DEVICE FOR CLEANING TEETH AND GUMS

Abstract

A cleaning device provides for quick, thorough and pleasant multi-parallel cleaning of teeth and gums through use of a pressurized cleaning liquid, applied to teeth and gums by a cleaning headpiece with a plurality of cleaning nozzles and with optimized and practical geometry as well as readily applicable control of the clean by the user. Sensations of suffocating or drowning, which can be serious detriments and hindrances of prior art devices, are effectively overcome. In a preferred embodiment, teeth are cleaned in two steps, where each step cleans the teeth and gums in just over one side of the user's jaws. The device can simply be extracted, flipped by 180 degrees and reinserted into the mouth between the two steps.

Claims

1. A device for use in cleaning teeth and gums comprising: a headpiece having a liquid entry port, the headpiece having an H cross-sectional shape, the headpiece comprising: an upper segment and a lower segment, the upper and lower segments having adjacent base portions and outwardly extending wall portions defining respective upper and lower channels, the upper and lower channels sized for receipt of sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user; and cleaning nozzles fluidly coupled to the fluid entry port opening into the upper and lower channels capable of dispensing a liquid against sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of the user; and resilient flexures extending from the base portions of the upper and lower segments into the upper and lower channels, the flexures capable of allowing a user to control the position of the user's teeth and gums relatively to the cleaning nozzles.

2. The cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the headpiece further comprises drain openings formed in at least one of the wall portions of each of the upper and lower segments to facilitate draining of dispensed liquid from said headpiece.

3. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the drain openings are created by cutouts in the wall portions, the wall portion having heights with the cutouts extending along at least 50% of the heights.

4. The cleaning device according to claim 2, wherein the drain openings are created by perforations in the wall portions.

5. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning nozzles are positioned to simultaneously direct liquid towards the upper and lower row of teeth and gums.

6. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said resilient flexures comprise closed arc members.

7. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said resilient flexures comprise at least one of open members and bristle members.

8. The cleaning device in claim 1, wherein said headpiece is a J-shaped headpiece sized to accommodate sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user along at least half the user's jaw.

9. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein the base portions comprise flexible members such as to permit relative flexing of the upper and lower segments to change the angle of the wall portions to accommodate upper and lower teeth of the user.

10. The cleaning device according to claim 9, wherein the upper and lower segments each have said liquid entry port to accommodate the relative flexing of the upper and lower segments.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a handle extending from the headpiece, the handle comprising a supply line for passage of a cleaning liquid to the liquid entry port.

12. The cleaning device according to claim 11, wherein said handle contains a sonication actuator element to add sonication to the flow of liquid towards the liquid entry port.

13. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said headpiece comprises first and second J-shaped headpieces pivotally connected at a pivot point, wherein said first and second headpieces can be folded in around said pivot point for insertion into the mouth and unfolded after insertion into the mouth two permit full coverage of the jaws of the user for simultaneous cleaning.

14. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said headpiece comprises bristles extending into the channels to be engageable with teeth and gums of the user.

15. A device for use in cleaning teeth and gums comprising: a headpiece having a liquid entry port, the headpiece having an H cross-sectional shape, the headpiece comprising: an upper segment and a lower segment, the upper and lower segments having adjacent base portions and outwardly extending wall portions defining respective upper and lower channels, the upper and lower channels sized for receipt of sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user; cleaning nozzles fluidly coupled to the fluid entry port opening into the upper and lower channels capable of dispensing a liquid against sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of the user; and drain openings formed in at least one of the wall portions of each of the upper and lower segments to facilitate draining of dispensed liquid from said headpiece.

16. The cleaning device according to claim 15, further comprising: resilient flexures extending from the base portions of the upper and lower segments into the upper and lower channels, the flexures capable of allowing a user to control the position of the user's teeth and gums relatively to the cleaning nozzles; a handle extending from the headpiece, the handle comprising a supply line for passage of a cleaning liquid to the liquid entry port; said handle contains a sonication actuator element to add sonication to the flow of liquid towards the liquid entry port; and wherein: said headpiece comprises a J-shaped headpiece sized to accommodate sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user along at least half the user's jaw.

17. The cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein said headpiece comprises first and second of said J-shaped headpieces pivotally connected at a pivot point, wherein said first and second headpieces can be folded in around said pivot point for insertion into the mouth and unfolded after insertion into the mouth two permit full coverage of the jaws of the user for simultaneous cleaning.

