitive teeth, gum line cavities, and inviting gingivitis. Thus, the present invention relates to the field of toothbrushes having, a rotating bristle assembly, and a reversible rotational direction so as to implement a brushing technique having the brush rotate in a direction from the gum towards the crown of the tooth, and regardless of the specific tooth being brushed, which is in the direction of gum growth so as to not loosen or lift the gums and to improve gum health. 
         [0005]    The present invention further relates to the field of video capable electric toothbrushes for proper tooth and gum brushing that will not loosen or lift the gums during use as the toothbrush brushes in the direction of gum growth and will allow the user to view the interior of the mouth while brushing. 
       PRIOR ART 
       [0006]    Presently available electric toothbrushes have changed dramatically since the manual toothbrushes. These electric toothbrushes typically have a battery and a battery-powered motors to oscillate in circle directions the bristle bundle over teeth and gums, or to rotate continuously in one circular direction the bristle bundle over teeth and gums, or to cycle in a back and forth motion the bristle bundle over teeth and gums, or to vibrate bristle bundles over teeth and gums. Current commercially available electric toothbrushes fail to create proper tooth and gum brushing and/or dental prophylaxis procedure. All changes in types of toothbrushes from manual to electric brushes have not created an improvement in the health of teeth and gums. 
         [0007]    All toothbrushes on the market interfere with the periodontal margin by brushing across the direction of gum growth causing loose gums accompanied by tooth and receding gums, sensitive teeth, loose teeth, gum line cavities, diseases such as gingivitis, and loss of teeth. To make matters worse, current commercially available electric toothbrushes actually work against recreating the proper tooth and gum brushing and/or dental prophylaxis procedure as they magnify harmful and counterproductive practices by the toothbrush user. 
         [0008]    The tooth and gum brushing procedure has three main focuses: removing plaque and debris from the surfaces of the tooth, protecting and preserving the tooth enamel, and protecting and preserving the gums and gingival margin. This toothbrush and brushing technique brushes and cleans the teeth and gums, while not loosening the gums. Unfortunately, even though prior art electric toothbrushes may be equipped to power scrub debris from the tooth enamel, as the prior art toothbrushes brush across the direction of gum growth and not in the direction of gum growth, they can be damaging to the gingival margin and therefore can be harmful to the gums and teeth. 
         [0009]    More specifically, daily home tooth and gum brushing involves bristles, which are an effective, efficient, and affordable system for clearing debris from the tooth enamel before it becomes hardened plaque. However, regardless of the “softness” of the bristle bundles, or the brushing technique and/or angle employed by the tooth brusher (the Bass method, for example), prior art electric toothbrushes inherently brush into the junction of the tooth and the periodontium. The rapidly oscillating and rotating bristle bundles (designed to imitate the professional cup-like buffing tool), the rapidly vibrating bristle bundles, the back-and-forth sweeping bristle bundles, etc. (intended to maximize the rate of bristle-to-tooth scrubbing) unintentionally force bristles into the junction, lift and loosen the gums, and force debris under the gums, all of which are harmful to the gums. This damaging tissue along the gingival margin results in lateral movement of the periodontium away from the tooth cementum-layer upon which it is anchored (a key indication of periodontium disease). 
         [0010]    There is, therefore, a need in the art for a toothbrush, and a method for using the same, for achieving proper tooth and gum health and proper brushing and cleaning of the teeth by brushing the teeth in the direction of gum growth from the gum to the tooth crown, and not across or against the direction of gum growth, thereby, among other things, not loosening or lifting the gums. As there is no such toothbrush currently on the market that carries out this method, it is to this need that the present invention is directed. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved toothbrush, and a method for using the same, that effectively overcomes the aforementioned difficulties and longstanding problems inherent in the art. These problems have been solved in a simple, efficient, and highly effective design for a toothbrush, and preferably an electric toothbrush, and a method for using the same. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    Briefly, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an electric toothbrush for proper brushing of the teeth and gums, including for proper brushing of the teeth and gums so as not to loosen the gums, and a method of using the toothbrush to achieve the goals. One illustrative embodiment of the invention is an electric toothbrush that includes a handle body and an interchangeable stem. Another illustrative embodiment of the invention is an electric toothbrush that includes a unitary handle and stem. In all preferred embodiments, the interchangeable stem includes an elongated neck, a head, a rotating bristle assembly, and a means for rotating the bristle assembly such as a motor. In another illustrative embodiment, the electric toothbrush includes a handle body, an interchangeable stem, and a camera device with intraoral video capability. Preferably, the invention is waterproof or water-resistant. 
         [0012]    The stem preferably comprises a rotating bristle assembly mounted on an elongate neck, a bristle guard that acts as a mouth or cheek shield for covering a portion of the rotating bristle assembly, a means for mounting the bristle assembly to the stem (in the interchangeable stem embodiment), a means for rotating the bristle assembly, a means for mounting the stem to the handle body, and a means for connecting the bristle assembly to a motor for rotating the bristle assembly. 
         [0013]    The elongate neck has a first end opposite a second end. In the interchangeable stem embodiment, the first end of the elongate neck is configured to detachably engage with the handle body, and comprises the means for mounting the stem to the handle body. In the non-interchangeable stem embodiment, the first end of the elongate neck is directly attached to, or a structural extension of, the handle body. The second end of the elongate neck is terminated by the head, and comprises the rotating bristle assembly and the bristle guard. 
         [0014]    The head comprises a bristle assembly that can rotate (sometimes referred to as a rotating bristle assembly herein) and is longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the interchangeable stem. The rotating bristle assembly has a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the rotating bristle assembly is proximal to the second end of the elongate neck. The bristle guard extends from the second end of the neck around the back side of the rotating bristle assembly. Extending from the second end of the cylindrical bristle body is the means for rotating the bristle assembly, such as, for example, a metal or plastic rod or wire, extending through the elongate neck towards the handle body. The means for rotating the bristle assembly cooperates with the motor for rotating the bristle assembly when the motor is activated. 
         [0015]    The bristle guard is attached to or part of the stem proximal to the first end of the elongate neck and proximal to the bristle assembly, and extends circumferentially around and laterally spaced apart from the rotating bristle assembly. The bristle guard describes an arc segment along the bristle assembly. The longitudinal axis of the bristle guard is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the interchangeable stem. The bristle guard acts to prevent the bristle assembly from contacting the inner cheek of the user when the device is being operated. 
