MXPA02006372A

MXPA02006372A - Tongue cleaning device.

Info

Publication number: MXPA02006372A
Application number: MXPA02006372A
Authority: MX
Inventors: John Geoffrey Chan
Original assignee: Procter & Gamble
Priority date: 1999-12-22
Filing date: 1999-12-22
Publication date: 2002-11-29
Also published as: WO2001045573A1; PL355384A1; CA2394842A1; EP1239783A1; CN1406119A; AU2207200A

Abstract

Disclosed is a tongue cleaning device comprising a body having a handle and at one end thereof a head provided with a plurality of convex extrusions on at least one side of the head. Also disclosed is a tongue cleaning device comprised of a body having a handle and at one end thereof a head provided with at least one raised ridge. Also disclosed is a device wherein the head is further provided with toothcleaning bristles on the side of the head that is opposite to the side that is provided with the convex extrusions or with the at least one raised ridge. Still further disclosed is a tongue cleaning device comprised of a body having a handle and at one end thereof a head provided with toothcleaning bristles extending from the head on one side of the head, the tooth cleaning bristles further extending through the head to a height of up to about 7 mm on the opposite side of the head to form extension bristles for tongue cleaning.

Description

DEVICE FOR CLEANING LANGUAGE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for tongue cleaning. Specifically, it relates to a device comprising a handle and a head provided on at least one side with convex extrusions, raised ridges, extension bristles, or any combination thereof, which can be rubbed on the surface of the tongue to provide light wash to open the pores between the papillae of the tongue, as well as to drive active ingredients of any composition for oral care that is used concurrently with the device towards the cavities of the papillae, to avoid bad breath and to provide freshness of breath.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Oral odor, commonly referred to as bad breath, is usually caused by problems of the digestive system, oral bacteria, diet, or a combination of any of these factors. Oral bacteria lead to the formation of plaque, which is the origin of dental caries, gingivitis and dental calculus, as well as bad breath. These oral bacteria, which consist mainly of anaerobic bacteria, accumulate in and on the tongue between the papillae. .-. < - .. ».» - mijtMrrtfKi 'the tongue and when decomposing, produce volatile sulfur compounds, that is, bad breath. Scraping the tongue with a conventional tongue scraper can remove that tongue plate; however, such scraping can easily damage the tips of the papillae on the surface of the tongue. Excessive scraping can even lead to bleeding and tissue damage. Therefore, it is evident that conventional tongue scraping devices can cause pain and discomfort for the user. They can also be inconvenient, since they are usually provided as a separate device that can be included as part of a buccal care regimen; For example, a user could first brush their teeth using a toothbrush and a toothpaste, then use a separate tongue scraping device to clean the tongue. Toothpastes and other oral care products, such as mouthwashes, can also be useful in combating bad breath.