18. The cleaning device according to claim 1, wherein said headpiece arrangement comprises first and second of said headpieces, wherein said headpieces can be alternatingly supplied with pressurized cleaning liquid, wherein said partial headpieces are formed essentially each in mirrored J-shape, each allowing covering approximately at least half the user's jaw, wherein said headpieces are arranged such that the first headpiece can act as an active headpiece when inserted in the user's mouth, whereas the second headpiece can act as a passive headpiece outside the user's mouth.

19. The cleaning device according to claim 1, further comprising a liquid supply coupleable to the liquid entry port having a cleaning position for said headpiece and wherein before or after use the liquid supply can circulate water or cleaning fluid through the headpiece for flushing purposes.

20. A method for cleaning teeth and gums using a cleaning headpiece which addresses a plurality of teeth of a user's jaw simultaneously, wherein said headpiece is rigidly connected to a handle, said headpiece comprising a plurality of fluid cleaning nozzles, resilient flexures, fluid draining capability and a geometry with sufficient gaps between the cleaning headpiece and the user's jaws and wherein the user moves the headpiece's cleaning nozzles relatively up and down with respect to their teeth height by pressing down on flexures and wherein the user moves the headpiece in mesial and distal directions of their teeth by controlling the handle position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The features, nature, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter may become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein:

[0060] FIG. 1 depicts the overall assembly including a supply for pressurized cleaning fluid or water, a feed line to a handle, a handle with controls, a rigid feed line to a headpiece connector and a headpiece assembly, consisting of a letter J-shaped headpiece;

[0061] FIG. 2 is a depiction of a human set of jaws with the upper (maxillary) and the lower (mandibular) teeth;

[0062] FIG. 3 illustrates human jaws with J-shaped cleaning device head applied;

[0063] FIG. 4 depicts an essentially posterior view of a J-shaped cleaning device headpiece, with an essentially letter H-shaped cross section, including cleaning nozzles, flexures, cutouts for draining, a liquid feed line and connector;

[0064] FIG. 5 depicts an essentially anterior view of a J-shaped cleaning device headpiece, with an essentially letter H-shaped cross section, including cleaning nozzles, flexures, cutouts for draining, a liquid feed line and connector;

[0065] FIG. 6 depicts a horizontal cross-sectional view across the J-shaped cleaning device headpiece, showing liquid channels and threads or bores for tightening upper and lower parts of a cleaning headpiece to each other;

[0066] FIG. 7 depicts an internal vertical cross section through the letter J-shaped headpiece, showing horizontal supply channels and taken in a region where vertical supply channels extend through the lingual and facial region and supplying individual nozzles.

[0067] FIG. 8 depicts an internal vertical cross section through the letter J-shaped headpiece, taken near the feed line and showing distribution of cleaning liquid into channels for serving facial and lingual, maxillary and mandibular regions;

[0068] FIG. 9 shows an alternative geometry for a J-shaped headpiece, where drain openings are employed instead of cutouts;

[0069] FIG. 10 shows a J-shaped headpiece, equipped with a clamp holding a suction tube that facilitates draining of spent cleaning liquid;

[0070] FIG. 11 shows an example of a flexure arrangement with open arc flexures or bristles as part of the headpiece;

[0071] FIG. 12 shows a headpiece cross-section, inserted between a user's jaws, with the jaws not pressing down on the flexures;

[0072] FIG. 13 shows a headpiece cross-section, inserted between a user's jaws, with the jaws pressing down on the flexures;

[0073] FIG. 14 shows a handle of a cleaning device, with buttons enabling liquid flow, headpiece rotation and sonication;

[0074] FIG. 15 shows another embodiment of a J-shaped headpiece, with lingual and facial sections connected using compliant bridges;

[0075] FIG. 16 shows a top view of an embodiment of a J-shaped headpiece with lingual and facial sections connected using compliant bridges and with individual feed lines supplying each section, one of the feed lines being rigidly connected to the handle, the other compliantly connected to the handle;

[0076] FIG. 17 shows an example supply station, with a position for resting and cleaning the headpiece between uses;

[0077] FIG. 18 shows a supply option with a connection to a faucet;

[0078] FIG. 19 shows a liquid supply where pressure is applied manually;

[0079] FIG. 20 shows an embodiment where the cleaning headpiece arrangement consists of two letter J-shaped headpieces which are alternatively supplied with cleaning liquid;

[0080] FIG. 21A shows an embodiment where the cleaning headpiece arrangement consists of two foldable letter J-shaped headpieces which are inserted into the mouth in a folded geometry;

[0081] FIG. 21B shows the structure of FIG. 21A in an unfolded state for insertion into the user's mouth to form an overall letter U-shaped headpiece arrangement; and

