Patent Publication Number: US-2009226241-A1

Title: Ultrasonic Toothbrush With Irrigation and Vacuum

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to powered toothbrushes and is especially applicable to toothbrushes that employ ultrasonic vibration for removing plaque, tartar and other debris. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     It is generally recognized that regular brushing aids in keeping teeth healthy and prevents gum disease. The practice of oral hygiene in the privacy of one&#39;s home has been limited to the use of manual and battery-operated toothbrushes, and manual and battery operated floss and flossing devices, and a variety of chemical rinses. 
     A disadvantage of brushing, however, is that it does not effectively remove hidden debris such as plaque and tartar from between the teeth. As a result, many dental practitioners recommend that brushing be followed up with flossing to loosen and remove such debris. However, flossing removes only a fraction of the loosened material and can cause injury to the soft tissues thereby allowing the entrance of harmful bacteria from the mouth or fingers into the body. Furthermore, rather than removing plaque, flossing and brushing can simply push it around in the oral cavity. This is particularly problematic for persons with gum (periodontal) disease as the plaque can be irretrievably forced into depressions along the gum line (periodontal pockets) which are formed as a result of a chronic disease process that develops by bacteria that feed on retained plaque. 
     Another disadvantage of brushing is that the bristles of toothbrushes can harbor a number of infectious pathogens and microbes which can be carried into the bloodstream through lesions in the oral cavity. For instance, toothbrushes are reservoirs of pathogens which have been linked to ulcers, digestive tract illnesses, respiratory infections, kidney ailments and, in some cases, serious heart ailments. It has also been reported that vigorous brushing and flossing can cause infective endocarditis, which is a disease caused by infection of the innermost lining of the heart. Patients with heart (valvular) defects who have had rheumatic fever, and those who have had artificial joint replacements within a two year period, are routinely administered a prophylatic dose of antibiotics prior to a cleaning by a dentist or hygienist. 
     Other methods for cleaning teeth which avoid some of the disadvantages of brushing include systems which make use of a stream of pressurized water which is directed at the surface of the teeth, e.g., the Water Pik™ sold by Teledyne™. The stream of water is created by connecting the system to a source of water under pressure. For more effective cleaning, the pressurized water can be applied intermittently as a pulsating stream. Although such oral irrigation devices are effective in removing relatively loose and bulky plaque and debris from tooth surfaces, they suffer the disadvantage that that they do not necessarily remove plaque that has been retained on the teeth for more than 48 hours. Furthermore, the stream of pressurized water can exacerbate gum disease by pushing loosened plaque irretrievably into any depressions formed along the gum line (periodontal pockets). 
     It is known to combine irrigation with brushing and power vacuuming. Such vacuuming/irrigation systems have been used in institutions, such as hospitals and long-term facilities, for cleaning the teeth of patients who are unable to care for themselves. Such apparatus required a utility cart to transport the equipment from patient to patient and incorporates a brush, which can inject water under pressure, suction off the dislodged matter and injected liquid and then evacuate it from the mouth. However, although the systems described are effective in an institutional setting, they would not be amenable to home use due to their size. Furthermore, the systems are subject to many of the disadvantages described above in relation to manual toothbrushes. 