Such products operate to kill the bacteria that cause bad breath through chemical means, for example, antimicrobial agents such as triclosan, stannous fluoride, chlorhexidine, quaternary ammonium salts and camphorated parachlorophenol, unlike a mechanical action such as provided by the language scraping devices referred to above. Without However, although such chemicals can improve the quality of breath immediately after brushing, they may not provide long-lasting benefits. In some cases, they may cause effects undesirable side effects such as spots, altered taste sensation, etc. Thus, the need remains for a user friendly, convenient and efficient device to kill or retard growth and / or 5 metabolism of the bacteria that cause bad breath that are present in and on the tongue, and to remove the plaque from the tongue. No existing technique provides all the advantages and benefits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a tongue cleaning device comprising a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with a plurality of convex extrusions on at least one side of the body. head. A device is also described for 15 tongue cleaning formed by a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with at least one raised lip. Also described is a device wherein the head is further provided with bristles for cleaning teeth on the side of the head which is opposite the side which is provided with the convex extrusions or at least 20 with a raised flange. In addition, there is also described a device for tongue cleaning formed of a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with bristles for cleaning teeth that extend from the head on one side of the head, the bristles for Tooth cleaning also extend through the head to a height of up to about 7 mm on the opposite side of the head to form extension bristles for tongue cleaning. These and other features, aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from reading the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Although the specification concludes with claims that particularly state and characteristically claim the invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description of preferred embodiments taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a view laterally enlarged portion of a preferred embodiment of the tongue cleaning device of the present invention; Figures 1a and 1b are detailed views of the convex extrusions shown in Figure 1; Figure 2 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of the device shown in Figure 2; -U-áH-Hl-lí - • '"-" nniim-f «fc- > ^ a- * "Figure 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating an enlarged view of a portion of the tongue, showing the effect of a device of the present invention when used in combination with an oral care composition such as a dentifrice, Figure 5 is a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention, Figure 6 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the device shown in Figure 5, Figure 7 is an enlarged side view. of a portion of another preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A preferred embodiment of the device of the present invention is shown in the partial enlarged view of Figure 1. The device 10 comprises a one-piece body 12 formed by a handle 14 (not fully shown) and a head 16. One side of the head 16 is provided with a plurality of convex extrusions 30. In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the extrusions 30 preferably have a rounded or domed configuration with a diameter and height measured from the head surface of approximately 0.1 mm to about 5 mm; preferably from 0.5 mm to 3 mm approximately. Examples of such rounded extrusions are shown more clearly in Figures 1a and 1b. Without intending to be limited to theory, it is considered that this size scale is more compatible with the tongue papillae for an improved effect of cleaning and retarding / destroying bacteria. It is not necessary that all extrusions 30 be of identical dimension; rather, the sizes of each extrusion can vary in the same device. The extrusions 30 may be molded on the surface of the head in any manner, for example, by arrows, randomly, or to make a desired configuration. In addition, considering the size of the area of 10 head of the device, a number of extrusions can be provided. Preferably, the device 10 can also function as a toothbrush. In said embodiments, also bristles for cleaning teeth 18, on the side of the head 16 opposite the extrusions 30, as shown in figures 2 and 3. With reference to figures 2 and 3, as is common in brushes Currently available dental, a neck 20 is located between the handle 14 and the head 16. The neck 20 is usually of a smaller cross-sectional area than the handle or head. The handle may also be provided with a non-slip holding area 22 made of any material 20 known in the art including santopreno. The teeth cleaning bristles 18 may be provided in any configuration, including those having three-dimensional profiles (not shown in the figures) and / or varying degrees of hardness or stiffness, as is known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the tongue cleaning device 10 is integrated with a head containing bristles, as shown in Figures 2 and 3 and also in Figures 5-7. Such modalities provide added convenience for the user of the device, because the user can first use the side containing bristles for tooth cleaning as would normally be used a toothbrush, then can flip the device to rub the side containing extrusions on the tongue to obtain the effect of cleaning the tongue. Preferably, tongue cleaning is performed after brushing, while the toothpaste or other oral care composition that has been used for brushing is still in the mouth, i.e., before rinsing. Without intending to be limited to theory, it is considered that an effective effect can be obtained to refresh the breath, when the device is used in this way. The user brushes the teeth with the bristles and a toothpaste or other composition for oral care. Then, before rinsing the dentifrice or other residual composition that remains in the mouth, the user rubs the tongue cleaning device (using the side of the head that is opposite the bristles for cleaning teeth) on the surface of the tongue . This action leads to the active ingredients contained in the dentifrice down into the cavities of the papillae, which kills or retards the - "" - "-" - * '"- growth or metabolism of bacteria, mainly anaerobic bacteria, which are present and which can cause bad breath This action is represented schematically in simplified view, enlarged in figure 4, where an extrusion 30 is shown being rubbed on the surface of the tongue 50 in the direction of the arrows marked "A." Generally, the tongue is formed of many papillae 52 with cavities 54 located between the papillae 52. The anaerobic bacteria 56 tend to collected in the cavities 54, leading to bad breath.The oral care composition 60 is pushed down into the cavities 54 by the extrusions 30. Such action is believed to be particularly effective with oral care compositions containing antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan , chlorhexidine, polyphenolic species, stannous salts and zinc salts, although it is preferable to use the device 10 in combination with A composition for oral care as described above, it should be noted that this is not required in the present. Even without the use of a mouth care composition, it is believed that when the device 10 is rubbed against the surface of the tongue 50, the convex extrusions 30 act to open the pores or cavities 54 between the papillae 52 of the tongue, which can contribute to a cleaning / refreshing effect. At present, it should also be understood that extrusions 30 for cleaning the tongue do not need to be combined with a head containing bristles, for tooth cleaning, ie, a toothbrush, since The lili I can provide the benefits described herein without being incorporated as part of a toothbrush, as shown in figure 1. In addition, it should be noted that a dentifrice or other composition for oral care can be used with the device for tongue cleaning 10, without first using the toothpaste or other composition to brush the teeth. Techniques known to those skilled in the art, such as injection molding, can be used to make the device 10 of the present invention. Any design, shape, or configuration for the handle 14 and / or the bristles for cleaning the teeth 18, it is adequate in the present. Furthermore, it should be understood that while the devices according to the present invention are particularly useful for the use of oral hygiene in humans, they can also be used for oral hygiene for animals with equal advantage, for example, for domestic pets or for veterinary use. For devices that also contain teeth cleaning bristles 18, the head 16 is provided with holes (not shown) for receiving the bristles 18 or groups of bristles 18, which are mechanically or thermally fixed therein, as is known to the experts in the art. You can use any of these methods to fix these bristles. Even another exemplary preferred embodiment is shown in Figures 5 and 6. In this embodiment, one or more extrusions are provided in the form of a raised flange 35, alone or in combination with the convex extrusions 30. In this embodiment, the user obtains a sensation of language different from what you get through devices that only have i ^ L ^ y ^? ^ convex extrusions. In addition, the raised rim 35 provides a light scraping that gives the user a feeling of cleanliness. It should also be noted that it is also possible to provide the raised flanges alone, that is, without further providing the convex extrusions 30. Additionally, although FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate two raised flanges 35, fewer additional flanges or ridges can be provided, as appropriate. want. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tongue cleaning device is provided as a series of extension bristles 40 for the bristles for cleaning the teeth 18, instead of or in addition to the extrusions 30 and / or flanges 35. Said embodiment is shown in figure 7. The extension bristles 40 project from the head at a height of approximately 0.1 to 5 mm, with approximately 7 mm being the maximum desired height. In general, extension bristles 40 are shorter than bristles for cleaning teeth 8, which extend from the opposite side of the head. In addition, the embodiment shown in Figure 7 is advantageous in terms of manufacturing. During wicking and bonding operations which are generally performed when the teeth cleaning bristles 18 or groups of bristles for cleaning the teeth 18 are inserted in the head, these bristles or groups of bristles 18 are pushed through the head 18, instead of being completely contained at one end inside the head, as is normally the case in the manufacture of toothbrushes. The protruding portions form the bristles of t ^, * »?.?. t ~? t? ^ *. *. *. . . * .-. < "., -to-". «. j. -, ^. «, J. .,. »^ --- ~ - > , -t.- Ma- - -J * »lmáqí, í..t - extension 40 that are used for cleaning the tongue. This is shown in FIG. 7 with the dashed lines showing the bristles for cleaning the teeth 18 which extend through the head to form the extension bristles 40. The extension bristles 40 can then be cut flat at the desired height. Or, they can be profiled in convex shapes, as shown.