[0082] FIG. 21C is an enlarged view of a portion of the pivot point of the structure of FIG. 21B.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] FIG. 1 gives and overview of the cleaning device 5. It shows the supply 10 for providing pressurized cleaning liquid to a headpiece 70 via a flexible feed line 15 and handle 25, and an optional flexible electrical connection line 20 to a control handle 25 which is needed if the control handle is not battery operated or sends wired control signals to the supply 10. The handle 25 is depicted with a flow enabling button 30, activated by a user's finger, an indicator light for liquid flow 35, an optional second flow enabling button 40, on the opposite site of said handle, for added shut-off safety, an optional sonication activation button 45 to add sonic or ultrasonic activity to the cleaning liquid or the headpiece 70. Additionally, an optional headpiece flip button 50 is depicted, which serves to flip the headpiece by 180 degrees for insertion into the other side of the jaws. The handle is depicted with a rigid supply line 55 for cleaning liquid from the handle to the easy-exchange headpiece connector 60. Headpiece main liquid feed line 65 is rigidly connected to the headpiece connector 60 and is an integral part of the headpiece 70. Beyond the entry port 75 for cleaning liquid into the headpiece 70, the cleaning liquid is distributed via a manifold 80 (shown in FIG. 6) into liquid supply or distribution channels within the headpiece 70 as described below. The headpiece consists of a facial region or segment 85 and a lingual region or segment 90, each containing a plurality of cleaning nozzles also described below.

[0084] Push-buttons on the handle are placed in ergonomically suitable positions. At least one push button 30 operates a normally closed valve or opener which enables the flow of water through the tubing and into the cleaning device head. This enables immediate control of the users to cause a shut-off of liquid flow to the mouth, should an excess amount of liquid be felt. Optionally and for redundancy, a second flow enabling push-button 40 can operate a second normally opened valve. Since any even temporary oversupply of cleaning liquid to the user's mouth is one of the main occurrences to avoid, such redundancy may be very desired or deemed necessary.

[0085] The easy-exchange headpiece connector 60 is very advantageous for providing replacement headpieces, to switch quickly between users or even to use a different headpiece between left and right portion of the jaws. Several simple attachment mechanisms, such as a thread or a turn screw or turn screw with spring loading or a snapping clamp are envisioned for the connection.

[0086] For use of both sides, several ways are envisioned: the first is that the device and handle are just rotated 180 degrees and inserted to the mouth and cover the other side of the jaw (left, then right or vice versa). It is also envisioned that instead, a J-shaped cleaning device head is exchanged from a left-side fitted to a right-side fitted cleaning device head. Said exchange is facilitated by using a simple attachment exchange mechanism, such as the turn screw or similar, as suggested. It is also envisioned that a mechanism be placed within the handle 25 which rotates the headpiece by 180 degrees when outside of the user's mouth and said mechanism is activated by an optional headpiece flip button 50 on the handle.

[0087] In addition, it is envisioned to add sonic energy to the device, by using an optional sonication activation button 45, which can be part of the handle 25 or of the main supply and control unit 10. Especially but not solely if the headpiece contains bristles in addition to dispense nozzles such added sonication can be useful to enhance the cleaning result. Sonication to augment dental cleaning can be implemented in several ways. Sonic or ultrasonic transducers that are in contact with water can generate micro-bubbles that support cleaning action. This can be done either at a liquid reservoir or supply 10 or as fluid passes through the handle 25, or by vibrating the headpiece 70 at sonic frequency. With headpiece 70 and handle 25 sufficiently rigidly connected, sonic energy can be translated from handle to headpiece and generate small but fast sweeping motions of the fluid jets that are directed towards the teeth via cleaning nozzles.

[0088] FIG. 2 shows a set of human jaws 515, with left and right, maxillary 520 and mandibular 525 anterior 530 and posterior 535 teeth, with neck and gum regions 540, crown regions 545, interdental gap regions 550 and with facial 555 or lingual 560 as well as mesial 565 and distal 570 tooth surfaces.

[0089] FIG. 3 shows a letter J-shaped cleaning device headpiece 70, with an H-shaped cross-section, placed within a set of human jaws 515. It is to be noted that the cleaning device headpiece 70 extends just beyond the centerline of the anterior teeth and just beyond the last posterior tooth. This assures that as the device cleaning head is flipped by 180 degrees for the second cleaning step, in summary all anterior and posterior teeth are overall properly addressed for cleaning. Said device concept is of course also applicable to the cleaning of animal teeth, with suitable cleaning device headpieces.