         [0016]    The handle body preferably comprises a cylindrical portion having a hollow interior within which the motor and the power source, and appurtenant wiring and electrical connectivity and operating means, are located. The handle body further comprises a means for mounting the stem to the bristle assembly (in the interchangeable stem embodiment), a means for accessing the interior of the handle body so as to be able to change out batteries for powering the motor (in an embodiment comprising exchangeable batteries), and a switch means for activating and deactivating (turning on and off) the motor. Preferably, the motor is configured such that the rotating bristle assembly can rotate in both directions, such as clockwise and counterclockwise, as the user desires. 
         [0017]    The handle body further may comprises a means for detachably engaging or rigidly or permanently engaging a camera device to an exterior side of the cylindrical potion such that intraoral video may be obtained during operation of the electric toothbrush. Moreover, the camera device preferably is configured for 640×480 resolution or upwards of 4K HD video or any other video capture capability known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. The camera device may be an optical device consisting of a rigid or flexible tube, and/or cylindrical optical or optically conductive cable, and/or any communications pathway, with a lens on one end, and a camera sensor on the other end linked together by a relay optical system there between. The camera device, when detachably engaged to the handle body, or when permanently and rigidly attached to the handle body, may aim its aperture towards the oral cavity of a user of the electric toothbrush so as to capture intraoral video. The intraoral video may then be transmitted and/or processed for useful display to the user of the electric toothbrush, such as to a smart phone device or other video display. 
         [0018]    The means for rotating the bristle assembly is operably connectable to the motor or to an extension of the motor, whereby when the motor is activated, the motor turns the means for rotating the bristle assembly, thus rotating the bristle assembly. The motor preferably can rotate the bristle assembly in both directions; therefore, the device further comprises a switch that can cause the motor to rotate in both directions. Alternatively, the device can comprise appropriate gearing so as to accomplish the same result of allowing the rotating bristle assembly to rotate in both directions. Thus, when the means for rotating the bristle assembly is powered, the rotating bristle assembly is selectably motorized to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise via mechanical electrical engagement with the means for rotating the bristle assembly. 
         [0019]    In another illustrative embodiment, the bristle guard of the interchangeable stem comprises a concave bristle-facing side and a convex non-bristle facing side. The non-bristle facing side can define or comprise a raised surface texture or raised surface feature that is abrasive or frictional and that can be used for tongue, cheek, and gum cleaning and/or massaging. 
         [0020]    A preferred embodiment of the method for using the toothbrush comprises activating the means for rotating the bristle assembly (the motor) such that the rotating bristle assembly is spinning in a first direction and applying the rotating bristle assembly to a first set of the user&#39;s teeth and gums such that the bristles rotating in the first direction rotate in a direction from the user&#39;s gums towards crowns of the user&#39;s teeth. In this method, the rotating bristles rotate in the direction of gum growth, namely from the gums towards the crown of the teeth, thereby not lifting or loosening the gums from the teeth, not brushing across or against the direction of gum growth, and not forcing debris up under the gums and between the gums and the teeth. 
         [0021]    The toothbrush preferably is structured to allow the bristles to rotate in a second direction opposite the first direction so that the toothbrush can be used on all of the user&#39;s teeth and still achieve the goal of having the bristles rotate in a direction from the user&#39;s gums towards the crowns of the user&#39;s teeth. Thus, the user also can activate the means for rotating the bristle assembly such that the rotating bristle assembly is spinning in a second direction and applying the rotating bristle assembly to a second set of the user&#39;s teeth and gums such that the bristles rotating in the second direction also rotate in a direction from the user&#39;s gums towards crowns of the user&#39;s teeth. As above, the rotating bristles also rotate in the direction of gum growth, namely from the gums towards the crown of the teeth, thereby not lifting or loosening the gums from the teeth, not brushing across or against the direction of gum growth, and not forcing debris up under the gums and between the gums and the teeth. 
         [0022]    Thus, the electric toothbrush and the method for using the electric toothbrush is configured to effectively and efficiently remove plaque and debris from the user&#39;s teeth while protecting and preserving a user&#39;s gums, gingival margin and periodontium by recreating a proper dental tooth and gum brushing procedure and preventing a loosening of a user&#39;s gums, thus increasing the overall health of a user&#39;s gums and oral cavity. 
         [0023]    These features, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals represent like components throughout the several views. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1A  is a front side perspective view of an embodiment of an electric toothbrush of the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1B  is a right side perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A  turned 90 degrees. 
           [0026]      FIG. 1C  is front view of a push-button waterproof switch suitable for use with the present invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 1D  is front view of a push-button waterproof switch suitable for use with the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a top view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  illustrating how an interchangeable stem and a handle body detach and attach to one another. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front perspective view of the interchangeable stem of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 4B  is a cross section of the interchangeable stem of  FIG. 4A   
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative schematic of the handle body of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw, illustrating a method according to the invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw, illustrating a method according to the invention. 
           [0036]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw, illustrating a method according to the invention. 
           [0037]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw, illustrating a method according to the invention. 
           [0038]      FIG. 10A  is a front side perspective view of an electric toothbrush of the present invention including a second embodiment of the handle and a second embodiment of the bristle shield and an activator slide switch. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10B  is a rear side perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 10A  with a push button switch. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11A  is a front side perspective view of a first embodiment of a video capable electric toothbrush of the present invention. 
           [0041]      FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 11A  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 11A  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw. 
           [0043]      FIG. 12  is a front side perspective view of a second embodiment of a video capable electric toothbrush of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0044]    Preferred embodiments and aspects of the present disclosure provide an electric toothbrush for proper brushing of the teeth and gums so as not to cause a lifting or loosening of the gums, and a method of using the toothbrush to achieve these ends. Unlike prior art electric toothbrushes, the toothbrush of the present disclosure is configured to effectively and efficiently remove debris from the tooth enamel, to protect and preserve the gingival margin, and to maintain healthy gums by not adversely acting on the gums during the brushing procedure. The toothbrush creates a proper tooth and gum brushing procedure at home on a daily basis, while at the same time brushing the teeth and gums in a manner that prevents the lifting and loosening of the gums from the teeth. Moreover, embodiments of the electric toothbrush may be outfitted with an intraoral video camera device. 
