Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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62301-2574D1 =
TOOTHBRUSH TISSUE CLEANSER
This is a divisional of Canadian National Phase Patent Application Serial No.
2,526,826, filed on
June 18, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[01] The present invention pertains to an oral care implement with a cleanser
for cleaning
soft tissue surfaces in the mouth.
=
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[02] According to the American Dental Association, a major source of bad
breath in
=
healthy people is microbial deposits on the tongue, where a bacterial coating
harbors
organisms and d ebris that c ontribute t o b ad b reath. T he t ongue is a h
aven for t he
growth of microorganisms since the papillary nature of the tongue surface
creates a
unique ecological site that provides an extremely large surface area, favoring
the
accumulation of oral bacteria. Anaerobic flora and bacteria residing on the
tongue
play an important role in the development of chronic bad breath commonly
called
halitosis. In general, the bacteria produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC).
If there is
enough buildup o f t he sulfur compounds, the result can b e lead b ad breath
or oral
malodor.
[03] While bladed tongue scrapers have been used in the past, these scrapers
are
inadequate in respect to their effectiveness on the soil tissue surface of the
tongue.
Broad flat scraping blades are limited in their ability to reach between the
papillae
where t he b acteria and microdebris h ave c ollected. M oreover,
notwithstanding the
benefits to be gained by any ability to clean the tongue, some users avoid the
use of
such blades because of lack of comfort on the tongue surface.
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[04] Hence, there is a need for an oral care implement with a tongue
cleanser that
provides effective removal of the tongue bacteria and other debris while
maintaining comfort
to the user.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[04a] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
toothbrush
comprising: a handle and a head, the head comprising a port, the head having a
side
comprising a cavity, a resilient tissue engaging region having a pad portion
with a plurality of
nubs extending therefrom and for removal of debris from an oral soft tissue
surface, the pad
portion and the port being disposed within the cavity; the head having an
opposite side
comprising a plurality of the tooth cleaning elements extending therefrom, one
of the tooth
cleaning elements being a bristle; and at least one of the tooth cleaning
elements is unitary
with the pad portion and the nubs, and extends through the port; wherein the
unitary tooth
cleaning element is adjacent to the bristle for cleaning teeth.
[04b] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a
toothbrush comprising a handle, a head, a plurality of elastomeric tooth
cleaning elements and
a bristle tooth cleaning element extending from one side of the head, and an
elastomeric tissue
cleanser disposed on an opposite side of the head in a basin having a sidewall
portion, wherein
said elastomeric tooth cleaning elements are formed as a unitary member with
the tissue
cleanser; wherein the head includes apertures in the basin; the elastomeric
tooth cleaning
elements are connected to the tissue cleanser through corresponding apertures,
the tissue
cleanser comprising a base having a plurality of projections extending from
the base.
[05] Some aspects of the invention pertain to an oral care implement with a
tissue
cleanser that provides improved cleaning and effective removal of bacteria and
microdebris
disposed on the oral tissue surfaces.
[06] In one aspect of the invention, the tissue cleanser includes a
plurality of nubs
for cleaning soft tissue surfaces in the mouth and particularly for cleaning
between the
papillae of the tongue. In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the
tissue cleanser
includes a plurality of conically shaped nubs.
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[07] In another aspect of the invention, the tissue cleanser is
constructed from an
elastomeric material. In one preferred embodiment, the tissue cleanser is
formed as an
elastomeric pad mounted on the head of the oral care implement for improved
cleaning, ease
of manufacture, and user comfort.
[08] In another aspect of the invention, the oral care implement includes a
seat to
facilitate and ease molding of the tissue cleanser to the head. In one
preferred construction,
the head has one or more protuberances for anchoring the head during molding
of the tissue
cleanser. The head may also include a basin to further define the outline of
the molded tissue
cleanser.
[09] In another aspect of the invention, an oral care implement includes a
tissue
cleanser having means for reducing oral volatile sulfur compounds by 35% from
a baseline
measured two hours after use.
2a
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1101 In another aspect of the invention, an oral care impieinent is provided
with tooth
cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser for a thorough cleaning of the teeth,
gums,
tongue and oral surfaces of the cheeks and lips. In a preferred construction,
the tooth
cleaning elements and tissue cleanser are supported on Opposite sides of a
supporting
head.