[0090] FIG. 4 shows a letter J-shaped cleaning headpiece 70. For manufacturing ease, especially in the case of injection molding and to enable the formation of internal liquid distribution channels at low cost, it is envisioned to have said headpiece 70 be comprised of an upper segment 72, a lower segment 74 and a seam region 73 where upper and lower segment are joined together. Joining of said segments can be added by fasteners such as rivets, threads or bolts or adhesives, sealing of said seam region can be aided using adhesives such as glue or using a gasket sheet to be compressed using said fasteners.

[0091] Cleaning liquid enters the headpiece 70 through a main liquid feed line 65 at entry port 75. The liquid is distributed into channels (see FIGS. 6-8) and distributed horizontally along the headpiece and then vertically to a plurality of cleaning nozzles, from the anterior region cleaning nozzles 95 to the posterior region cleaning nozzles 100. Cleaning nozzles 210 can be positioned to address tooth neck and gum region and interdental gap regions, cleaning nozzles 215 can be positioned to address lower tooth crown region and interdental gap region, while cleaning nozzles 220 can be positioned to address tooth crown region and interdental gap regions. Nozzles are implemented within the facial segment 85 of the headpiece 70 for cleaning from the facial side, while other nozzles are implemented within the lingual segment 90 of the headpiece 70 for cleaning from the lingual side. For optimized draining of dispensed liquid after impinging, it is advantageous to provide cutouts 285, 290 within the headpiece 70, on the facial side or on the lingual side or on both sides. For good sustained mechanical impingement of the fluid from the nozzles onto teeth and gum areas, it is preferable for cutouts 285, 290 to extend down a good amount, for instance more than 50% from the top of the wall portion height to the base of the headpiece.

[0092] The cross-section 295 of the headpiece 70 represents an approximate H-shape, where it is to be noted that the lateral gap in the anterior region 300 and the lateral gap in the posterior region 305 do not need to be equal. The lateral gap in the anterior region, when designed large enough to leave space between anterior teeth and the facial and lingual sidewalls of the headpiece is readily seen to facilitate movement of the whole headpiece towards the anterior and posterior, so that the cleaning nozzles can be laterally placed in desired positions during the cleaning. Preferably the distance between cleaning nozzles is smaller than the gap in the anterior region 300, so that in principle every position of teeth and gums can be directly accessed by a cleaning nozzle.

[0093] Vertical control of the cleaning nozzle height with respect to the user's teeth and gum is facilitated by a set of suitably compliant flexures 225. As the user's teeth compress the flexures, good control of the cleaning nozzle height with respect to teeth and gum height is readily exercised. The flexure 225 depicted in FIG. 4 is a closed arc flexure, which has essentially two connections to the body of the headpiece 70. Several embodiments of flexures are envisioned, all with the goal of giving the user good and compliant control for positioning the cleaning nozzles that are integrated into the substantially rigid headpiece 70 with respect to desired tooth and gum regions; FIGS. 4 and 9 show closed arc flexures, while FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 show open arc flexures, to show just two examples. Open arced flexures can be devised as only anchored on one side and thus having more the shapes of bristles, albeit bristles whose tips do not necessarily point towards teeth. Said single side anchored flexures can be thought of as cantilevers. Having such cantilevered flexures enables in general a larger vertical range for the headpiece for the same cantilever (or flexure) length when compared with a closed arc flexure.

[0094] Overall, the design features of headpiece 70, with flexures, draining holes or cutouts, as well as with rigid coupling to the handle 25 and sufficient gap between the walls of the headpiece and teeth and gums enable significant cleaning advantages. The user can precisely and conveniently position the cleaning nozzles to address desired positions, while at the same time, the relative movability of said nozzles with respect to teeth and gums allows a headpiece design with an optimized number of nozzles, low enough to prevent flooding of the device and mouth which would render nozzles ineffective, yet high enough to enable drastic time savings for teeth and gum cleaning, due to multiple parallel action.

[0095] It should be noted that for an optimized injection molding process for manufacturing said cleaning headpiece, the components of said cleaning headpiece preferably have all inner and outer sidewalls with angles opened somewhat towards the direction of removal of the injection molding tools after the injection molding process. This holds for outer sidewalls, as well as for channels, both horizontal as well as essentially vertical supply channels within the headpiece. Such angles are not necessarily depicted in the drawings across this disclosure but are considered covered as part of this disclosure and their necessity is readily understood by someone with knowledge in the art of injection molding. In addition, it should be noted that all edges of said headpiece 70 are designed with radii or bevels to achieve maximum comfort for the user. Also, for human jaws, the height of the H-shaped cross-section in the anterior region of the headpiece is preferably designed to be taller than in the posterior region, thereby conforming to normal dental anatomy.

[0096] FIG. 5 represents the headpiece 70 from FIG. 4 in an essentially anterior view. The liquid carrying channel in the feed line 65, entering the headpiece main body at the entry port 75 is depicted. The thread or flange 150 for quick exchange of the headpiece is also shown.