         [0045]    More specifically, by a simple flip of a switch, and regardless of the specific tooth or teeth and gums being brushed, the electric toothbrush is configured to brush along the gingival margin in a direction from the gums towards the tooth crown. The toothbrush, thereby, prevents the bristles from being forced improperly against or into the junction of the tooth and the periodontium and, as a result, prevents the lifting and/or loosening of the gums from the teeth. As such, the toothbrush clears debris away from the tooth enamel (before it becomes hardened plague) without sacrificing the gingival margin and without adversely affecting the gums. 
         [0046]    The toothbrush, and the method for using the same, facilitates appropriate daily prophylaxis by steering the tooth brusher away from harmful behavior, and by affording the very young, the elderly, the infirm, and the lazy with an affordable tool that requires not only one hand, but minimal hand, wrist, and arm motion to operate. Moreover, embodiments of the toothbrush can have a bristle shield that extends around the bristle structure of the toothbrush. The bristle shield is configured to shield the bristles from over-the-air contamination, when it is in a “full” bathroom environment, and to facilitate US American Dental Association (ADA)-recommended drying of the bristles between brushings. 
         [0047]    Furthermore, embodiments of the electric toothbrush may comprise a camera device with intraoral video capability, as well as a power source, wiring, electronic boards and circuitry, system bus, and/or means for transmitting video data for use, directly or indirectly, by a user. In this way, the electric toothbrush may be further configured to facilitate appropriate daily brushing of the teeth and gums as the intraoral video capability allows the user to see and target brushing along the gingival margin, and recognize areas with high debris quantity requiring additional attention. As the appropriate daily brushing of the teeth and gums accomplished by the electric toothbrush of the present invention requires minimal toothpaste (and the foam created therefrom), a video capable embodiment is not limited by obstructed video imaging. This would be the outcome of merely sticking a video camera on the side of a traditional prior art toothbrush that encourages harmful brushing of the teeth and gums. 
         [0048]    Embodiments of the toothbrush comprise an interchangeable stem and an attachment means for allowing the attachment of the interchangeable stem to a handle body. The interchangeable stem includes, at one end, a toothbrush head with a rotating bristle assembly and a neck for attachment via the attachment means to the handle body. The rotation means utilized to allow the rotation of the interchangeable stem may be a component of the stem or the handle body depending on the embodiment. It is, however, preferred that the rotation means be a part of the handle body in order to reduce the manufacturing costs of the interchangeable stems. This also allows for the stems to be marketed relatively inexpensively and independently of the handle body. 
         [0049]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the various embodiments of the present disclosure only, and not for purposes of limiting the same,  FIGS. 1A-1D and 2A-2B  show the general features of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  is a front side perspective view of an embodiment of an electric toothbrush of the present invention,  FIG. 1B  is a right side perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A  turned 90 degrees,  FIG. 1C  is front view of a push-button waterproof switch suitable for use with the present invention, and  FIG. 1D  is front view of a push-button waterproof switch suitable for use with the present invention.  FIG. 2A  is a top view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 2B  is a bottom view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1A . 
         [0050]      FIGS. 3, 4A-4B, and 5  show the additional general features of an interchangeable stem embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 3  is a partially exploded perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  illustrating how an interchangeable stem and a handle body detach and attach to one another.  FIG. 4A  is an enlarged front perspective view of the interchangeable stem of  FIG. 3 .  FIG. 4B  is a cross section of the interchangeable stem of  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative schematic of the handle body of  FIG. 3 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 6-9  show an embodiment of an electric toothbrush of the present invention in use, illustrate a preferred method for using the toothbrush of the present invention, and illustrate a preferred method of brushing a user&#39;s teeth according to the invention.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw. 
         [0052]      FIG. 10A  is a front side perspective view of an electric toothbrush of the present invention including a second embodiment of the handle and a second embodiment of the bristle shield with an activator switch.  FIG. 10B  is a rear side perspective view of the toothbrush of  FIG. 10A  with a push button switch. 
         [0053]      FIG. 11A  is a front side perspective view of a first embodiment of a video capable electric toothbrush of the present invention, with the camera device located on the handle body.  FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 11A  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 11A  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 12  is a front side perspective view of a second embodiment of a video capable electric toothbrush of the present invention with the camera device located on the stem. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1D, 2A-2B, 3, and 4A-4C , one embodiment of the toothbrush  10  comprises a handle body  12  (also referred to as just the handle body  12 ) and an interchangeable stem  14  (also referred to as just the stem  14 ) having a head  40  with a rotating bristle assembly  50  (also referred to as the bristle assembly) comprising bristles  53 . The handle body  12  comprises the motor  58 , battery  56 , and electrical components for powering the bristle assembly  50 , and for providing a suitable handgrip. The interchangeable stem  14  comprises the bristle assembly  50  for brushing the teeth and gums. 
         [0055]    Another embodiment of the toothbrush  10  is a unitary device in which the stem  14  is attached, permanently, to the handle body  12 . Also in this embodiment, the handle body  12  comprises the motor  58 , battery  56 , and electrical components for powering the rotating bristle assembly  50 , and for providing a suitable handgrip, and the stem  14  comprises the rotating bristle assembly  50  for brushing the teeth. 
         [0056]    The handle body  12  comprises an ergonomic outer surface  20 , and an internal cavity  52  for containing a rotation means. The rotation means comprises a battery  56 , a motor  58 , and a set of electrical and transmission components. The handle body  12  may have a larger diameter than a standard, prior art electric toothbrush, which makes the handle body  12  more comfortable and easier to use as less force is required to stably hold the toothbrush  10 . Also, when the handle body  12  is larger, the toothbrush  10  requires less rotational turning about its longitudinal axis than is required by a smaller diameter handle. 
         [0057]    Furthermore, the handle body  12  is preferably generally cylindrical in shape and has a cross section that is predominantly circular, preferably between about one-half inch to one and one-half inches in diameter, and more preferably approximately one inch in diameter. Handle body  12  further may comprise a generally flat portion  22  defined by a chord of the circular cross section of the handle body  12 . Along the surface of the flat portion  22 , the handle body  12  comprises an activator slide  24  (a switch) configured to turn the toothbrush  10  “on” and “off” and to control the rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the rotating bristle assembly  50  during operation. Therefore, the handle body  12  may be oversized with the front flat surface  22  to enhance manual dexterity, and to make gripping more comfortable for the user. Alternatively, the handle body  12  may be completely cylindrical, or have an oval or other geometric cross section, and the activator slide  24  may be simply mounted on or through the wall of the handle body  12 . 
