GB2488819A - Oral irrigation system with suction means - Google Patents

Abstract

The oral irrigation system ("Toothspa") is a flexible polyvinyl cleaning aid aimed at those who struggle to independently maintain oral health. The polyvinyl material provides an irrigation guide for the teeth and gums, which may have internal tubing to deliver the fluid (see figure 4) and suction means at the posterior of the device (see figure 5). It is a mobile, removable irrigation device that is comfortable to wear and, with adjustment, will fit most oral cavities. A variety of fluid solutions may be used, from simple tap water to medicated mouthwashes and fluoride. It may have an external pump, which allows mouthwash to be delivered via an internal tubing mechanism and removed without the need for assistance. The flow rates can be adjusted to suit the requirements.

Description

Oral irrigation system "toothspa" Descrjption The Toothspa was developed from my own experience of ineffective dental care in hospital and residential care homes. Many patients incapable of maintaining their own oral hygiene levels, were heavily reliant on care assistants to provide dental care. Most nursing staff were inexperienced or bad a lack of understanding of the patient needs and subsequently, oral hygiene was not maintained. The consequences of which can result in rapidly deteriorating tooth and gum health leading to decay and/or gum disease. If untreated this would lead to pain, infection, use of medications that could interfere with existing tablets (for example, warfarin), tooth extraction or resulting in the need for general anaesthesia increasing the risk of medical complications.

The Toothspa is designed to allow application of fluoride, various mouthwashes or medicated oral treatments. The device allows the removal of the solution without the need for additional aspirator systems and patients can sit upright reducing risk of fluid inspiration and coughing. The system is mobile arid can be used in most settings. This device is particularly useful for those patients that are bed-ridden, lack muscular control or those who have difficulty lying backwards.

The Toothspa is a flexible polyvinyl material that covers the teeth providing a guide for irrigation of the teeth and gums. It is shaped a little like a sports gumshield, but extends over top and bottom teeth.

The device possesses an inflow manifold delivering a mouthwash (figure 4). A flow of fluid is generated, extending around the internal surface of the device and is removed by gentle suction at the posterior surface of the Toothspa (figure 5).

The fluid is delivered by a mini electric pump with a variable flow rate (typically 100rnl/minute).

Target: The principle aim of the device is to offer a target group of people the opportunity to wash teeth and gums who otherwise would have to rely on a carer or struggle to wash teeth with conventional methods. For many dental patients, they fall into a specific groups, those who: * cannot brush their own teeth because of physical or mental disability * chose not to attend the hygienist because they do not like the feel of the cleaning process or have sensitive teeth and gums * cannot attend the dental setting because of mobility issues The device is aimed at: * Nursing homes to provide patients/residents with a dental cleaning device without the need for cleaning from an unqualified/inexperienced carer * Hospital in-patients who cannot brush their own teeth due to unconsciousness/physically incapable * Young disabled patients who cannot tolerate existing cleaning methods mouthwash solutions to be delivered: * simple warm/cold water * salt water * commercial mouthwashes * bicarbonate soda solutions * medicated mouthwashes * fluoride solutions The device is not a replacement for brushing or dental hygienists, but is aimed at those who cannot or struggle to perform basic dental care.