[0097] FIG. 6 represents a horizontal cross-section through the headpiece 70, taken close to the center height of the headpiece, close to the potential seam region 73. Cleaning liquid enters the headpiece 70 via the main liquid feed line 65 at port 75 and is distributed via liquid distribution manifold 80 into the horizontal distribution channels, here depicted as outer horizontal facial liquid distribution channel 105, inner horizontal facial liquid distribution channel 110, outer horizontal lingual liquid distribution channel 115 and inner horizontal lingual liquid distribution channel 120. From the horizontal distribution channels, the liquid gets further distributed into the individual vertical distribution channels 505 via a connection 165 and to the individual nozzles. Horizontal distribution channels may contain pressure and flow balancing orifices or connections, on the facial side 125 and on the lingual side 130. The channel geometry depicted is an example of a geometry that is suited for desired pressure and flow strength and uniformity tuning, as well as for manufacturability. The distribution channels shown here have essentially a loop geometry. This is to reduce the effect of loss of flow going from anterior to posterior teeth that one may otherwise see. Alternatively, the connections between anterior vertical channels to the horizontal channels can be laid out smaller than the between posterior vertical channels to the horizontal channels to also mitigate the effect of pressure and flow loss. Also depicted in the figure are threads or bores 135 for connecting the upper section of the headpiece to the lower section of the headpiece, as well as an example screw, rivet or dowel pin 145 for securing this connection.

[0098] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of the headpiece 70 in the region where vertical connection channels 505 connect the liquid to the individual nozzles 210 (gum, neck and gap region), 215 (lower crown and gap region) and 220 (crown and gap region). Connecting channels 165 from the horizontal channels 105, 110, 115, 120, lead to the vertical channels and/or directly to individual cleaning nozzles. A thread or bore 135 to connect upper section 72 with lower section 74 of the headpiece 70. In this view, the connecting region 73 between upper and lower section of the headpiece is shown to be comprised of a gasket or finite thickness adhesive or glue film or glue layer 140.

[0099] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section of the headpiece 70 in the region where the main liquid feed line 65 enters the headpiece at entry port 75. Within the cross-section 295 a liquid distribution manifold 80 is shown which distributes the liquid into facial and lingual liquid channels within the headpiece. This cross-section also teaches how the headpiece can be manufactured from an upper section 72 and a lower section 74 which are joined and sealed in a seam region 73. Said seam region 73 can optionally contain a gasket sheet or an adhesive or glue layer 140. Angles used should be less than 90 degrees if the use of injection molding as manufacturing technique is desired.

[0100] FIG. 9 shows a variation of a cleaning headpiece where the cutouts 285 shown in FIG. 5 are replaced by draining holes 275 and 280, in the facial and lingual sections, respectively, of the headpiece 70. While the use of drainage holes may require subtractive machining compared to injection molding for cutouts, the structure may lend more rigidity to the headpiece 70. Said draining holes, but also the drainage cutouts 285 and 290 as depicted in FIG. 4, preferably towards the facial and specifically labial part of the cleaning device help with quickly draining the cleaning fluid from the mouth to avoid excess fluid in the mouth. The density, size and number of said draining holes or cutouts can be optimized for good drainage as well as suitable dwell time of the cleaning solution close to the teeth where needed. For instance, a setup where only water is used may require less or no dwell time, thereby benefitting from more and/or larger holes, whereas a setup with significant cleaning fluid action may benefit from extended dwell time of said cleaning fluid in the vicinity of the teeth and gums to be cleaned. For best drainage, the perforations can be maximized while retaining mechanical stability of the cleaning device head. The drainage holes or in general the drainage geometry should be chosen large enough to enable draining of material and debris that is loosened from teeth, gums and crevices by the cleaning action of the nozzles and the cleaning fluid.

[0101] FIG. 10 shows an optional embodiment of the cleaning headpiece 70 with a clamp or holder 155 attached to hold an optional suction line 160 for dispensed cleaning liquid. Such addition of a suction line is seen mainly as advantageous when the cleaning is being carried out by caregivers, for instance to serve elderly or disabled people. Otherwise it is expected that the draining of dispensed cleaning liquid is most readily achieved by the user through the help of gravity and using the device in immediate proximity to a sink.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows a rigid headpiece 70 with compliant open arc flexures or bristles 230. Such open arc flexures can be compressed simply by the user pressing down on the headpiece 70 and thus direct cleaning nozzles along desired heights to address gums, teeth necks, crowns or interdental gaps for cleaning.

