Patent Publication Number: US-2006011210-A1

Title: Method and device for cleaning teeth

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The field of the invention is a personal dental care device and a method for using the device.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Currently, in order to cleanse the teeth and fully stimulate the gums, at least two items are needed: namely a toothbrush with bristles which cleans the teeth, and dental floss which stimulates and cleans the gums. Toothpaste or sodium bicarbonate or another foaming or freshening agent are a frequently used as a third item for cleaning the teeth and mouth, many people also rinse the mouth with a mouthwash.  
      In general, this system of cleaning the teeth, gums and mouth is both convenient and effective while the user is at home. However, when traveling, it requires that the user carry at least a toothbrush and dental floss along; usually, travelers also carry toothpaste. There is a need for a simple tooth cleaning system that does not require the traveler to carry two or three separate items. Also, a simple device is needed to clean between the teth and stimulate the gums without the awkwardness of using dental floss.  
     OBJECTS  
      The objects of this invention are to provide a device and method for cleaning teeth and the gums as follows:  
      1. A device that is inexpensive and durable.  
      2. A device that can be readily carried by a person when traveling.  
      3. A device that can be easily used when traveling.  
      4. A device that can be reused and is also readily disposable.  
      5. A method that is simple and convenient when traveling.  
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention comprises a set of tubes of substantially equal length but of several different diameters to accommodate the several different-sized teeth in the mouth. The user slides a tube over a tooth; by twisting the tube as it covers the tooth, the user cleans the tooth, especially the space between adjacent teeth, and stimulates the surrounding gum tissue. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  shows a container of teeth-cleaning tubes with three distinct sizes.  
       FIG. 2  shows the positioning of a teeth-cleaning tube on an upper incisor. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention teaches a device for cleaning teeth and stimulating gums and a method for using such a device.  
      A container  11  of several tubes  13  is provided, as shown in  FIG. 1 . Each tube  13  is sized to fit around a tooth  15  of compatible size tubes  13 . Preferably, a container  11  has tubes  13  of three different diameters. However, a greater or lesser selection of tube diameters may be provided in other embodiments. The tubes  13  may or may not be impregnated with an oral dentrifice or freshener.  
      Each tube  13  is comprised of a material with enough tensile strength to withstand insertion between closely spaced teeth  15 , and the twisting of the tube 13  between the adjacent teeth  15 . The tubes  13  are of generally equal length, ranging from one and a half inches to three inches. The preferred length of the tubes is one and one quarter inches. This material may be plastic, stiff paper-based material or other material suitable for the purpose. It is essential that no tube break off between the teeth  15 .  
      The tubes have a wall thickness which is virtually so small as not to be easily measured. The nominal diameter of the tubes is substantially as follows:  
                                                   TUBE TYPE   DIAMETER                          Small   0.231 inches           Medium   0.254 inches           Large   0.294 inches                      
 
      To use the device, a tube  13  of appropriate size for the tooth  15  to be cleaned is removed from the container  11 . The smaller diameter tubes  13  fit the incisors and canines. The medium diameter tubes fit the canines and premolars. The largest diameter tubes  13  fit the molars and wisdom teeth. The tube  13  is then placed around the tooth  15  such that the tube  13  touches the adjacent gum tissue, as shown in  FIG. 2 . The tube  13  is then twisted back aend forth in a circular motion so that the tube  13  rotates around the tooth, cleaning the tooth  15  and massaging the gum  17  simultaneously. The tube  13  is then pulled from the cleaned tooth  15 , and is either disposed of or returned to the container  11 .  
      This disclosure teaches several embodiments of the invention, but it is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments taught herein. The invention is intended to encompass all embodiments that fall within the spirit of the invention.