     Yet another method of removing plaque and other debris from teeth is by using ultrasonic energy. Ultrasonic cleaning may be accomplished through the use of the cavitation effect, which is the rapid formation and collapse of tiny gas and vapor filled bubbles or cavities in a solution that is irradiated with ultrasonic energy. The repeated collapsing of these bubbles produces tiny shock waves that remove any contaminants from the surfaces of the teeth and which are effective at penetrating crevices. Examples of such devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,448,792, and 5,546,624 which disclose ultrasonic toothbrushes with bristles that resonate at an ultrasonic frequency, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,203,320 which discloses an electric toothbrush with hollow bristles to allow for the passage of irrigating liquid which is pulsated at an ultrasonic frequency to effect cleaning of the teeth. Although such ultrasonic brushes are effective at dislodging plaque and other debris from the teeth, they are not entirely satisfactory in that the dislodged material can resettle in the oral cavity. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,217,328 (Oliver) discloses an oral hygiene system for hospital use which comprises a hand-held cleaning instrument attached to a mobile cart by an accessory hose. The cleaning instrument includes a rotary brush and components for irrigating and suctioning the oral cavity. In addition, it is stated that an ultrasonic cleaner may be located on top of the cart for denture cleaning. Although Oliver does not describe the denture cleaner in detail, such devices are known and typically comprise a bath for submerging dentures, which is subjected to ultrasonic energy to loosen food debris and dirt from the dentures. Because of the bulk of the unit it is not practical for home use, and the use of it requires full or partial assistance by the individual who brings the unit to the patient. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to eliminate, or at least mitigate, the disadvantages of such known oral hygiene devices, or at least provide an alternative. To this end, embodiments provide a means for the effective removal of plaque and debris from teeth and the oral cavity in the form of a device that loosens the plaque and/or other material by irrigation and sonication and then evacuates it by a vacuum system. 
     According to the present invention, there is provided a toothbrush apparatus comprising a toothbrush head having a bristle portion at its one end comprising bristles, and a handle at its other end; fluid supply means for providing pressurized fluid to the bristle portion, said supply means having an inlet connectable to a source of fluid and an outlet formed in the bristle portion; suction means having an inlet associated with the bristle portion for evacuating waste from the oral cavity of a user for disposal; an ultrasonic transducer for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the bristles and water medium; and power supply means for supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer. 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, the suction means comprises discharge tube means connected at one end to the head and at its other end to a pump for creating a partial vacuum, of approximately 8 inches of mercury, in said discharge tube means so that, when in use, waste can be suctioned into the discharge tube means from the mouth of a user. Preferably, the pump is a fluid-operated venturi-effect pump for receiving liquid from said fluid supply means to create a sufficient vacuum required to remove the liquid with its suspended particulate from the mouth. 
     The power supply means may comprise a power converter unit having electrical input leads connectable at their distal ends to an external power supply and electrical output leads connected to the transducer, the power converter converting electrical power from said power supply to a suitable high-frequency alternating voltage for powering the ultrasonic transducer. 
     Both the pump and the transformer may be housed in a supply/storage unit, hereinafter termed simply a “supply unit”. Preferably, the head is detachable from the toothbrush unit and the supply unit includes a storage holder for storing the detachable head, and other similar heads, when not in use. The storage holder may also hold a partial or full denture which can be quickly sterilized before the toothbrush heads are returned to sterilization and storage. 
     The supply unit may further comprise an ultraviolet light source for irradiating the detachable head when housed in the storage holder. The brush heads and their holding platform may be briefly removed to make room for a quick sterilization of one partial denture and a full denture or one orthodontic appliance. 
     By reason of the fact that water at normal domestic supply pressure is used, and that a simple venturi pump supplies the suction, the supply unit can be quite compact and light, and does not require its own cart, as in some prior known apparatus. 
     The bristles are preferably angulated from their attached position on the base of the bristle portion so as to be splayed with their tips diverging outwards. Preferably the bristles are surrounded by a flexible skirt which encloses a major portion of the length of the bristles. The bristles and skirt may be configured so that, as the bristles become splayed apart in use, the edge of the skirt contacts the teeth and/or gums to confine the fluid and enhance the vacuum effect, while not sealing fully. 