         [0058]    Activator slide  24  preferably slides within a channel  26 . When the activator slide  24  is in a first position (i.e., when activator slide  24  is fully slid towards a first end  28  of the channel  26 ), the electric toothbrush  10  is in a first “on” position and the cylindrical rotating bristle assembly  50  rotates in a first direction, in this embodiment clockwise (power is provided to the motor  58  causing rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50 ). When activator slide  24  is in a second position (i.e., when activator slide  24  is fully slid towards a second end  30  of the channel  26 ), the electric toothbrush  10  is in a second “on” position and the cylindrical rotating bristle assembly  50  rotates in a second direction, in this embodiment counterclockwise (power is provided to the motor  58  causing rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50 ). When activator slide  24  is in an intermediate position (i.e., when activator slide  24  is slid to an intermediate position between the first end  28  and the second end  30  of the channel  26 ), the toothbrush  10  is an “off” position (power is not provided to the motor  58 ). 
         [0059]    It is, of course, within the scope of the invention to use alternate means of switching the toothbrush  10  from “on” to “off”, etc., such as a water-proof single press button with various stages, or a plurality of water proof individual push buttons with independent and discrete functions.  FIGS. 1C and 1D  illustrate a preferred waterproof push-button embodiment of a power switch  124  suitable for use with the present invention. Switch  124  comprises two buttons  126 ,  128  configured to turn the toothbrush “on” and “off” and/or to control the rotational direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) of the rotating bristle assembly  50  during operation. For example, the top button  126  can turn the motor on, causing the bristle assembly  50  to rotate, while the bottom button  128  can turn the motor off, causing the bristle assembly to stop rotating. For another example, the top button  126  can turn the motor on causing the bristle assembly  50  to rotate clockwise, while the bottom button  128  can turn the motor on causing the bristle assembly to rotate counterclockwise. For another example, pushing the top button  126  once can turn the motor on, causing the bristle assembly  50  to rotate clockwise, pushing the top button  126  twice can turn the motor on, causing the bristle assembly  50  to rotate counterclockwise, while the bottom button  128  can turn the motor off, causing the bristle assembly to stop rotating. As can be seen, various configurations can be used for the push buttons such that the bristle assembly  50  can be caused to rotate in a desired direction, or stopped, all of which are within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0060]    The activator slide  24  or switch  124  can be located anywhere on the handle body  12 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the activator slide  24  or switch  124  is on the rear of the handle body  12 , namely, the side of the handle body  12  opposite the direction the bristle assembly  50  is facing. Alternatively, the activator slide  24  or switch  124  can be located on the front of the handle body  12 , such as directly below the exposed bristles of the bristle assembly  50 , or on a side of the handle body  12 . 
         [0061]    The outer surface  20  of the handle body  12  may be formed of, or comprised of, or coated with, a “squeezable” or compressible material that deflects slightly when a gripping force is applied. Such a construction makes the toothbrush  10  more comfortable to hold and, therefore, easier to use. Optionally, the handle body  12  may be formed in a double-sided configuration with an elongate flat portion  22   b  antipodal to, or at any other angle relative to, the flat portion  22   a . Alternatively, the outer surface  20  of the handle body  12  also may comprise grips, ridges, bumps, surface features, and/or surface textures (not depicted in the figures) to facilitate a user firmly grasping the handle body  12 , particularly, when the handle body  12  is wet. Further preferred enhancements include grips, surface features, and/or surface textures that are aesthetically pleasing in appearance, although any number, shape, structure, and/or configuration may be included. As such, the provision of the outer surface  20  allows the user of the toothbrush  10  to appropriately brush the gums and all the tooth surfaces while essentially maintaining the same grip on the handle body  12 . Simple adjustments are possible for the user via slight movement of the wrist and a switch in the rotational direction of the rotating bristle assembly  50 . 
         [0062]    A rotating ring  15  can be attached to the top portion of the handle body  12  as an illustrative attachment mechanism between the stem  14 , if removable, and the handle body  12 . For example, the rotating ring  15  is configured to detachably receive the stem  14  at the end opposite the head  40 . The rotating ring  15  preferably has a fixed portion which is secured to the handle body  12 , and a rotating portion designed to be turned in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The rotating ring  15  has a threaded outer surface  32  (best seen in  FIG. 5 ) complementary of a corresponding threaded inner surface  16  on the stem  14 , at the end opposite the head  40  (best seen in  FIGS. 4A-4B ). The rotating ring  15 , therefore, is configured to thread the stem  14  onto the handle body  12  (best seen in  FIG. 3 ) such that the stem is rigidly retained by the handle body  12 , and such that stem  14  is mechanically engaged with the rotation means of the electric toothbrush  10 . It is envisioned that the rotating ring  15  may be a part of the stem  14  and, therefore, the system described would be reversed relative to the handle body  12  and the stem  14 . Alternatively, another attachment mechanism between the stem  14  and the handle body  12  can be a snap fit or cooperating clips. 
         [0063]    The handle body  12  comprises an internal cavity  52  (best seen schematically in  FIG. 5 ) that houses a rotation means configured to drive rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50 . The rotation means includes a battery  56  and a motor  58  that the battery  56  powers. The battery  56  is accessible from a snap lid  100  on the bottom of the handle body  12  (best seen in  FIG. 2B ). The rotation means further includes a drive axle  60 , which is operatively connected to and powered by motor  58  on a first side, and a splined cylindrical mandrel  61 , which is attached to and rotated about its longitudinal axis by the motor  58  rotating the drive axle  60 . The splined cylindrical mandrel  61  is on the side opposite the drive axle  60 . The inner surface  60  of the splined cylindrical mandrel  61  defines a series of complementary splines configured to mechanically engage with a portion of the stem  14 . As such, when the stem  14  is attached to the handle body  12 , and when the motor  58  rotates the drive axle  60 , the cylindrical mandrel  61  also rotates and transmits the rotation through the stem  14  to the rotating bristle assembly  50 .  FIG. 5  is an illustrative schematic of such a drive mechanism and attachment means, both of which are within the purview of those of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0064]    It is envisioned that various other configurations and structures are possible for the rotation means of the toothbrush  10 . For example, a clutch configuration or other frictional transmission configuration, a tongue and groove configuration, a hex key and slot configuration all are suitable alternatives. For another example, in the non-interchangeable stem configuration, the drive axle  60  can connect directly to the bristle axle  17  and/or the drive axle  60  and the bristle axle  17  can be the same component extending from the motor  58  to the rotating bristle assembly  50 . 
