Disposable toothbrush

Abstract

A toothbrush is provided which avoids the use of a rigid handle. The toothbrush utilizes a brushing element mounted on a sheath that fits over the tip of a user's finger. The brushing element may include a plurality of bristles projecting outwardly from a stiff base which holds the bristles so as to extend away from the finger of a user. The bristles therefore will not collapse against the sheath, but can be used to dislodge food particles from between the teeth. An alternative brushing element may take the form of a brush pad formed as a unitary structure from a resilient, water impervious material and having a multiplicity of protuberances that project therefrom outwardly away from the prophylactic rubber sheath mounted on the user's fingers. The protuberances aid in dislodging food. A stiff rubber pick may also be mounted on the sheath, either projecting from the center of the brush pad, or at a laterally spaced location therefrom. In still another embodiment the brushing element is formed as a brush pad constructed of a moisture absorbent material, such as felt or reticulating foam. The moisture absorbent brush pad may be impregnated with a dental hygienic substance such as a mouthwash or a dentifrice.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.