[11] In one other aspect of the invention, an oral care implement which
includes tooth
cleaning elements and a tissue cleanser forms at least one of the tooth
cleaning
elements as a unitary member with the tissue cleanser.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[12] A more complete understanding of the present invention and the advantages
thereof
may be acquired by referring to the following description in consideration of
the
accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features,
and
wherein:
[13] Figure 1 is an exploded assembly perspective view of an oral care
implement
-
[14] Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a head of an oral care
implement of FIG.
1;
[15] Figure 3 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 illustrating
a tongue
cleaning feature;
1161 Figure 4 is a partial section view of a head of the oral care implement
of FIG. 1 taken
along line 4-4 of FIG. 3;
117] Figure 5 is a plan view of the oral care implement of FIG. 1 illustrating
at least one
tooth cleaning configuration;
=
3
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1181 Figure 6 is a perspective of the view of the oral care implement
illustrating example
tooth cleaning elements; and
[191 Figure 7 is a section view of an alternative construction of the head of
an oral care
implement. =
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE TNIVENTION
1201 In the following description, the invention is discussed in terms of a
toothbrush, but
could be in the form of other oral care implements including simply a tissue
cleansing
implement. Further, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be
utilized
and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from
the
scope of the present invention.
[21] Figures 1-7 illustrate an oral care implement, such as a toothbrush 100,
having a
handle 103 and ahead 105 which may be used for cleaning the teeth and soft
tissue in
the mouth, such as the tongue, interior surfaces of the cheeks, lips or the
gums.
Handle 103 is provided for the user to readily grip and manipulate the
toothbrush, and
niiy¨he¨foifn¨ed
constiu¨cfiafts:¨Virlige¨the¨headis----
normally widened relative to the neck of the handle, it could in some
constructions
simply be a continuous extension or narrowing of the handle. In the preferred
construction, head 105 has a first face 106 that supports tooth cleaning
elements 107
(FIGS. 5 and 6) and a second face 108 that supports a tissue cleanser 300
(FIGS. 2
and 3). The first and second faces 106, 108 are preferably on opposite sides
of head
105. Nevertheless, tissue cleanser 300 may be mounted elsewhere, such as the
proximal end 104 of handle 103. The tissue cleanser 300 or portions of it may
also be
located on the peripheral sidewall surface 101 of head 105 or extend farther
towards
the proximate end 104 of handle 103 than illustrated.
4
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[221 The elastomeric material of tissue cleanser 300 may be any biocompatible
resilient
material suitable for uses in an oral hygiene apparatus. To provide optimum
comfort
as well as cleaning benefits, the elastomeric material preferably has a
hardness
property in the range of A8 to A25 Shore hardness. As an example, one
preferred
elastomeric material is styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene block copolymer
(SEBS)
manufactured by GLS Corporation. Nevertheless, SEBS material from other
manufacturers or other materials within and outside the noted hardness range
could be
used.
[231 Tissue cleanser 300 is preferably configured with a multiplicity of
tissue engaging
elements 303 (FIGS. 1-4), which in the preferred construction are formed as
nubs. As
used herein a "nub" is generally meant to include a column-like protrusion
(without
limitation to the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion) which is upstanding
from a
base surface. In a general sense, the nub, in the preferred construction, has
a height
that is greater than the width at the base of the nub (as measured in the
longest
direction). Nevertheless, nubs could include projections wherein the widths
and
Theights¨ife¨rbighlrilie¨iiiiiirciriiiiieliiilieliaiiiiiielaneviliaIsmilfer¨tha
n the
base widths. Moreover, in some circumstances (e.g., where the nub tapers to a
tip or
includes a base portion that narrows to a smaller projection), the base width
can be -
substantially larger than the height.
[24] Such tissue engaging elements 303 are designed to significantly reduce a
major source
of bad breath in people and improve hygiene. Nubs 303 enable removal of
microflora
and other debris from the tongue and other soft tissue surfaces within the
mouth. The
tongue, in particular, is prone to develop bacterial coatings that are known
to harbor
organisms and debris that can contribute to bad breath. This microflora can be
found
in the recesses between the papillae on most of the tongue's upper surface as
well as
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along other soft tissue surfaces in the mouth. When engaged or otherwise
pulled
against a tongue surface, for example, nubs 3 03 o f e lastomeric tissue
cleanser 3 00
provide for gentle engagement with the soft tissue while reaching downward
into the
recesses of adjacent papillae of the tongue. The elastomeric construction of
tissue
cleanser 300 also enables the base surface 301 to follow the natural contours
of the
oral tissue surfaces, such as the tongue, cheeks, lips, and gums of a usu.