     The invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which are diagrammatic and not necessarily to scale, of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is described by way of example only. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a general illustration of a toothbrush apparatus comprising a toothbrush head detachably connected by an umbilical cord to a supply unit; 
         FIG. 2  is a more detailed, perspective illustration of the toothbrush head and associated parts; 
         FIG. 2A  is a more detailed side illustration of the toothbrush head showing the relationship of the bristles to the skirt; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective illustration of the bristle portion of the toothbrush head; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail illustration of the bristles and skirt in relation to a molar tooth; 
         FIG. 5A  is a detail illustration of the bristles in relation to the concave side of a tooth and the adjacent gum; 
         FIG. 5B  is a magnified illustration of a portion of  FIG. 5A ; 
         FIG. 6A  is a schematic representation of the supply unit; 
         FIG. 6B  is one end illustration of the toothbrush head storage unit; and 
         FIG. 6C  is another end illustration of the toothbrush head storage unit. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a toothbrush apparatus  10  comprises a powered toothbrush head  12  detachably connected to a supply unit  14  by an umbilical cord  16 . A bristle portion  13  of head  12  has a compartment  18  comprising bristles  20  projecting from a pad  70  and surrounded by a skirt  22 , these parts being shown in detail in  FIGS. 2 ,  2 A and  3 . The skirt  22  is made of flexible material such as rubber-like polyurethane material of appropriate flexibility such as will conform to hard and soft tissues of teeth and gums and yet not be distorted substantially by pressure forces caused by suction, as will be described. The surface of the skirt is minimally absorbent so that sanitation can be readily achieved by the UV sanitation system (to be described) between brushings. As seen in  FIG. 2A , the skirt  22  has a length (height above the pad  70 ) such as to enclose the major length of the bristles, preferably at least 75%, but more preferably at least 85% of that length, but is slightly shorter than the bristles when they are at rest so that at maximum deflection the skirt edge and bristle tips are at the same level. 
     As also shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the bristles  20  are splayed or angled sideways. Specifically, alternate rows of bristles are angled towards opposite sides of the bristle portion  13 , while projecting perpendicularly to the pad  70  when seen in side view as in  FIG. 2A .  FIG. 3  is simplified to avoid clutter; in fact there is an additional row of seven central bristles  20   a  (seen in  FIGS. 4 and 5A ) running from end to end, these bristles  20   a  projecting perpendicularly from the base of the head. The bristle tips have an undulating concave-convex contour determined by average cheek side convexities of two adult bicuspids and the two first and second deciduous molars for the child&#39;s brush. 
     Another feature is the supply of water, or other cleansing liquid, via a plurality of water tubes  23  in the bristle portion and which are associated with the bristles, and which are supplied by water supply tubing  62  in the head  12 . The water tubes  23  project outwards from the base of the bristle portion  13 , one water tube preferably being provided for each angled bristle. The tubes  23  are about one half the length of the associated angled bristles, and are themselves angled at about 45 degrees to the base, the tubes and associated bristles being oppositely angled so that a tube projecting from one side of the base ends near to a central region of a bristle projecting from the other side of the base, and is roughly perpendicular to that bristle. The tube outlet ends are close to the centers of the associated bristles so as almost to contact the bristles during maximum deflection, the tubes thus directing the incoming water onto the bristles and onto the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. More details of the arrangement are described below with reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5A . 