[0103] FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show, with the example of open arced flexures or bristles, how the user, with relaxed maxillary and mandibular jaws 255 and 265, respectively, or compressed maxillary or mandibular jaws 260 and 270, respectively, can manipulate the position of the nozzles of the headpiece 70 with respect to the heights of nozzles to address gums, teeth necks, crowns or interdental gaps by having said flexures relaxed or open 245 or compressed or clamped 250 depending on the bite force exerted by the user's jaws against the headpiece 70.

[0104] FIG. 14 shows how a handle 25 to control said cleaning headpiece 70 can be designed. Indicator lights 35, preferably LED's, can be used to inform the user of the status of the device. It is seen as advantageous to have a push-button 30 on the handle enable the pressurized liquid flow to the headpiece. If desired, a secondary, independent button 40, can be implemented on the same handle to insure immediate turn-off of pressurized water supply to the headpiece when released. If the device is to have sonication to enhance the cleaning effect, an additional push-button 45 may enable this. Additionally, a push-button 50 may serve to provide convenient rotation of the headpiece 70 by 180 degrees without rotating the handle. This way, the user can conveniently retain their hand position when cleaning the other half of his or her jaws after rotating the headpiece.

[0105] FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a cleaning headpiece which is essentially divided into a facial segment 85 and a lingual segment 90, connected via flexible bridges 320. Horizontal distribution channels 310 and 315 run within each segment, leaving substantial space for draining between the bridges 320 through the center. Facial segment 85 and lingual segment 90 can move against each other to accommodate difference between upper and lower jaw of the user.

[0106] FIG. 16 shows the embodiment introduced in FIG. 15, but from a top view. As in previously described embodiments, flexures 325 can be employed to conveniently and precisely position the headpiece 70 and its nozzles with respect to teeth and gums. It is to be noted that in order to enable effective movement of facial and lingual segment of the headpiece against each other, it is advantageous to have two feed lines 335 and 340 to facial and lingual segment, respectively, wherein one of the lines is connected rigidly to the handle, whereas the other is connected sufficiently compliant to enable flexible movement of facial and lingual cleaning headpiece segment against each other. The pressurized liquid flow from the supply is preferably distributed to each segment within the handle 25.

[0107] FIG. 17 depicts the concept of a main supply station 10 for the cleaning device, showing the cleaning device in a holder for resting and rinsing 195, with the handle clamped in place using a clamp 200, which optionally enables liquid flow through the headpiece 70 while in the resting and rinsing position and tank 205. The supply pump 355 is also depicted, together with a liquid supply tank or reservoir 350, which optionally can be removed or optionally can be automatically filled with a liquid. Said supply tank supplies the pressure pump via feed line 360. Control button 365 turns on the pump, button or dial 370 controls the pump function and pressure or flow, while control dial 375 determines cleaning cycles for the device. Alternative controller setups or layouts, including menu driven options, are also envisioned.

[0108] FIG. 18 depicts a setup to use liquid directly from a faucet 390. The fluid line 385 is connected to said faucet by a sealable faucet connection 380 and can fill the reservoir 350, depicted in FIG. 17, or directly provide pressurized liquid to the handle 25, depicted in FIG. 1.

[0109] FIG. 19 shows a simple arrangement where instead of a pump 355, as depicted in FIG. 17, the pressurizing of the liquid is achieved via a hand-compressible fluid reservoir 460, which can serve as a handle as well, with check valves 470, 465 from the fluid supply 10 and to the cleaning device headpiece 70. Outlines 485 and 490 illustrate the manually compressible reservoir 460 in a relaxed and in a compressed position, respectively. Said check valves operate in the following manner: during compression of the vessel, the check valve to the cleaning device headpiece 465 is open and the check valve to the supply tubing line or fill port 470 is closed. During expansion (relaxation) of the compressible vessel, the check valve to the cleaning device headpiece 465 is closed and the check valve to the filling line or filling port 470 is open. Instead of check valves which operate upon pressurization, it is also possible to add ergonomically placed switch buttons to the compression handle.

[0110] FIG. 20 shows opposing letter J-shaped cleaning device headpieces 400 and 405, which get used and inserted sequentially in the mouth. For this arrangement, a 3-way Left-Off-Right toggle switch 395 is employed as part of a handle 410 which is supplied with one liquid feed line 15 and alternatingly supplies dual feed lines to the headpieces. 400 and 405, which are each attached by an easy-exchange headpiece connector 60.