Moreover,
the soft nubs 303 are able to flex as needed to traverse and clean the soft
tissue
surfaces in the mouth along which it is moved.
1251 As seen
in Figure 2 and 4, in one preferred arrangement of tissue cleanser 300, nubs
303 are preferably conically shaped. As used herein, "conically shaped" or
"conical"
is meant to include true cones, frusto-conically shaped elements, and other
shapes that
taper to a narrow end and thereby resemble a cone irrespective of whether they
are
uniform, continuous in their taper, or have rounded cross-sections. With
reference to
Figure 4, the base portion 305 of each conically shaped tissue engaging
element 303
is larger than the corresponding tip portion 307. In this conically shaped
the¨base poitiiii¨a 3-05¨hia W-iiWröâf ____________________________ rtivido -
effective shear strength to withstand the lateral movement of the tissue
cleanser 300
along the surface of the tongue or other soft tissue surface. The smaller
width or
diameter of the tip portion 307 in conjunction with the length of the
conically shaped
nub 303 enable the nubs to sweep into the recesses of the tongue and other
surfaces to
clean the naicrobial deposits and other debris from the soft tissue surfaces.
In the
preferred construction, nubs 303 are able to flex and bend from their
respective
vertical axes as lateral pressure is applied during use. This flexing enhances
the
comfort and cleaning of the soft tissue surfaces. In a preferred construction,
the
thickness or width of the base of the nub in 0.64 mm, and preferably within
the range
6
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=
-2 3 0 1 -2 5 7 4 = ,
= from about 0.51 min to about 2.00 unn. Tip 307 of the nubs is 0.127 mar
and
= preferably within a range from about 0.10 mm to about 0.75 mm for optimal
penetration between the recesses of papillae of a user's tongue. The lengtli
or height
of nubs 303, as measured from base surface 301 to-tip 307, is preferably 0.91
ram and
preferably within range from about 0.5 mm t o about 2 .5 m m, and m ost
pref.erably
range between 0.75 mm to 1.5 mm. Nevertheless, nubs of other sizes and shapes
outside the given ranges can be used.
. .
[26] Alternatively, the tissue cleaning elements 303 may have other shapes. As
one
== example. the tissue cleanser may have a grated form such
as described in co-pending
U.S. Patent. Application Publication No. 2004/0255416. =
=
= [27] In a preferred construction, nubs 303 are disposed on the base
surface 301 of tissue
cleanser 300 in a high density pattern. Each nub 303 is preferably spaced
apart from
adjacent nubs 303 between a range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm; more
preferably
= the spacing ranges between 0.7 mm to 2.5 mm, and most preferably between
1 mm to
= = 2 mm. Nevertheless, other spacing ranges are
possible. The surface density of the
nubs 303 on base surface 301 ranges preferably from about 100 to about 600
nubs per
square inch. In a more preferred construction of the tissue cleanser, the
surface
density may range from 200 to 500 nubs per square inch, and most preferably
between 300 to 450 nubs per square inch. In one preferred example, tissue
cleanser
300 includes about 400 nubs p er s quare inr-h o f surface area. T he surface
density
features in conjunction with the height of the nubs 303 enables the tissue
cleanser to
=
provide enhanced cleaning of the soft tissue surfaces with improved comfort.
= = f = Nonetheless, other surface densities are possible,
=
[28] As seen in Figure 3, nubs 303 are preferably disposed in longitudinal
rows in a
= 7
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disposed in tansverse rows R1, R2 on an axis parallel to base surface 301 and
generally p erpendicular to t he I ongitudinal axis a-a. In o ne p referred
construction,
adjacent nubs 303 are provided on the base surface 301 in a staggered
arrangement.
