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US 2006/0141421 A1Published application
System and method for detecting substances related to oral health
AssigneeKimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
InventorsLaura Braunecker, Eric Wagner, John MacDonald
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to a low cost and portable system and method for detecting substances related to oral health. In one example embodiment, the system includes a sensor that is incorporated into an oral healthcare device (e.g., a toothbrush). The sensor detects bacterial and/or chemical levels that are within a mouth in order to provide an indication as to the presence of oral malodor and/or bacteria within the mouth.
Claims39
A system comprising:
- a body that includes a handle and a head attached to the handle, the head being detachable from the handle;
- and
- a sensor attached to the body, the sensor being adapted to detect a substance that influences oral health when the system is placed near a mouth.
(canceled)
A method comprising:
- placing a system near a mouth, the system including a body having a handle and a head that is attached to the handle, the system further including a sensor that is attached to the body, wherein the head includes bristles such that placing the system near the mouth includes brushing teeth within the mouth using the bristles;
- and
- detecting the presence of a substance that influences oral health using the system.
14-15. (canceled)
A system comprising:
- a finger glove;
- and
- a sensor attached to the finger glove, the sensor being adapted to detect a substance that influences oral health when the finger glove is placed in a mouth.
A method comprising:
- placing a system near a mouth, the system including a finger glove and a sensor that is attached to the finger glove;
- and
- detecting the presence of a substance that influences oral health using the system.
A system comprising:
- a dental implement;
- and
- a sensor attached to the dental implement, the sensor being adapted to detect a substance that influences oral health when the system is placed within a mouth, wherein the sensor changes color as the sensor detects the substance that influences oral health.
(canceled)
A method comprising:
- placing a system within a mouth, the system including a dental implement and a sensor that is attached to the dental implement such that placing the system within the mouth includes engaging the dental implement with teeth within the mouth;
- and
- detecting the presence of a substance that influences oral health using the system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.