     The base of the bristle portion  13  is in the form of a hollow sump which collects water which has been sprayed by tubes  23  and which is connected to a suction waste tube,  66  in the head  12 . At the base of the sump is an ultrasonic transducer  38 , typically a piezoelectric transducer, that underlies the pad  70  from which project the bristles  20 , so that the pad can impart high frequency vibrations to the bristles and to water within the bristle portion  13 . The transducer causes longitudinal vibrations in the bristles. Depending upon the nature of the transducer  38 , it may be provided with a low voltage signal supply modulated at the required ultrasonic frequency, or may be provided with a D.C. voltage with the transducer  38  converting it to an ultrasonic frequency. The transducer  38  receives current via electrical leads  32  extending along the head  12  and which connect via contacts to leads  33  extending along the umbilical cord  16 , in turn connected to the power supply  34  in the supply unit  14  (described below). Electricity is supplied to the power supply unit  34  by input leads  42  in a power cord  44 , these leads  42  being connectable to a conventional power source via a plug. A switch  46   a  is mounted on the front of supply/storage unit  14  for controlling the supply of current to the transducer  38 . A second switch  46   b  controls the degree of vacuum. 
     The inner end  24  of the head  12  is a snap fit into a complementary connector part  26  at the outer end of the umbilical cord  16 . The inner end of the umbilical cord  16  is connected to a socket  28  on the supply unit  14 . This unit  14  provides electrical power and irrigation fluid, specifically water, to the toothbrush head  12  via the umbilical cord  16 . The umbilical cord  16  also extracts waste from the head  12  via the tube  66 , and discharges it, typically into a sink, through a drain tube  30 . Thus, the umbilical cord  16  includes tubes  62  and  66  which respectively supply water to the head  12  and remove waste, and also provides electrical leads  33  to supply high-frequency alternating electrical power to the head  12  from the supply unit  14 . 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 A and  5 B show further details of the brush head bristles  20  and water supply tubes  23 , in relation to teeth. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the toothbrush head is applied to the biting surface of a molar M, with the outer edges of skirt  22  in contact, or near contact, with the tooth, the slanted bristles  20  contacting the tooth while being deflected from the “at rest” condition which is shown in broken lines. The central bristles  20   a  are little deflected. The irrigation tubes  23  are slanted in this view so that they supply water to mid portions of the slanted bristles  20 . A bicuspid tooth would be similar but narrower. 
       FIG. 5A  shows the action of the bristles on the cheek side of a tooth T; here the skirt is not shown for simplicity. The slanted bristles  20  are deflected as before, and the central bristles  20   a  are not significantly deflected. As will be seen in the lower part of the drawing, and in the magnified view in  FIG. 5B , some of the bristles will enter gum pockets at the sides of the teeth. It is within these 2 mm natural pockets that gum disease starts when plaque is not removed. Even with diseased gums the bristles can still reach the bases of the pockets. Similar results will be achieved on the tongue side of the teeth, which have the same average convexity except at the back of the front teeth which are concave; the bristles would still be effective with this concavity. 
     The bristles  20  within the skirt  22  are splayed with their tips projecting outwards so that when in use, the bristle portion  13  is pressed gently against the teeth and adjacent gum. This has two benefits. The first is that it will allow the skirt  22  to close onto the teeth and gum to ensure that the vacuum discharge works efficiently. It should be appreciated that the skirt should not seal onto the teeth and gum because the seal could cause the exhaust flow to cease. Rather, the object is to restrict the opening between the skirt and teeth/gum so that the evacuation force, and hence flow, is adequate. The second benefit is that the tips of the splayed bristles are oriented at a better angle to remove plaque or food residue at the joint between the teeth and the gum, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 C show details of the supply unit  14 . 