For example, adjacent transverse rows of nubs R1 and R2 have nubs 303 that are
not
directly behind each other. A first nub is said herein to be "directly behind"
second
nub when it is located within the lateral botmds of the second nub extending
in a
longitudinal direction. This configuration enables improved cleaning of the
soft tissue
surfaces by facilitating the removal of microflora and other debris, and
especially
from the recesses of adjacent papillae of the tongue. Nonetheless, the nubs
could be
arranged randomly or in a myriad of different patterns.
[29] Tongue cleanser 300 is preferably formed by being molded to head 105,
although
other manufacturing processes could be used. With reference to Figures 1 and
4,
tissue cleanser 300 is preferably molded within a basin or a receiving cavity
111 in
face 108 of head 105. The receiving cavity 111 has a lower base surface 113
and a
peripheral sidewall 115 extending away from the lower base surface 113. In one
Mie¨Cleanle1100¨art¨eXposed- Tciruse-With-'
the base surface of the tissue cleanser 300 being flush or recessed relative
to the
surface 1 14 o f t he head. N evertheless, other orientations are possible.
Also, b ase
surface 301 of the tissue cleanser could be embedded in head 105 or covered by
another layer with nubs 303 projecting through appropriate openings.
[30] As can be seen in Figures 1 and 4, face 108 also preferably includes one
or more peg
members 117a-c disposed within basin 111. Peg members 117 form anchor points
against the opposing mold to prevent the head from moving under the pressure
of the
injection molding. As a result, tissue cleanser 300 preferably includes one or
more
complementary apertures 311a-c which exposes the tops of peg members 117a-c.
8 -
=
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Although, the pegs are illustrated in alignment along the centerline of the
head (e.g.
longitudinal axis a-a), the pegs could have many different positions. Further,
the pegs
and basin are preferably both included with head 105, but either could be used
without the other.
[31] Alternatively, basin 111 and peg members 117a-c may be provided to
position and
hold a previously molded tissue cleanser, although these constructions are not
necessary to use such a previously molded tissue cleanser.
[32] Peg members 117a-c may take on a variety of shapes and lengths. With
continued
reference to the Figures 1 and 4, head 105 includes peg members 117a-c
extending
away from the lower base surface 113 of basin 1 11 to the height of the
peripheral
sidewall 115. The peg members 117a-c are shaped in the form of a cylinder, but
other shapes and lengths of the peg members 117a-c are possible. While the
molding
process would preferably bond the tissue cleanser to the head, the tissue
cleanser
could be performed and attached by adhesive or other known means.
[33] As shown in Figures 1-4, tissue cleanser 300 is preferably formed as a
pad composed
of a soft and pliable elastomeric material for comfortable cleaning and
effective
removal of bacteria and debris disposed on the surface of the tongue, other
soft tissue
in the mouth and even along the lips. The tissue clennger 300 also provides
effective
massaging, stimulation and removal of bacteria, debris and epithelial cells
from the
surfaces of the tongue, cheeks, gums or lips.
= [34] In the preferred construction (FIGS. 1 -6), tissue cleansers 3 00 m
ay r ub against the
inside surfaces of the cheeks or lips, and on the sides of the tongue while
the user
brushes his or her teeth, and thus provide a desired massaging, stimulation
and
cleaning of various soft tissue surfaces within the mouth. For example, during
9
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WO 2004/112538 PCT/US2004/019541
brushing of the facial tooth surfaces, tissue cleanser 300 is disposed on the
outer face
108 of head 105 to naturally rub against the oral surfaces of the cheek. As a
result,
enhanced cleaning is attained without additional cleaning steps. Further, some
users
may sense a stimulating tingle on the cheek surfaces that leads to a positive
user
reaction, and even enjoyment of the comfortable feel of the tissue cleanser
along the
soft tissues surfaces in the mouth. Tissue cleanser 300 may also be
additionally
rubbed on the cheeks, tongue, etc. as desired for further cleaning aside from
the
contact that may occur while brushing the teeth.