         [0065]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the interchangeable stem  14  comprises, at one end, a head  40  with a rotating bristle assembly  50  and a bristle guard  18 , and, extending down from the head  40 , a thinner neck  42  (best seen in  FIGS. 1A and 1B ). The neck  42  is elongate so as to allow the head  40  to extend deep into a user&#39;s mouth. The neck  42  is terminated in this particular embodiment with the threaded inner surface  16  configured, at least in part, to cooperate with the rotating ring  15  as the attachment means to the handle body  12 . Generally speaking, the non-interchangeable stem  14  has a configuration analogous to the interchangeable stem  14 , with the main exception that the non-interchangeable stem  14  does not have a rotation disc  13  or a threaded inner surface  16 , the elongate neck  42  simply being permanently attached to the top of the handle body  12 . 
         [0066]    The neck  42  of the stem  14  is generally a hollow cylinder having a generally cylindrical outer wall  82  defining an elongate cylindrical passage  84  therethrough extending from the base proximal to the handle body  12  to the bristle guard  18 . The elongate cylindrical passage  84  extends from the bottom of the neck  42  (where the complementary threading  16  is situated) to the top of the neck  42  (where the rotating bristle assembly  50  and the bristle guard  18  are situated). A bristle axle  17  extends through the elongate cylindrical passage  84  of the neck  42  and engages with the rotating bristle assembly  50  such that when the bristle axle  17  is rotated about its longitudinal axis by the rotation means of the handle  14 , the rotating bristle assembly  50  also rotates about its longitudinal axis. Depending on the direction of rotation of the rotations means, the rotating bristle assembly  50  is configured to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. 
         [0067]    The rotating bristle assembly  50  of the stem  14  also may be configured to rotate about a fixed or variable axis. For example, as the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotates, the rotating bristle assembly  50  may move towards or away from the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  10 . As such, not only is the rotating bristle assembly  50  configured to brush, sweep, and swipe, clockwise or counterclockwise, in a direction about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  10 , the rotating bristle assembly  50  also may be configured to variably press harder or softer against a stationary adjacent oral surface during operation. 
         [0068]    The bristle guard  18  of the stem  14  extends from above one end of the rotating bristle assembly  50 , namely the top end  86 , partially over the extended bristles  53 , to the junction of the head  40  with the neck  42  (best seen in  FIGS. 1B and 4A-4B ). The bristle guard  18  is contiguous with the outer cylindrical wall  82  of the neck  42  (i.e., they substantially share a contiguous outer surface, but are not necessarily co-cylindrical). At the end of the bristle guard  18  opposite the neck  42 , the bristle axle  17 , which is extending through the rotating bristle assembly  50 , engages to and rotatably pivots relative to the bristle guard  18 . As such, the bristle guard  18  is not merely hanging over the rotating bristle assembly  50 , but instead the bristle guard  18  is retained in place by the bristle axle  17 , which is journaled into the top end  86  of the bristle guard  18 . Therefore, when the rotating bristle assembly  50  is rotating, the rotating bristle assembly  50  is bounded, at least partially, by the bristle guard  18  above (best seen in  FIGS. 4A-4B ), by the bristle guard  18  to the side, and by the neck  42  below. 
         [0069]    It is envisioned that the width of the bristle guard  18  may take various dimensions. Preferably, however, the width of the bristle guard  18  extends from a quarter (or approximately a quarter) to half-way (or approximately halfway) around the rotating bristle assembly  50 . Additionally, it is envisioned that the structure of the bristle guard  18  may take more complex configurations for additional functionality. Moreover, the outer surface  19  of the bristle guard  18  may comprise a raised surface texture and/or surface feature. The outer surface  19  of the bristle guard  18 , therefore, may be configured to provide a firm textured surface with which a user may clean or massage or stimulate his or her tongue, cheeks, and/or gums. The outer surface  19  of the bristle guard  18  also may be used as a scaling tool for more abrasive cleaning of an oral surface, should the rotating bristle assembly  50  not provide enough cleaning power. 
         [0070]    In one embodiment, the outer cylindrical wall  82  of the neck  42  of the stem  14 , along with the bristle guard  18  contiguous thereto, may be incrementally rotatable. Said another way, when the stem  14  is attached to the handle body  12 , the outer cylindrical wall  82  of the neck  42  with the bristle guard  18  may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the toothbrush  10 . Therefore, the alignment of the bristle guard  18 , relative to any point along the outer circumference of the handle body  12 , may be variable. As such, the bristle guard  18  can be configured to rotate in increments around the rotating bristle assembly  50  so as to change whether the bristle guard  18  is on the right side of the rotating bristle assembly  50 , whether the bristle guard  18  is aligned with the activator slide  24 , whether the bristle guard  18  is antipodal relative to the activator slide  24 , or whether the bristle guard  18  is on the left side of the rotating bristle assembly  50 , etc. 
         [0071]    In the interchangeable embodiment, the bristle axle  17 , which extends through the elongate cylindrical passage  84  of the neck  42 , comprises a plurality of complementary splines  44  (best seen in  FIGS. 4A-4B ). The plurality of complementary splines  44  of the bristle axle  17  of the stem  14  are configured to engage with the series of cooperating splines along the inner surface  60  of the splined cylindrical mandrel  61  of the handle body  12 . As such, when the stem  14  is attached to the handle body  12 , and when the motor  58  rotates the drive axle  60 , the cylindrical mandrel  61  also rotates and transmits the rotation through its splines  60  to the plurality of complementary splines  44  of the bristle axle  17  and up to the rotating bristle assembly  50 . Therefore, when the bristle axle  17  is rotated about its longitudinal axis by the rotation means of the handle  14 , the rotating bristle assembly  50  also rotates about its longitudinal axis. This feature also can be present in the non-interchangeable embodiment of the toothbrush  10  of a singular bristle axle  17 /drive axle  60  configuration is used. 