     As shown in detail in  FIG. 6A , the lower portion of the unit comprises a power supply converter unit  34  including a transformer and conversion circuitry for converting the usual household power supply of, say, 110 volts, to an ultrasonic frequency low voltage, e.g., about 1.6 volts, 20,000 Hz, to power the ultrasonic transducer  38  disposed in the head  12 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 6A , a fluid-driven, venturi-effect vacuum pump  48  is coupled to a main fluid supply line  50  which, in use, is connected to a supply of water under pressure, conveniently a domestic water supply as shown in  FIG. 1 . The venturi pump  48  has a nozzle  49  surrounded by a compartment  52 , the nozzle being directed towards a central outlet pipe  54  connected to the drain tube  30 . The action of nozzle  49 , when water is supplied thereto, causes negative pressure in the compartment  52 , which in turn creates a partial vacuum in a discharge tube  56  connected to side port  52   a  of the compartment  52 . The contaminated water from the head  12  is drawn via the discharge tube  56  into the compartment  52  and discharged through outlet pipe  54  along with water from the main supply line  50 . A branch supply line  58  communicating with the supply line  50  provides irrigation water to the bristle portion  13  via the water supply line  62 . Water flow regulators  60  are provided in the branch supply line  58  and can be used to adjust the water pressure supplied to the head  12 , thus compensating for different water pressures. 
     The branch supply line  58  extends along the umbilical cord  16  to the connector  26 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , the connector  26  couples the branch supply line  58  to the supply tube  62  in: the head  12 . The discharge tube  56  couples to the shorter discharge tube  66  in the head  12  which communicates with the pump between the skirt  22  and the plastics pad  70  holding the bristles  20 . Since the discharge tube  56  is connected to the venturi pump  48  which creates a negative pressure, irrigation water, together with debris, such as plaque, tartar, saliva and so on is evacuated via tubes  66  and  56  and discharged via drain tube  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  6 B and  6 C, a storage holder  72  is provided at the top of the supply/storage unit  14  to house/store up to four interchangeable heads and, optionally, other dental implements. When the lid  74  of the unit  14  is opened, a rack  76  in the holder moves toward the top of the unit with the lid, thereby making it easier for a user to remove a suitable head or dental implement. This storage holder  72  also is provided with a UV light source  78  mounted under the lid  74  to sterilize the upper surfaces of the heads and/or other contents while stored in the compartment under the lid. The UV light source  78  becomes illuminated when the lid of the supply unit is closed, and remains on while the unit is being used. A further UV light source  80  is mounted at the base of the storage chamber, this turns on and remains on while the unit it being used to sterilize the lower surfaces of the heads, etc. It may also irradiate water coming into the unit and sterilize waste leaving the unit, by having transparent sections of the pipes passing under the source  80 . It is preferable to sterilize the waste water to make this safe, in case a child should suck on the outlet line. 
     Although the above-described embodiment makes use of a drain tube  30  to discharge waste liquid, a portable unit could have a discharge tank for temporary storage. Similarly, a reservoir and pump can be provided for water supply, and temperature control for the water supply can be provided if desired. The water supply can be continuous or it can be pulsed or intermittent as in the background art as discussed above. Similarly, the suction can be continuous or can be controlled to be intermittent; for example the water supply and suction could occur alternately in a repetitive cycle. 
     In order to remove chlorine and other contaminants from water entering the unit, the water supply line  50  may be connected to a conventional charcoal filter  82 , shown in  FIG. 6A , which, in turn, is attached to a water faucet.  FIGS. 6B and 6C  show a suitable position for the charcoal filter lid  84 . Although the embodiment described above employs LTV light to sterilize the heads, the supply/storage unit  14  can be used for cleaning and sanitizing dentures and other devices worn in the mouth. 
     Optionally, the drain tube  30  may be secured to the toothbrush unit by a spiral groove  90  and clip  92  or other securing means. The power cord  44  may be secured to the unit in a similar manner. This allows for compact storage of the toothbrush unit when not in use. The sides of the unit are provided with concavities  86  and a clip  94  for storing the umbilical cord  16 . 