[35) Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the tooth cleaning elements 107 of head 105
may
include a variety of tooth cleaning elements which can be used for wiping,
cleaning
and massaging the user's teeth and gums. Any suitable form of tooth cleaning
elements may be used. The term "tooth cleaning elements" is used in a generic
sense
which refers to filament bristles or elastomeric fingers or walls that have
any desirable
shape. In the illustrated example of Figure 5, tooth cleaning elements 107
include
distal tooth cleaning elements 203a-b disposed_ at a distal tip 121 of head
105,
peripheral tooth cleaning elemeritikca=clingittidin-aftoifith-
deariinftletherits-207az-- -
c disposed along longitudinal axis a-a, arcuate tooth cleaning elements 209a-d
and
211a-b, and proximal cleaning elements 213a,b. Tooth cleaning elements 205,
207,
211 and 213 are preferably provided as tufts of bristles whereas tooth
cleaning
elements 209 are preferably formed as elastomeric walls. Nevertheless, other
forms
and types of tooth cleaning elements may be used.
[36] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of an alternative arrangement of a
head 400 of a
= toothbrush. Head 400 is similar in construction to head 105, except that
tooth
cleaning elements 209a-d are integrally formed with tissue cleanser 300. To
accomplish the alternative construction, head 400 has appropriately sized
ports or
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openings 401 to allow the elastomeric material to flow through the head during
an
injection molsting process. In this construction, tooth cleaning elements 209a-
d and
tissue cleaner 300 are formed with the same elastomeric material. Thus, head
400
may include at least one elastomeric tooth cleaning element formed as a
unitary
member with tissue cleanser 300.
[37] As various changes could be made in the above methods, compositions and
structures
without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all
matter
contained in this application, including all mechanisms and/or modes of
interaction
described above, shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting in
any way
the scope of the appended claims.
[38] The following examples are set forth as representative of the improved
operation of
the present invention. These examples are not to be construed as limiting the
scope of
the invention.
EXAMPLE 1
-----1391--Therliffeliiiatteliaturettaloothbrush-ean-brmeasured-
usingtirowrroral-taa1odor------. -
assessment methods. A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of a
toothbrush provided with an elastomeric tissue cleanser having conically
shaped nubs,
such as the preferred c onstruction of toothbrush 100 discussed above. Human
test
subjects participated in the study. There was a washout or normalization
period prior
to testing of about 7 days in which the test subjects brushed twice a day with
a
fluoride dental cream (see Table 1). After the washout period, the test
subjects were
asked to refrain from any oral hygiene (brushing, rinsing, and flossing),
eating and
drinking prior to oral testing. A baseline volatile sulfur compound (VSC)
sample
was taken from each of the test subjects. In the study for overnight odor
control, the
11
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test subjects brushed their teeth for one minute with a fluoride dental cream
(see Table
1) using toothbrush 100 provided with the above noted tissue cleanser 300.
Subsequently, the subjects cleaned their tongue surface with the tissue
engaging
elements of the toothbrush for ten seconds. The test subjects slept overnight
and
returned for post treatment. VSC samples were taken at the ten-hour time point
from
the previous day cleaning. In the illustrative example, use of the toothbrush
reduced
oral VSC about 60% verses brushing the teeth alone as measured from a baseline
ten
hours after use. The VSC readings were obtained by gas chromatography.
EXAMPLE 2
[40] In another study of the above-noted toothbrush 100, there was a washout
or
normalization period prior to testing of about 7 days which the test subjects
brushed
= twice a day with a fluoride dental cream (see Table 1). The test subjects
were asked
to refrain from any oral hygiene (brushing, rinsing, and flossing), eating and
drinking
before testing. After the washout period, the test subjects provided a
baseline tongue
bacteria sample by swabbing a side of the back o f the tongue with a sterile
cotton
swab. The test subjects brushed their teeth with a fluoride dental cream (see
Table 1)
for one minute with the toothbrush having the above-noted tissue cleanser.
Subsequently, the test subjects cleaned their tongue surface with a preferred
construction of the tissue engaging elements 300 of the toothbrush 100 for ten
seconds. Two hours after the cleaning of the tongue surface, a tongue bacteria
sample
was taken from a side of the back of the tongue with a cotton swab. In the
illustrative
example, use o f t he tissue engaging elements controlled more odor causing
tongue
bacteria than simply brushing the teeth alone. Use of the tissue cleanser 300
demonstrated a tongue bacteria log reduction of over 0.8 Log colony forming
units/ml
two hours after use on the tongue
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EXAMPLE 3
[41] In another study oldie above-noted toothbrush, a MIT assay was used to
examine the
viability of the epithelial cells collected from the oral cavity prior to and
after the use
of the toothbrush with the noted tissue cleanser. The MTT Assay was based on
the
enzymatic reduction of the tetrazoliura salt MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1)-
2,5-
diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide -H- 4-] in living, metabolically active cells. The
reaction
was carried out in situ in test tubes, and the reaction product, a purple-
colored
formazan soluble in dimethylsulfrodd.e, was measured colormetrically using a
multiwell plate reader. Advantageously, the MIT Assay offers a high degree of
precision, ease of use, and suitability for the purpose for large scale
chemosensitivity
testing.