         [0072]    Referring now to  FIG. 4B , in this embodiment, the interchangeable stem  14  is configured such that the bristle axle  17 , attached to the rotating bristle assembly  50 , is separable from the rest of the interchangeable stem  14 . More specifically, the bristle axle  17  is configured to detachably extend through the elongate cylindrical passage  84  from the bottom of the neck  42  (where the complementary threading  16  is situated) to the top of the neck  42  (where the rotating bristle assembly  50  and the bristle guard  18  are situated). The bristle axle  17  can be pulled out from the elongate cylindrical passage  84  which, in turn, also pulls out the rotating bristle assembly  50 . In this way, the second embodiment of the interchangeable stem  14  can have a separately replaceable bristle axle  17  with attached new rotating bristle assembly  50 . This allows a user to replace the bristles  53  or bristle assembly  50  and the attached bristle axle  17  without having to replace the rest of the interchangeable stem  14 . Stop  130  prevents the bristle assembly  50  and bristle axle  17  from being forced too far into the cylindrical passage  84 , thus helping to prevent damage to the assembly. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6-9 , the toothbrush is shown in use, and illustrates a preferred method for using an electric toothbrush of the present invention and a preferred method of brushing a user&#39;s teeth and gums according to the invention.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the outside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper right side, or the lower left side, of a user&#39;s jaw.  FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the electric toothbrush of  FIG. 1  operating on the inside facing surfaces of teeth and gums on the upper left side, or the lower right side, of a user&#39;s jaw. 
         [0074]    In  FIGS. 6 and 9 , the rotating bristle assembly  50  is indicated by the rotation arrow as spinning in a first direction and in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the rotating bristle assembly  50  is indicated by the rotation arrow as spinning in a second direction opposite the rotation of the first direction. More specifically, and as disclosed in more detail below, the rotating bristle assembly  50  should be activated by the user to rotate in a direction such that the bristles  53  always rotate in a direction from the gum towards the tooth crown surface, namely in the direction of gum growth, so as to prevent forcing the gums up and away from the tooth and to prevent forcing debris under the gum between the gum and the tooth surface. Thus, while the rotating bristle assembly  50  can spin in either direction when in use, the preferred direction of rotation is in a direction such that the bristles  53  rotate in a direction from the gum towards the tooth crown surface. 
         [0075]    One exemplary method for using the toothbrush  10  and for brushing the teeth and gums using the preferred embodiments of the toothbrush  10  is as follows. A user grasps the handle  14  of the toothbrush  10  along the outer surface  20 . The user positions the handle  14  in the user&#39;s grasp such that the user comfortably and easily engages with the activator slide  24  or switch  124 . The user can use any physical means within its grasp to engage with the activator slide  24  or switch  124 . In the interchangeable embodiment, if the user&#39;s personal stem  14  is not already attached to the handle body  12 , the user then attaches the user&#39;s personal stem  14  to the handle body  12 . In the non-interchangeable embodiment, the stem  14  is already permanently attached to the handle body  12 . 
         [0076]    More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the interchangeable embodiment, the user maneuvers the interchangeable stem  14  (splined end of the bristle axle  17  leading) towards the rotating ring  15  of the handle body  12 . The user inserts the bristle axle  17  through an opening defined in the top end of the handle body  12  such that the plurality of splines  44  extends through the internal cavity  52  of the handle towards the rotation means. The user continues to insert the bristle axle  17  such that the plurality of splines  44  extend into the splined cylindrical mandrel  61  and engage with the series of complementary splines  60  along its internal surface. 
         [0077]    In an embodiment with a screw-thread attachment means, the user then screw threads the stem  14  to the handle body  12  via the rotating portion of the rotating ring  15 . The fixed portion of the rotating ring  15  remains secured to the handle body  12 , which forces the threaded outer surface  32  of the rotating ring  15  to engage with the complementary threaded inner surface  16  of the stem  14 . As such, the stem  14  is rigidly retained by the handle body  12 , and the stem  14  is correctly and fully engaged with the rotation means of the toothbrush  10 . 
         [0078]    With the goal of first cleaning the upper right facial (outer) side and then the lower left facial side, the user slides the activator slide  24  or presses switch  124  to an “on” position that drives counterclockwise rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50  of the stem  14  whereby when the rotating bristle assembly  50  is inserted into the mouth, the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. More specifically, the battery  56  powers the motor  58 , which drives rotation of the drive axle  60 , which in turn drives rotation of the splined cylindrical mandrel  61 , which in turn drives rotations of the bristle axle  17  which in turn drives rotation of the bristle assembly  50 . 
         [0079]    The user then maneuvers the stem  14  of the electric toothbrush  10  into the user&#39;s mouth towards the upper right facial side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the upper right facial side of the jaw  70 . 
         [0080]    When the user finishes brushing the upper right facial side of the jaw  70 , the user makes a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements and is in a position to brush the teeth and gums on the lower left facial side of the jaw  70 . More specifically, the user rotates the toothbrush approximately 180 degrees, which puts the toothbrush  10  in a more or less proper position for brushing the teeth and gums on the lower left facial side of the jaw  70 . The user then maneuvers the stem  14  of the toothbrush  10  towards the lower left facial side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the lower left facial side of the jaw  70 . 
         [0081]    Then, with the goal of cleaning the upper left facial side and the lower right facial side, the user slides the activator slide  24  or presses the switch  124  to an “on” position that drives clockwise rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50  of the stem  14  whereby when the rotating bristle assembly  50  is inserted into the mouth, the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. 
         [0082]    The user then maneuvers the stem  14  of the toothbrush  10  towards the upper left facial side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the upper left facial side of the jaw  70 . 
         [0083]    When the user finishes brushing the upper left facial side of the jaw  70 , the user makes a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements and is in a position to brush the teeth and gums on the lower right facial side of the jaw  70 . More specifically, the user rotates the toothbrush approximately 180 degrees, which puts the toothbrush  10  in a more or less proper position for brushing the teeth and gums on the lower right facial side of the jaw  70 . The user then maneuvers the stem  14  of the toothbrush  10  towards the lower right facial side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the lower right facial side of the jaw  70 . 