EXAMPLES In order to illustrate the benefits of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, in the following example, efficacy in oral malodor reduction derived from tooth brushing alone against tooth brushing in combination with tongue cleaning in 3 hours is compared. and in 7 hours after brushing, when performing a Halimeter test in accordance with 15 the following procedure. During the first stage of the test, the participants of the test brush the teeth only with a dentifrice formulation (CREST Decay Prevention). During the second stage of the test, the participants of the test brush the teeth with the same tooth formula (CREST 20 Decay Prevention), and also clean the tongue. During both stages of the test, Halimeter readings are taken in baseline (0 hours), 3 hours, and 7 hours. Eating or drinking is not allowed from the baseline until 3 o'clock. - ± - * ¡* m * l ** '' * ¡* '** ± »•• * -i-- * .. * _ ¿, * -, .......« - ». ja, ^. ^^ j. M? ^^. _ ».... ... faa.j. i - .., »...» .to. ^^.-.-.- «-« l -, .--- »... -wa ?? j? üi LtLj The Halimeter detects the presence of compounds of volatile sulfur in the breath. Volatile sulfur compounds include hydrogen sulfide, methyl mercaptan, dimethisulfide, etiisulfide and dimethisulfide, which contribute to bad breath. In this way, the higher the reading of Halimeter, the more present will be the bad breath. Each data point (Halimeter reading value) below represents an average for all test participants using the same test composition at the same time (N = 17 for each test composition). 10 TABLE 1 Average reading of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) adjusted. post-treatment (90% confidence interval in parentheses) fifteen twenty f - a - * --_ «adM -_- --É ^^ - ...« _ - • * "--- mjnftfl- n * CREST Decay Prevention is a commercially available toothpaste product from Procter & amp;; Gamble (China), Ltd. Company, 1 Bin He Road Guangzhou Economic &Technoiogical Development District, Guangzhou PRC The above example illustrates that VSC are reduced by tongue cleaning according to the present invention. The benefit provided for tongue cleaning is observed more clearly than at 7 hours, however, in 7 hours, the benefit continues to be provided, thus, the modalities described herein provide the advantages of reducing odor in breath for at least 3 hours, providing the user with the sensation of cleanliness without damage to the tongue.The modalities in the present, are also profitable and easy to manufacture.In the present, "understanding" means that other steps can be added and other components which do not affect the result s This term encompasses the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes will be suggested in view thereof, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. A tongue cleaning device formed by a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with a plurality of convex extrusions on at least one side of the head.