[0111] FIG. 21 shows a cleaning headpiece arrangement with foldable and un-foldable double J left and right headpieces 400 and 405, respectively. The arrangement serves to more easily induce and extract the cleaning device headpieces into the mouth and from the mouth, respectively. During the cleaning, the double J arrangement is widened up to form essentially a U-shaped cleaning device headpiece which then addresses both the left and the right part of the jaw, either at the same time or sequentially, if a 3-way toggle switch 395 akin to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 20 is implemented.

[0112] FIG. 21A shows the device folded together 425 for insertion into or retraction from the mouth. It shows the individual fluid feed lines 440 to each headpiece. Also shown is a pivot point 435 around which the two headpieces 400 and 405 are rotated during the folding and unfolding. The device is controlled by a handle 25 and fed pressurized cleaning liquid through a feed line 15. In the anterior region of the jaw, headpiece 400 covers cleaning of mandibular teeth and is thus reduced in height in region 450, whereas headpiece 405 covers cleaning of maxillary teeth and is thus reduced in height in region 445. This complementary reduction in height in the anterior region allows for the two headpieces 400 and 405 to be pivoted and folded towards each other for insertion into the user's mouth.

[0113] FIG. 21B shows the device in the unfolded shape which is used during the cleaning cycle. Left and right headpiece 400 and 405, respectively, form an essentially U-shaped combined headpiece 430 to address all teeth in the user's jaws.

[0114] It is advantageous to have a pivoting point outside of the mouth, in front of the anterior teeth.

[0115] FIG. 21C shows a detail how the two J-shaped headpieces 400 and 405 can overlap for best functionality. For instance, for the central anterior teeth it can be advantageous that one half (e.g. the right J) addresses the cleaning of the maxillary anterior teeth, position 445, while the other half (e.g. the left J) addresses the cleaning of the mandibular anterior teeth, position 450. In the anterior region of the jaw, headpiece 400 covers cleaning of mandibular teeth and is thus reduced in height in region 450, whereas headpiece 405 covers cleaning of maxillary teeth and is thus reduced in height in region 445. This complementary reduction in height in the anterior region allows for the two headpieces 400 and 405 to be pivoted and folded towards each other for insertion into the user's mouth.

[0116] The folding and unfolding of the arrangement is accomplished preferably by a simple push-button or switch-button operation on the cleaning device handle. Preferably a spring-loaded design is implemented which, when the push-button or switch-button is not engaged, relaxes the two J-shaped cleaning device heads into essentially a U-shaped cleaning device headpiece. For that, preferably the single tube required to bring water to the device is split into two lines within or close to the handle 25, to allow for this flexible arrangement. To a certain extent, such an arrangement can also be utilized to adapt to jaws of different widths, either by having the push button partially engaged to establish different opening angles, or by providing adjustable end positions of the two J-shaped cleaning devices. The arrangement benefits, in terms of simplicity, from having separate fluid feed lines for the left and right J-shaped cleaning device heads. This way, the feed lines can be more readily separated physically from the pivot point.

[0117] In much the same way that fluid can be guided to the teeth it is also envisioned that light, e.g. by means of light guiding fibers can be guided towards the teeth, with the exception that instead of a water pressure provider such a pump, there needs to be at least one central remote light source which is guided through the fiber. Alternatively, an array of small local LED's as part of the cleaning device head can be used, so that instead of a light fiber, electrical connection is made through properly encased wires. A combination of water and light is also possible.

[0118] For all of the above, the geometrical aspects are still viable, including providing a foldable insertion mechanism into the user's mouth.

[0119] It is to be noted that while all descriptions allude to a user cleaning their own teeth and gums, it is equally applicable to a caregiver or parent for cleaning teeth and gums of for instance a patient or a child.

[0120] The following clauses describe aspects of various examples of the technology disclosed.

[0121] 1. A device for use in cleaning teeth and gums comprising: a headpiece having a liquid entry port, the headpiece having an H cross-sectional shape, the headpiece comprising: [0122] an upper segment and a lower segment, the upper and lower segments having adjacent base portions and outwardly extending wall portions defining respective upper and lower channels, the upper and lower channels sized for receipt of sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user; and [0123] cleaning nozzles fluidly coupled to the fluid entry port opening into the upper and lower channels capable of dispensing a liquid against sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of the user; and [0124] resilient flexures extending from the base portions of the upper and lower segments into the upper and lower channels, the flexures capable of allowing a user to control the position of the user's teeth and gums relatively to the cleaning nozzles.

[0125] 2. The cleaning device according to clause 1 wherein the headpiece further comprises drain openings formed in at least one of the wall portions of each of the upper and lower segments to facilitate draining of dispensed liquid from said headpiece.

[0126] 3. The cleaning device according to clause 2, wherein the drain openings are created by cutouts in the wall portions, the wall portion having heights with the cutouts extending along at least 50% of the heights.