[42] Following a 7-day washout period, the test subjects reported to a test
site without
prior eating, drinking, or performing oral hygiene. The test subjects provided
salivary
=
rinse samples by rinsing their oral cavity with 9 ml of sterile water for 10
seconds and
then discharging the water from the rinse into a tube containing 10x sterile
phosphate
buffered saline(PBS) solution. The samples were refrigerated for approximately
30
minutes before the MTT Assay was run. The test subjects brushed their teeth
under
supervision for one minute using a fluoride dental cream (see Table 1)
followed by 10
seconds of tongue cleaning with the tongue cleanser 300 of the preferred
construction.
Approximately 30 minutes after brushing and tongue cleaning, the test subjects
provided a rinse sample in the manner described previously.
[43] The pre-rinse samples and post-rinse samples were centrifuged for 15
minutes at
about 3000 RPM. The supernatant, e.g., clear liquid, was removed and the
pellet was
resuspended in 2.5 mL of PBS. The samples were vortexed for 5 seconds, then
2.5 ml =
of MTT Solution was added. The samules WIC subseqUently incubated in a gently
= 13
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shaking waterbath set at 37 C for 2 hours. Following the 2 hour incubation
period,
=
the samples were centrifuged for 15 minutes at about 3000 RPM. The
supematatant
was siphoned out and 3 mt, of detergent (0.04 N Acid Isopmpanol) was added to
dissolve purple crystals. An increase or decrease in MTT conversion was
spectrophotometrically quantified. From each sample, 200 I of each was added
to
96 well plates and the optical density w as measured at 570 nm and compared to
a
negative buffer control. In the illustmtive.example, one minute of brushing
followed
by 10 seconds of use of the tissue cleanser reduced oral epithelial cells
about 72% as
determined by a MIT assay protocol.
EXAMPLE 4
[44] In another study, human test subjects provided baseline VSC samples via a
HalimeterTm (i.e., a sulfide meter). A HalimeterTm uses an electrochemical,
voltammetdc sensor which generates a signal when it is exposed to VSC such as,
sulfide and mercaptan gases and measures the concentration of hydrogen sulfide
gas
---inyarts-p-erlyillierh=Thei-t4st-sabjgcts-
bzushatheitteetlulndeuinpoyigials__
minute with the preferred construction of a toothbrush having the above noted
tissue
cleanser. Then, the test subjects used the noted toothbrush to provide six
stokes on
the tongue surface. A subsequent VSC sample was taken from the test subjects
two
hours after the brushing stage. In this illustrative example, use of a
toothbrush with
the tissue cleanser reduced the measured VSC in the mouth odor over 35% from a
baseline measured two hours after use.
EXAMPLE 5 =
[451 In one other study, after a washout period, human test subjects rinsed
their mouths
with sterile water to provide a baseline sample for viable epithelial cell
analysis with
14
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the mn assay. The subjects brushed their teeth under supervision for one
minute
with the preferred construction of the toothbrush having the above-noted
tissue
cleanser. Then, the test subjects used the tissue cleanser to provide six
strokes on the
tongue surface. The test subjects provided a post rinse sample for analysis.
The
samples were tested and analyzed in the manner as discussed with respect to
Example
3. In this example, use of the toothbrush reduced oral epithelial cells by
about 92%
from a baseline as determined by MIT assay protocol.
[461 In the above noted examples, the subjects brushed their teeth using a
fluoride dental
cream with the formulation in Table 1.
% wt. Ingredient
48.76% Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate
22.0063% Water
22.00% Glycerin
4.138% S03 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate base ¨ 29%
1.000% Sodium CMC ¨ 7MF ¨ Food Grade
0.89% 105 Dental Cream Flavor
.76% Sodium Monofluorophosphate
.25% Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate
.20% Sodium Saccharin
Table 1