         [0084]    Then, with the goal of cleaning the upper right lingual (inner) side and the lower left lingual side (best seen in  FIG. 8 ), the user again makes a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements and maneuvers the stem  14  towards the upper right lingual side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the upper right lingual side of its jaw  70 . 
         [0085]    When the user finishes brushing the upper right lingual side of the jaw  70 , the user again makes a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements and maneuvers the stem  14  towards the lower left lingual side. The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the lower left lingual side of its jaw  70 . 
         [0086]    Then, with the goal of cleaning the upper left lingual side and the lower right lingual side, the user slides the activator slide  24  or presses the switch  124  of the handle body  12  to an “on” position that drives counterclockwise rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50  of the stem  14  whereby when the rotating bristle assembly  50  is inserted into the mouth, the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. 
         [0087]    The user then maneuvers the stem  14  of the toothbrush  10  towards the upper left facial side of the jaw  70 . The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the upper left facial side of its jaw  70 . 
         [0088]    When the user finishes brushing the upper left lingual side of the jaw  70 , the user again makes a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements and maneuvers the stem  14  towards the lower right lingual side. The user applies the rotating bristle assembly  50  to the teeth and gums starting along the gingival margin and works from the gums towards the tooth crown whereby the bristles  53  of the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the crown surface of the tooth or teeth to which the rotating bristle assembly  50  is being applied. The user does this to every tooth and the gums in the lower right lingual side of the jaw  70 . 
         [0089]    Then, the user can brush the outer and inner surfaces of the front top and bottom teeth and the gums in much the same manner, taking care to have the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotating in the proper direction from the gums towards the tooth crown. Finally, the user can brush the biting occlusal surfaces of the teeth, specifically the occlusal surfaces of the molars, using the rotating bristle assembly  17  in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction as no contact with the gums is involved. 
         [0090]    Having brushed the gums and all of the tooth surfaces, while essentially maintaining the same grip on the handle body  12  and generally only having to use one arm, the user slides the activator slide  24  of the handle body  12  to the intermediate position or presses the switch  124  to an “off” position. This turns “off” the electric toothbrush, which stops rotation of the rotating bristle assembly  50  of the stem  14 . 
         [0091]    In this manner, the user has operated the toothbrush  10  so as to always have the rotating bristle assembly  50  rotate in a direction from the gums towards the tooth crown, thereby brushing in the direction off gum growth. This prevents the bristles  53  from lifting the gums away from the teeth, from loosening the gums, and from forcing debris under the gums (between the gums and the teeth). This is a preferred method of brushing that is more healthful to the gums and therefore results in better oral hygiene. 
         [0092]    If the toothbrush  10  is provided with a suitable outer surface to the bristle guard  18 , and if the user desires to brush the tongue, inner cheeks, or gums, the user then can make a series of comfortable and easy wrist movements to rotate the bristle guard  18  to face the tongue, inner cheek, or gums. The user then maneuvers the stem  14  towards the tongue, inner cheek, or gums and scrubs the tongue, inner cheek, or gums with the outer surface  19  of the bristle guard  18 . The user preferably does this to the entire surface of the tongue, inner cheek, and/or gums. Having brushed the entire oral cavity, while essentially maintaining the same grip on the handle body  12 , the user removes the stem  14  of the toothbrush  10  out of the mouth and places the toothbrush  10  down. 
         [0093]    Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , an embodiment of the toothbrush  10  of the present invention may comprise a second embodiment of a handle body  12  and a bristle shield  200 .  FIG. 10A  shows an embodiment of the toothbrush  10  with an activator slide  24  switch, and  FIG. 10B  shows an embodiment of the toothbrush with a push button switch  124 . The second embodiment of the handle body  12  comprises a knurled threaded cap  300  instead of the snap fit lid  100  to access the battery  52 . The knurled threaded cap  300  is configured to be water-tight and easy to open. 
         [0094]    The bristle shield  200  is configured as an elongate cylindrical domed cap that simply goes over and surrounds the interchangeable stem  14 . The interchangeable stem  14  would be inserted into the interior spaced defined by the elongate cylindrical domed cap  200 . The end rim of the bristle shield  200  press-fits up against the end of the handle body  12 , proximate to the interchangeable stem  14 , and securely engages onto the handle body  12 . It is envisioned that the end of the handle body  12  proximate to the interchangeable stem  14  may be slightly tapered and/or surfaced textured to facilitate and improve the press-fit with the rim of the bristle shield  200 . 
         [0095]    As such, the bristle shield  200  provides a built-in feature for additional protection against bristle-introduced infections to the periodontium as the bristles  53  can be shield from the bathroom air. Moreover, as the bristle shield  200  extends out around the previously unbound portion of the bristles  53 , the bristles shield  200  allows sufficient air around the bristles  53  so as to appropriately dry between tooth and gum brushings. 
         [0096]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12 , exemplary embodiments of the electric toothbrush of the present invention is video capable. The video capable embodiment is generally identical to the electric toothbrush embodiment of  FIGS. 10A and 10B  except for the following description. In  FIGS. 11A-11C , the camera device  500  is shown located on and/or attached to the handle body  12 . In  FIG. 12 , an alternate embodiment is shown in which the camera device  500  is shown located on and/or attached to the stem  14 . 
         [0097]    The video capable embodiment comprises a handle body  12 , defining a cylindrical body, and an interchangeable stem  14 , having a head  40  with a rotating bristle assembly  50 . The video capable embodiment also comprises a bristle shield  200  defining an elongate cylindrical domed cap for the interchangeable stem  14 . The video capable embodiment also comprises a camera device  500  communicatively coupled, via a pathway  600 , to a user useful display  700 . In this way, the video capable embodiment is configured to provide a user with live intraoral video obtained during operation of the electric toothbrush. 
         [0098]    The handle body  12  comprises a switch means for activating and deactivating  24 ,  124  (turning on and off) an internal motor  58 , a battery  56 , electrical components for powering the rotating bristle assembly  50 , and a knurled threaded cap  300  to access the battery  56  and/or any other internal components. The handle body  12  is configured to provide a suitable handgrip for a user about the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body also defines a means for detachably engaging  400  the camera device  500  to an exterior side of the electric toothbrush. 
