FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable smart dental apparatus for the detection of dental caries, gum diseases and oral hygiene. More particularly, the invention relates to a smart dental apparatus utilizing luminosity sensor(s) for optically measuring the tooth decay, gum diseases and oral hygiene or problems alike.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dental caries, or tooth decay, is a pathological process of destruction of tooth structure by oral microorganisms, which can lead to tooth loss if it remains untreated. In coronal caries, lesions begin in the enamel and cause demineralization of the enamel. This demineralization results in chalky or“white spot” lesions visible as caries occurring on enamel surfaces which changes the scattering properties of the enamel. If the carious lesion is detected before it reaches the dentin, re-mineralization is still possible. After the carious lesion has reached dentin and inflammation of the pulp occurs, a filling is required. Restorative dentistry is most effective when the progression of caries is detected early before it reaches the dentin. Similarly, detecting gum diseases and assessment of oral hygiene in accurate manner is also challenging as the standardized protocols are based mainly on factors that vary from subject to subject. Historically, visual diagnosis of dental caries has been undertaken by dental professionals. Current techniques for diagnosing caries are visual inspection, mechanical probing with a sharp dental explorer, and radiographic imaging. The tooth can be tactilely and visually explored to determine the presence of indicators of tooth decay such as surface irregularities, crevices, or discoloration. However, the practice of probing all accessible tooth surfaces with a sharp explorer is coming under increased scrutiny since it can further damage already weakened enamel and may also cause cross- contamination. As tooth decay primarily affects the region of calcium below the tooth surface, detection of caries before significant damage is very difficult without a qualified help. Radiography is the most preferred method for detection of cavities, since it provides an integrated view of tooth structure. However, the sensitivity of radiographic systems is limited since radiographs are two dimensional; precisely locating the position of such decay is impossible. Moreover, due to the orientation of the x-ray imaging, only interproximal lesions (between the teeth) are easily detected, while early occlusal lesions (top of the tooth), are difficult to detect. In addition, radiography uses harmful ionizing radiation which has its own sets of complications.

More recently, mechanical, radiographic, and electric probes have been utilized for such purposes as well. Despite the potential for clear visual identification of affected areas, in certain situations caries are not easily discoverable. For instance, decay on the approximal surface of a tooth resulting from plaque on the inter-dental spaces may not be detected by simple visual actions, or, for that matter, through mechanical probing and prodding of a subject tooth, since the approximal surfaces may not be easily seen nor easily reached by a probe.

For assessing extent of gum diseases and oral hygiene, in general visual diagnosis correlated with symptoms reported by the patient are major modes of diagnosis. WO201497135 discloses a dental apparatus which include a handle and a controller operably couples to the housing. A subsystem is in operable communication with the controller and configured to generate an excitation signal causing an emitted fluorescence light to be reflected back to the subsystem and to the controller for analyzing one or more properties of the emitted fluorescence light. The one or more properties corresponding to a decay time of the emitted fluorescence light, wherein plaque emitted florescence light decays faster than tooth emitted florescence light. The controller is programmed to analyze detected emitted fluorescence light to determine if the emitted fluorescence light is indicative of a plaque emitted fluorescence decay time or tooth emitted florescence light decay time to detect the presence of one of dental plaque and tooth demineralization. The main drawback of this invention is that it is dependent on visual examination and in certain situations, caries are no clearly visible. There is no indication of status of teeth which enables the user to understand the status of teeth and take corrective action. Therefore, this invention is not self-analyzing the status of teeth and the patient has to refer a professional for consultation using this apparatus.

WO201497238 discloses an apparatus which is configured such that passage of a fluid through an open port of a distal probe tip enables detection of a substance that may be present on a surface like a surface of a tooth, based on measurement of a signal correlating to a substance at least partially obstructing the passage of fluid through the open port .The apparatus includes a proximal pump portion and at least one distal probe portion configured to be immersed in another fluid e.g., water in toothpaste foam. A method of detecting the presence of a substance on a surface includes probing an interaction zone for at least partial obstruction of flow of the fluid through the distal probe tip .The distal probe tip may have a structural configuration for preventing blocking of the open port. The distal probe tip may also have a non-uniform wear profile. The at least one distal probe portion may include two or multiple components to improve performance and reliability. The main drawback of this invention is that user has to refer the professional to determine the status of his teeth using this apparatus. Further, this invention is utilizing various probes which are subject to wear and tear. Therefore, limiting the life of apparatus. EP 1693021 discloses a diagnostic/treatment instrument such as a hand piece equipped with a dental treatment tool, etc. is provided with a light radiating unit that can distinctively detect a dental lesion, to facilitate the treatment of the lesion. A light source for emitting light that can distinctively detect the lesion is mounted near the head of the hand piece to which a diagnostic/treatment tool can be attached. The light emitted from the light source illuminates an area forward of the diagnostic/treatment tool. Alternatively, the light source comprises a plurality of light-emitting devices which are arranged around the periphery of the forward end of the hand piece head in such a manner as to encircle the diagnostic/treatment tool, and radiates light to illuminate the area forward of the diagnostic/treatment tool. When an oral cavity is illuminated with the light, a clinician can observe reflected fluorescent light by using a filtering function that passes the fluorescent light, and thus the clinician can perform the treatment while checking the lesion. The main drawback of this invention is that it is based on visual examination and dedicated to lesions. There is no indication of status of teeth which enables the user to understand the status of teeth and take corrective action. Therefore, this invention is not self-analyzing the status of teeth and the patient has to refer a professional for consultation using this apparatus. The state of the art devices are not standardized as far as device length and heights are concerned. The data collection has strong chances of intra-operability issues thus leading to non uniformity in results.