     It should be appreciated that various electrical to mechanical transducers may also be utilized instead of piezoelectric transducers, such as piezo- or magneto-strictive devices. 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     Advantageously, embodiments of this invention provide a toothbrush unit for home use that loosens and suspends plaque by ultrasonic action and irrigation and then removes it by suction. This results in the removal of a large amount of plaque since it is effectively dislodged from the surfaces of the teeth and crevices thereby making it available for suction removal. Also, by suctioning the loosened plaque, it is prevented from being retained in the mouth and allowed to resettle in crevices between the teeth. Moreover, embodiments of this invention provide a toothbrush unit that is of simple construction and easy to operate in relation to known sonic toothbrushes. 
     Particular advantages and features of an embodiment of the invention include the following: 
     1. No Messy, Expensive Toothpaste Needed or Allowed: 
     Toothpaste could inhibit the efficient removal of plaque by the vacuum system. The chemicals in toothpaste that inhibit plaque retention and harden enamel can be just as effectively administered by an appropriate mouth rinse following brushing 
     2. No More Flossing: 
     Flossing loosens plaque and for the most part forces it into the unattached glm collar around the tooth and, for those with diseased gum pockets, pushes the plaque deep into these pockets where it is very difficult to remove. It is almost impossible to effectively floss without precipitating some bleeding especially, in those mouths that have some degree of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This can lead to serious consequences for patients with certain heart defects and for those who have had artificial joint and hip replacements within the previous 2 years. Harmful bacteria living in plaque are introduced into the bloodstream if any bleeding occurs during flossing or even brushing too vigorously. 
     3. No Rinsing: 
     The plaque is suspended in the sterile water coming from the toothbrush and removed to waste by the vacuum system in a manner similar to that used by a hygienist. 
     4. No Chlorine in the Water: 
     The carbon filter removes chlorine from the water entering the toothbrush power unit. 
     5. Sterile Toothbrush Each Time and Sterile Water Each Time: 
     The UV lights in the four toothbrush, partial or full denture, or orthodontic appliances storage box in the power unit automatically sterilize the brush heads, etc. after each use and, as well, the outgoing waste water, so that no biofilm has a chance to grow harmful bacteria within the unit. 
     Embodiments of this invention also provide a toothbrush unit that can be placed in close proximity to the gums so that maximum plaque removal is achieved Furthermore, in embodiments of this invention, there is provided a toothbrush unit that is powerful enough to clean tooth enamel without injuring the surrounding tissues since the user only needs to position and hold the toothbrush against the surface of the teeth. This is in contrast to conventional toothbrushes which can cause damage to the gum since they require the user to manually scrub the teeth. Moreover, some powered toothbrushes may be misused easily and cause gum damage, such as receding gums. In addition, embodiments of the invention provide for a toothbrush unit that is sanitary by utilizing a UV light source that sterilizes toothbrush heads and, optionally, incoming water and outgoing waste. 
     Accordingly, aspects of this invention include the following: 
     1. A toothbrush apparatus comprising: a toothbrush head ( 12 ) having at one end a bristle portion ( 13 ) with bristles ( 20 ) projecting from a base, and having a handle at its other end; fluid supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) for providing pressurized fluid to the bristle portion, said supply means ( 50 , 59 , 62 ) having an inlet connectable to a source of fluid and an outlet formed in the bristle portion; a flexible skirt ( 22 ) surrounding said bristles and forming a sump at the base of the bristles for reception of liquid; suction means ( 48 , 56 , 66 ) having an inlet associated with the base of the bristle portion ( 13 ) for evacuating waste from the oral cavity of a user for disposal; an ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ) for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the bristle portion; and power supply means ( 32 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 44 ) for supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ).
 
2. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 1, wherein said flexible skirt ( 22 ) encloses a major portion of the height of the bristles above said base.
 
3. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 1 or paragraph 2, wherein said bristles ( 20 ) are splayed to one or other of the sides of the toothbrush head.
 
4. A toothbrush apparatus comprising: a toothbrush head ( 12 ) having at one end a bristle portion ( 13 ) with bristles ( 20 ) projecting from a base, and having a handle at its other end; fluid supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) for providing pressurized fluid to the bristle portion, said supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) having an inlet connectable to a source of fluid and an outlet formed in the bristle portion; suction means ( 48 , 56 , 66 ) having an inlet associated with the base of the bristle portion ( 13 ) for evacuating waste from the oral cavity of a user for disposal; an ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ) for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the bristle portion along the longitudinal axes of the bristles; and power supply means ( 32 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 44 ) for supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ); and wherein said bristles ( 20 ) are splayed to one or other of the sides of the toothbrush head.
 
5. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 4, wherein said bristles include a series of rows of splayed bristles which are alternately angled to opposite sides of the toothbrush head, and a longitudinal central row of bristles which are substantially perpendicular to the base.
 
6. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 1 or paragraph 4, wherein said outlet for the fluid supply means is provided by a plurality of outlet tubes in said bristle portion.
 
7. A toothbrush apparatus comprising: a toothbrush head ( 12 ) having at one end a bristle portion ( 13 ) with bristles ( 20 ) projecting from a base, and having a handle at its other end; fluid supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) for providing pressurized fluid to the bristle portion, said supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) having an inlet connectable to a source of fluid and an outlet formed in the bristle portion; suction means ( 48 , 56 , 66 ) having an inlet associated with the base of the bristle portion ( 20 ) for evacuating waste from the oral cavity of a user for disposal; an ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ) for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the bristle portion along the longitudinal axes of the bristles; and power supply means ( 32 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 44 ) for supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ); and wherein said outlet for the fluid supply means is provided by a plurality of outlet tubes ( 23 ) in said bristle portion.
 
8. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 7, wherein said bristles include bristles ( 20 ) which are angled to one or other side of said toothbrush head, and wherein one of said outlet tubes ( 23 ) is associated with each of the angled bristles.
 
9. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 8, wherein said outlet tubes ( 23 ) are approximately one half the length of the associated bristles.
 
10. A toothbrush apparatus according to any of paragraphs 1, 4 or 7, wherein said suction means is a venturi pump ( 48 ).
 
11. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 10, wherein the fluid supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) comprises a main fluid supply line ( 50 ) that is connectable at its one end to a faucet and at its other end to said venturi pump ( 48 ); and a branch supply line ( 58 ) communicating with the main fluid supply line ( 50 ), said branch supply line ( 58 ) providing fluid to the head ( 12 ).
 
12. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 11, wherein the branch supply line ( 58 ) is connectable at its distal end portion to a second fluid supply line ( 62 ) disposed in the head ( 12 ) for providing fluid to said bristle portion ( 13 ).
 
13. A toothbrush apparatus according to any one of paragraphs 1, 4, 7 or 11, wherein the power supply means comprises a power converter unit ( 34 ) having electrical input leads ( 42 ) connectable at their distal ends to an external power supply and electrical output leads ( 42 ) connected to the transducer ( 38 ), the power converter ( 34 ) converting electrical power from said power supply to a suitable high-frequency alternating voltage for powering the ultrasonic transducer.
 
14. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 13, wherein both the pump ( 48 ) and the power converter unit ( 34 ) are housed in a supply unit ( 14 ), and wherein said head ( 12 ) is detachable from the remainder of the toothbrush apparatus, and wherein the supply unit ( 14 ) comprises a storage holder ( 72 ) for storing said detachable head ( 12 ) when not in use.
 
15. A toothbrush apparatus according to paragraph 14, wherein the supply unit ( 14 ) further comprises an ultraviolet light source for irradiating said detachable head ( 13 ) when stored in said storage holder ( 72 ).
 
16. A toothbrush apparatus according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein the transducer ( 38 ) is a piezoelectric crystal disposed in the base beneath the bristles ( 20 ).
 
17. A toothbrush apparatus comprising: a toothbrush head ( 12 ) having at one end a bristle portion ( 13 ) with bristles ( 20 ) projecting from a base, and having a handle at its other end; fluid supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) for providing pressurized fluid to the bristle portion, said supply means ( 50 , 58 , 62 ) having an inlet connectable to a source of fluid and an outlet formed in the bristle portion; suction means ( 48 , 56 , 66 ) having an inlet associated with the base of the bristle portion ( 13 ) for evacuating waste from the oral cavity of a user for disposal; an ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ) for imparting ultrasonic vibrations to the bristle portion; and power supply means ( 32 , 34 , 36 , 42 , 44 ) for supplying electrical power to the ultrasonic transducer ( 38 ).
 
     Although an embodiment of the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and not to be taken by way of the limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being limited only by the appended claims.