An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.

An oral device for use with a person in which at least one non-toxic gas pulse is delivered to a predetermined location in the mouth via a device conduit. The oral device may be provided as a kit with at least one device for measuring the subject's responses and representing them as feedback to the subject/clinician. A method of creating a gas bolus pulse train, delivering it to a predetermined mouth area, and monitoring the subject's responses to it, is also shown. The oral device and method may be used as a diagnostic tool, or a therapeutic tool, in swallowing or speech rehabilitation of children and adults who have swallowing, speech, salivary, and/or oral sensorimotor impairments.

An oral care appliance (10) having a pump assembly (14) for delivering discrete bursts or shots of liquid. The pump assembly includes a pump housing (36) and an inlet/outlet assembly (38) at a forward end of the housing, including one-way valves (80, 82) in the inlet and outlet openings. A plunger sleeve (44) is positioned within the housing with a central opening (48) in a fluid-tight relationship with the inlet and outlet assembly. A plunger (52) includes a center portion (56), positioned in the central opening of the plunger sleeve in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. The plunger sleeve includes an outer member (54) between the plunger sleeve and the internal surface of the housing. A compressible spring (64) is positioned between a forward end of the outer member of the plunger and the rear end of the housing. A drive mechanism (72) moves the plunger rearwardly, resulting in the plunger sleeve filling with liquid by vacuum action from a reservoir (26) in the appliance, and then releases the plunger, allowing the spring to move the plunger quickly forward, forcing liquid in the plunger sleeve out through the fluid outlet in a direct burst.

An oral care appliance (10) having a pump assembly (14) for delivering discrete bursts or shots of liquid. The pump assembly includes a pump housing (36) and an inlet/outlet assembly (38) at a forward end of the housing, including one-way valves (80, 82) in the inlet and outlet openings. A plunger sleeve (44) is positioned within the housing with a central opening (48) in a fluid-tight relationship with the inlet and outlet assembly. A plunger (52) includes a center portion (56), positioned in the central opening of the plunger sleeve in a fluid-tight relationship therewith. The plunger sleeve includes an outer member (54) between the plunger sleeve and the internal surface of the housing. A compressible spring (64) is positioned between a forward end of the outer member of the plunger and the rear end of the housing. A drive mechanism (72) moves the plunger rearwardly, resulting in the plunger sleeve filling with liquid by vacuum action from a reservoir (26) in the appliance, and then releases the plunger, allowing the spring to move the plunger quickly forward, forcing liquid in the plunger sleeve out through the fluid outlet in a direct burst.

A gum soother with a bristle-less wand, an internal vibrating device, a power supply connected to the internal vibrating device, an on/off switch for activating the internal vibrating device, and a mouth guard connected to the bristle-less wand. The mouth guard can extend at a first angle from the bristle-less wand and a flex neck connected to the bristle-less wand can extend at a second angle from the mouth guard. A hollow membrane-free dual chew tip can be connected to the flex neck, wherein the hollow membrane-free dual chew tip can be configured to sustain a reduced temperature from room temperature of at least 20 degrees Fahrenheit, if needed.

A water flosser is provided that may include a base, a reservoir positioned above the base, a lid, and a handle in fluid communication with the reservoir such as by a hose. The reservoir of the water flosser may include a recess formed in a reservoir wall for receipt of a hose support structure. An input device (e.g., a power button) may be positioned adjacent an upper portion of the water flosser, such as in or adjacent the lid. Actuation of the input device may include application of a force downward toward the base. The water flosser may include a motor having a dual output shaft, with one end of the shaft being associated with a rotary encoder or other sensing device to determine an operational characteristic of the motor. The motor may be driven by a power source such as a rechargeable battery.

A vibrating dental device, including: an elongated handle, wherein the handle further includes a vibrator configured to generate vibrations with at least one desired vibration parameter; an attachment piece connected to the vibrator, wherein an end of the attachment piece is sized and shaped to be placed in contact with a deformable soft tissue of a mouth at a contact site; a driving circuitry within the elongated handle electrically connected to the vibrator, wherein the driving circuitry delivers electricity to the vibrator to vibrate the attachment piece with at least one vibration parameter selected to reduce sensitivity to pain at a different target site from the contact site, while the attachment piece is in contact with the deformable soft tissue at the contact site.

A vibrating dental device, including: an elongated handle, wherein the handle further includes a vibrator configured to generate vibrations with at least one desired vibration parameter; an attachment piece connected to the vibrator, wherein an end of the attachment piece is sized and shaped to be placed in contact with a deformable soft tissue of a mouth at a contact site; a driving circuitry within the elongated handle electrically connected to the vibrator, wherein the driving circuitry delivers electricity to the vibrator to vibrate the attachment piece with at least one vibration parameter selected to reduce sensitivity to pain at a different target site from the contact site, while the attachment piece is in contact with the deformable soft tissue at the contact site.

A non-surgical treatment for receding gums utilizes the fact that tissue responds to continuous controlled mechanical forces with growth. The treatment system includes an impression of the upper and/or lower teeth, including the surrounding existing gums, so that a vacuum can be established within the impression around teeth and gums. Before use, selected portions of the impression are carved out a desired amount to create a location for the expansion and regrowth of the gums. Additionally, one or more channels may be included in the impression for delivery of the vacuum to all areas encompassed by the impression. The treatment system also includes a vacuum source operatively attached to the impression so as to be able to deliver a vacuum to the impression once the impression is place in the patient's mouth over the teeth and gums.

A non-surgical treatment for receding gums utilizes the fact that tissue responds to continuous controlled mechanical forces with growth. The treatment system includes an impression of the upper and/or lower teeth, including the surrounding existing gums, so that a vacuum can be established within the impression around teeth and gums. Before use, selected portions of the impression are carved out a desired amount to create a location for the expansion and regrowth of the gums. Additionally, one or more channels may be included in the impression for delivery of the vacuum to all areas encompassed by the impression. The treatment system also includes a vacuum source operatively attached to the impression so as to be able to deliver a vacuum to the impression once the impression is place in the patient's mouth over the teeth and gums.