2. The device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the convex extrusions have a diameter and a height of about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm.

3. The device according to claim 1 further characterized in that the head is further provided with bristles for cleaning the teeth at the side of the head that is opposite the side * 15 which is provided with convex extrusions.

4. A tongue cleaning device formed by a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with at least one raised rim.

5. The device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the head is further provided with bristles for cleaning the teeth on the side of the head that is opposite the side that is provided with a raised rim. I liÉllllMM.MflÉ I l ^ '' * '* - ^ **'? "***" * "*** - - - * -" - m ^ UHJ ?.

6. - A device for tongue cleaning consisting of a body having a handle and at one end thereof, a head provided with bristles for cleaning the teeth extending from the head on one side on the head, the bristles for cleaning the teeth extending 5 further through the head to a height of up to about 7 mm on the opposite side of the head to form extension bristles for tongue cleaning. "7.- A method for cleaning the tongue of a human or an animal, comprising the step of rubbing the side containing the convex extrusion, At least the side containing the raised flange, or the side containing the extension bristle of the head of the device of any of the preceding claims on the surface of the tongue. 8. The method according to claim 7, further characterized in that it further comprises the step of brushing * 15 the teeth with a composition for oral care before the step of rubbing the side containing extrusion, the side containing a raised rim, or the side containing the bristle head extension device on the surface of the tongue, wherein the oral care composition is pushed pores of the papillae of the tongue. 9. A system for providing breath freshness comprising: (a) a composition for oral care; and (b) a device for cleaning the tongue according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the composition for oral care is pushed into the cavities of the Inli? iilíil-Íl-Íi-Í - M-Íl? i É il? illífA-j Aat "t -t - *" "" - "- • • - ^ < ^ - ». ^^^ M ^^ JMM¡aat¡ ^ a |, ll ||, M .. tongue papillae using the tongue cleaning device when using the system. 10. The system according to claim 9, further characterized in that the oral care composition comprises an antibacterial active. * - * »» "^^ iiiriiilHIÉl t'ltlli1 -'--" - "--- * - .. J - ^ - J - ^ - - .., ^^^ - MA- -ti -p -.S _As_