Dental device

Abstract

The present invention provides a dental device preferably for infants and small children. A dental device in accordance with the present invention includes a handle portion and a head portion joined by a joinder. The head portion includes a plurality of projections and a plurality of bristle bunches. In one embodiment, the plurality of projections encircle a core in an about 190 to about 280 degree circumference and the plurality of bristle bunches encircle a core in an about 190 to about 80 degree circumference. In another embodiment, the plurality of projections encircle a core in a plurality of alternating segments interspaced with the plurality of bristle bunches. The plurality of projections can include, but are not limited to a plurality of raised wave-shaped projections, a plurality of circular disks, a plurality of circular grooves, a plurality of ribs, a plurality of spikes and combinations thereof.

1 . A dental device comprising: 
 a handle portion; and    a head portion, the head portion comprising a plurality of projections and a plurality of bristle bunches.    
   
   
       2 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the handle portion is comprised of rigid or semi-rigid material.  
   
   
       3 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the head portion includes a small rigid or semi-rigid core in the center.  
   
   
       4 . The dental device of  claim 6  further wherein the core is comprised of an extension of the handle portion.  
   
   
       5 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections encircle a core in an about 190 to about 280 degree circumference and the plurality of bristle bunches encircle a core in an about 190 to about 80 degree circumference  
   
   
       6 . The dental device of  claim 5  further wherein the plurality of projections encircle a core in an about 270 degree circumference and the plurality of bristle bunches encircle a core in an about 90 degree circumference.  
   
   
       7 . The dental device of  claim 5  further wherein the plurality of projections encircle a core in an about 200 degree circumference and the plurality of bristle bunches encircle a core in an about 160 degree circumference.  
   
   
       8 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections encircle a core in a plurality of alternating segments interspaced with the plurality of bristle bunches.  
   
   
       9 . The dental device of  claim 8  further wherein the plurality of alternating segments comprise three segments of approximately 110 degrees alternating with three rows comprising the plurality of bristle bunches.  
   
   
       10 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of raised wave-shaped projections.  
   
   
       11 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of circular disks.  
   
   
       12 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of circular grooves.  
   
   
       13 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of ribs.  
   
   
       14 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the plurality of projections comprise a plurality of spikes.  
   
   
       15 . The dental device of  claim 1  further wherein the handle portion includes a raised area on which the adult user can place his or her thumb.  
   
   
       16 . The dental device of  claim 15  further wherein the raised area is positioned to approximate the correct distance to the back molars of the mouth of an infant or small child.