Toothbrush With Multi-Tiered Bristles

Abstract

Toothbrush comprising a plurality of multi-action bristles which enable the cleaning between the teeth and on the surfaces of the teeth. Certain of the bristles are longer than others, enabling them to reach into small but deep crevices on the surface of the tooth, and between teeth. Certain of the bristles are harder than others, enabling the effective cleaning of the tooth by removing stubborn debris that would remain were the bristles too soft. The bristles can be provided in spaced arrays, and a single filament attached to the head of the toothbrush at a point intermediate its length can be used to form a longer and a shorter bristle extending orthogonally from the head. Reduction or elimination of bacteria residing on the toothbrush is achieved by incorporating in the bristles or filaments making up the bristles one or more antimicrobial agents, such as nanosilver.

1 . A toothbrush, comprising an elongated handle and a head, said head having a surface comprising a first plurality of bristles extending therefrom, each said bristle comprising a filament having a length defined by a first end and a second end, wherein said second end is tapered relative to said first end, and wherein each said filament is secured to said head at a point along said length intermediate said first and second ends, such that said first and second ends extend above said surface, and such that said second end extends above said surface a distance greater than said first end. 
     
     
         2 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein each said filament has the same length. 
     
     
         3 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein each said filament is secured to said head below said surface of said head. 
     
     
         4 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , further comprising a second plurality of bristles comprised of filaments having a length different from said filaments of said first plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         5 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , further comprising a third plurality of bristles comprised of filaments having a length different from said filaments of said first and second plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         6 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said filaments have antimicrobial activity. 
     
     
         7 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said filaments are impregnated with antimicrobial metal ions. 
     
     
         8 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said filaments are impregnated with nanosilver particles. 
     
     
         9 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said elongated handle is made from polylactic acid. 
     
     
         10 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said tapered filaments are about 1 micrometer at the tapered end. 
     
     
         11 . The toothbrush of  claim 1 , wherein said tapered filaments are fit within a powered toothbrush head.