         [0099]    In the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12  the means for detachably engaging  400  is a two part press fit system ( 400 A and  400 B) configured to tightly receive the camera device  500 . The camera device  500  may be rigidly but removably retained between the means for detachably engaging  400 A and  400 B such that a user gripping the handle body  12  does not obstruct a video feed of his or her gingival margin while using the electric toothbrush  10 . As the appropriate daily brushing accomplished by the electric toothbrush  10  requires minimal toothpaste (and the foam created therefrom), the video capable embodiment is characterized by unobstructed video imaging. Moreover, the means for detachably engaging  400 A and  400 B is substantially antipodal to the switch means  24 ,  124 ; although, various positions about the exterior of the handle body  14  are envisioned. More specifically, the camera device  500  and the switching means  24 ,  124 , can be placed at any point on the handle body  12 , with the switching means  24 ,  124  preferably on the back side of the handle body  12 , and the camera device  500  preferably on the front side of the handle body  12 . This places the switching means  24 ,  124  out of the way of the camera device  500 , and allows the camera device  500  to have a generally unobstructed view into the user&#39;s mouth. 
         [0100]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the means for detachably engaging  400  may be an integral part of the handle body  12  or may be a separate and distinct component attached thereto. Moreover, the means for detachably engaging  400  is not limited to positioning on and/or orientation relative to the handle body  12 . A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that the means for detachably engaging  400  may be part of/attached to the interchangeable stem  14  or any other component of the electric toothbrush  10 . 
         [0101]    Moreover, the means for detachably engaging  400  may be larger or smaller and structured according to the embodiments of the camera device  500 . In this way, the means for detachably engaging  400  may be structured to complement and/or conform to the camera device  500 . Moreover, the means for detachably engaging  400  is not limited to a friction fit engagement. A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that the means for detachably engaging  400  may incorporate magnets, clips, protrusions, surface features, etc. for retaining the camera device  500  in position, alignment, and orientation. 
         [0102]    In the exemplary embodiments of  FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 12  the camera device  500  is a flexible borescope optical device consisting of a flexible conductive cable (optionally, tubular), a lens, a camera sensor, a light mechanism, and a relay optical system as is understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. The aperture and lighting mechanism of the camera device  500 , when detachably engaged to the handle body  14 , is aimed towards the oral cavity of a user so as to capture intraoral video. The intraoral video is then transmitted, via the pathway  600 , to the user useful display  700 . The lighting mechanism can be individual LED lights surrounding the aperture of the camera device  500 ; although, other lighting mechanisms known to a person having ordinary skill in the art are envisioned. 
         [0103]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the camera device  500  may be a Depstech™ Micro USB borescope waterproof inspection camera or any other equivalent device known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. For these embodiments, the flexible tube or tubular conductive cable is the pathway  600  communicatively coupling the camera device  500  to the user useful display  700 . The camera device  500  is not limited to this specific borescope embodiment. A person having ordinary skill in the art understands that the camera device may include many variations and combinations of articulation mechanism components, ranges of articulation, fields of view, and angles of view as well as any known and applicable objective lens and/or digital camera sensors. Moreover, the camera device  500  may include 10,000 pixels to 22,000 pixels. Moreover, the camera device  500  may be configured for 640×480 resolution, or upwards of 4K HD video, or any other video capture capability known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0104]    In certain exemplary embodiments, the camera device  500  may be a self-contained optical device comprising a power source, wiring, electronic boards and circuitry, system bus, and/or means for capturing, processing, and/or transmitting video data for use, directly or indirectly, by a user. In this way, the camera device  500  may be configured to capture, process, and transmit an intraoral video feed, via a USB/power cable  600 , to a user useful display  700 . The user useful display  700  may be a 3-inch LCD display with 320×240 pixels or better, or any other equivalent or upgraded embodiment known to a person having ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0105]    Moreover, the camera device  500  may be a multi-component system having the components and means for processing and/or transmitting video data spread out across the electric toothbrush  10 . For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the power source, electronic boards/circuitry, system bus, and means for capturing, processing, and/or transmitting video data is housed within the handle body  14  and/or the user useful display  700 . 
         [0106]    In another exemplary embodiment, the system components may be spread out between the camera device  500  and the user useful display  700 . In these embodiments, the camera device  500  may be configured to capture a video feed and/or partially process the video feed for transmission via a wireless communications pathway  600  to the user useful display  700 . A person having ordinary skill understands that the wireless communications pathway  600  may be Bluetooth® enabled, cellular telecommunications network enabled, Wi-Fi® enabled, etc. The user useful display  700  also may be configured to receive and/or partially process the video feed for display to the user. A person having ordinary skill understands that the user useful display  700  may be a portable computing device, such as a smart phone, configured to process video data, decrease video distortion, and/or improve video quality. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the user useful display  700  is an USB OTG (on-the-go) compatible Android® smartphone; however, many other similar devices are envisioned. 
         [0107]    The electric toothbrush for proper periodontium prophylaxis can be marketed in a kit form with a single handle body  12  and a plurality of interchangeable stems  14 . The various stems  14  can thus be replacements, specific task oriented shapes and/or stiffness, or individually assigned to different members of a family. Color distinction and firmness are thus often characteristics of the different heads in a kit. Although handle body  12  is discussed as preferably battery powered, of course, the invention also includes other well-known power supplies such as corded for outlet connection or rechargeable batteries and an associated brush holder/charger. 
         [0108]    Thus, it can be seen that the toothbrush  10  and the method for using the toothbrush  10  is configured to effectively and efficiently remove plaque and debris from the user&#39;s teeth while protecting and preserving a user&#39;s gingival margin and periodontium by recreating a proper tooth and gum brushing procedure and preventing a loosening of a user&#39;s gums, thus increasing the overall health of a user&#39;s gums and teeth. As described herein, the toothbrush  10  has a brush geometry, a rotating bristle assembly  50 , and a reversible rotational direction so as to implement a proper brushing technique having the bristles  53  rotate in the direction of gum growth from the gum towards the crown of the tooth, and regardless of the specific tooth or teeth being brushed, the toothbrush  10  is configured to brush the gums and teeth in the direction of gum growth so as to not loosen the gums and to improve gum health. 
         [0109]    Although the particular embodiments shown and described above will prove to be useful in many applications in the electric toothbrush art to which the present invention pertains, further modifications of the present invention will occur to persons skilled in the art. All such modifications are deemed to be within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.