[0127] 4. The cleaning device according to clause 2, wherein the drain openings are created by perforations in the wall portions.

[0128] 5. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-4, wherein the cleaning nozzles are positioned to simultaneously direct liquid towards the upper and lower row of teeth and gums.

[0129] 6. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein said resilient flexures comprise closed arc members.

[0130] 7. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-5, wherein said resilient flexures comprise at least one of open members and bristle members.

[0131] 8. The cleaning device in any of clauses 1-7, wherein said headpiece is a J-shaped headpiece sized to accommodate sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user along at least half the user's jaw.

[0132] 9. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-8, wherein the base portions comprise flexible members such as to permit relative flexing of the upper and lower segments to change the angle of the wall portions to accommodate upper and lower teeth of the user.

[0133] 10. The cleaning device according to clause 9, wherein the upper and lower segments each have said liquid entry port to accommodate the relative flexing of the upper and lower segments.

[0134] 11. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-10, further comprising a handle extending from the headpiece, the handle comprising a supply line for passage of a cleaning liquid to the liquid entry port.

[0135] 12. The cleaning device according to clause 11, wherein said handle contains a sonication actuator element to add sonication to the flow of liquid towards the liquid entry port.

[0136] 13. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-12, wherein said headpiece comprises first and second J-shaped headpieces pivotally connected at a pivot point, wherein said first and second headpieces can be folded in around said pivot point for insertion into the mouth and unfolded after insertion into the mouth two permit full coverage of the jaws of the user for simultaneous cleaning.

[0137] 14. The cleaning device according to any of clauses 1-13, wherein said headpiece comprises bristles extending into the channels to be engageable with teeth and gums of the user.

[0138] 15. A device for use in cleaning teeth and gums comprising: [0139] a headpiece having a liquid entry port, the headpiece having an H cross-sectional shape, the headpiece comprising: [0140] an upper segment and a lower segment, the upper and lower segments having adjacent base portions and outwardly extending wall portions defining respective upper and lower channels, the upper and lower channels sized for receipt of sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user; [0141] cleaning nozzles fluidly coupled to the fluid entry port opening into the upper and lower channels capable of dispensing a liquid against sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of the user; and [0142] drain openings formed in at least one of the wall portions of each of the upper and lower segments to facilitate draining of dispensed liquid from said headpiece.

[0143] 16. The cleaning device according to clause 15, further comprising: [0144] resilient flexures extending from the base portions of the upper and lower segments into the upper and lower channels, the flexures capable of allowing a user to control the position of the user's teeth and gums relatively to the cleaning nozzles; [0145] a handle extending from the headpiece, the handle comprising a supply line for passage of a cleaning liquid to the liquid entry port; [0146] said handle contains a sonication actuator element to add sonication to the flow of liquid towards the liquid entry port; and wherein: [0147] said headpiece comprises a J-shaped headpiece sized to accommodate sections of upper and lower teeth and gums of a user along at least half the user's jaw.

[0148] 17. The cleaning device according to clause 16, wherein said headpiece comprises first and second of said J-shaped headpieces pivotally connected at a pivot point, wherein said first and second headpieces can be folded in around said pivot point for insertion into the mouth and unfolded after insertion into the mouth two permit full coverage of the jaws of the user for simultaneous cleaning.

[0149] 18. The cleaning device according to clause 1, wherein said headpiece arrangement comprises first and second of said headpieces, [0150] wherein said headpieces can be alternatingly supplied with pressurized cleaning liquid, wherein said partial headpieces are formed essentially each in mirrored J-shape, each allowing covering approximately at least half the user's jaw, [0151] wherein said headpieces are arranged such that the first headpiece can act as an active headpiece when inserted in the user's mouth, whereas the second headpiece can act as a passive headpiece outside the user's mouth.

[0152] 19. The cleaning device according to clause 1, further comprising a liquid supply coupleable to the liquid entry port having a cleaning position for said headpiece and wherein before or after use the liquid supply can circulate water or cleaning fluid through the headpiece for flushing purposes.

[0153] 20. A method for cleaning teeth and gums using a cleaning headpiece which addresses a plurality of teeth of a user's jaw simultaneously, wherein said headpiece is rigidly connected to a handle, said headpiece comprising a plurality of fluid cleaning nozzles, resilient flexures, fluid draining capability and a geometry with sufficient gaps between the cleaning headpiece and the user's jaws and wherein the user moves the headpiece's cleaning nozzles relatively up and down with respect to their teeth height by pressing down on flexures and wherein the user moves the headpiece in mesial and distal directions of their teeth by controlling the handle position.