Hence, there is a need for development of electronic probing device for providing effective measurements of tooth decay and surface stability. Such electrical probes have thus been proven to provide effective means to aid patients with early diagnosis of such problems when actually examined and, more succinctly, in terms of actual exposed (i.e., uncovered) teeth. However, at present, such equipment is present but it is usually heavy and expensive. These types of equipment arrangements also require mains power therefore making them unsuitable for use with human subjects without the provision of isolation apparatus. Additionally, complex software is required to be installed in each equipment arrangement to link the component devices and perform the required processing functions. Further, due to its cumbersome nature the usefulness of known conventional apparatus is limited. In particular, known apparatus is not readily usable and require large spaces to maneuver and store such apparatus.

In response to these methods of diagnosis, attempts have been made to develop a portable device which enable user to perform routine checkup of their teeth’s and have early diagnosis of dental caries. Thus, enables them to save time and money expenditure. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The main object of present invention is to provide a dental apparatus for the detection of dental caries on a tooth that utilizes a luminosity sensor for optically measuring the decay attributable to dental caries, gum diseases and oral hygiene or similar problems.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a dental apparatus for detection of dental caries, gum diseases and oral hygiene that sends data to a micro-controller which further shows the status of teeth via multicolor TEDs and further forwards the result to a digital platform including but not limited to a mobile, tablet, etc using an interface.

Yet another object of present invention is to provide at least one non-radiographic way of detecting tooth resorption.

Yet another object of present invention is to optimize intensity of light and measuring distance in the bmsh head to detect pH content below 5.5 on tooth surface, sucrose dextrose starch content, tooth decay, primary and secondary gum disease detection for elderly patients.

Yet another object of present invention is to provide a provision of special attachable filter on the LED of luminosity sensor for cancer detection and pulp hyperemia using blue light technology.

Yet another object of present invention is to provide a means for spectrometry detection for all tooth pathologies and for cancer detection. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a dental apparatus for the detection of dental caries, gum diseases and oral hygiene. The invention utilizes at least one luminosity sensor for optically measuring the decay by measuring the reflection or dispersion and send that data to a micro-controller which further shows the status of teeth via different color display LED’s and further utilize the data to be displayed on a digital platform like mobile, tablet, etc. using an application.

In an embodiment of present invention is provided a dental apparatus comprising a body with an elongated handle and a plurality of replaceable brush heads mountable to the body using a pin or bush connector, at least one power source to provide power and power button to operate said apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a scanning unit having an illumination source to irradiate the incident light and at least luminosity sensor for different detection modes, an analyzing unit comprising of a microcontroller, a monitoring unit having plurality of multicolor display LED to display analog statuses of teeth and application or interface, a communication module comprising of a wireless internet connection over cloud or network, a remote device, an application or interface for analysis and feedback.

In an embodiment of present invention, the replaceable brush head at the top is installed with a luminosity sensor wherein the brush head is of any geometrical shape but not limited to rectangular, oblong, oval, polygonal and suitable according to the application and has at least one luminosity sensor and different color LED’s fitted in it or optionally paired with various light filters. The incident light from LED having wavelength ranges from 450-490nm is made incident on a target tooth, the health of the teeth is determined by comparing the intensity of the incident light and the reflected light and the reflectance value is measured on the basis of sugar content in dental caries and transmits the determined health of teeth to said monitoring unit.

In an embodiment of present invention, the body comprises of elongated handle with a monitoring unit comprising of multicolor display LED for analog presentation of oral hygiene status, further the multicolor display LED is optionally provided with plurality of push buttons with dots acting as Brail instructions which operates for a set period of time so that a blind user can also identify the status of their teeth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described with reference to the following drawings. The drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention:

Fig. 1 is a work flow diagram of the dental apparatus according to the present invention;

Fig. 2(a) and 2(b) provide perspective view of dental apparatus and replaceable brush heads showing bristles; Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of dental apparatus according to an embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a front view of replaceable brush head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of body with elongated handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of body with elongated handle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

Fig. 7 is a block diagram elucidating working of luminosity sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. While the following description details the preferred embodiments of the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of the parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

With reference to the figures, numerical designation has been given for each element to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, and particularly with reference to the embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the figures; various preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed description and drawings are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments and represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses of the present invention are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein.

In a preferred embodiment of present invention is provided a dental apparatus comprising a body with an elongated handle and a plurality of replaceable brush heads mountable to the body using a pin or bush connector, at least one power source to provide power and power button to operate said apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a scanning unit having an illumination source to irradiate the incident light and at least luminosity sensor for different detection modes, an analyzing unit comprising of a microcontroller, a monitoring unit having plurality of multicolor display LED to display analog statuses of teeth and application or interface, a communication module comprising of a wireless internet connection over cloud or network, a remote device, an application or interface for analysis and feedback.

In another embodiment of present invention, the replaceable brush head at the top is installed with a luminosity sensor wherein the brush head is of any geometrical shape but not limited to rectangular, oblong, oval, polygonal and suitable according to the application and has at least one luminosity sensor and different color LED’s fitted in it or optionally paired with various light filters. The incident light from LED having wavelength ranges from 450-490nm is made incident on a target tooth, the health of the teeth is determined by comparing the intensity of the incident light and the reflected light and the reflectance value is measured on the basis of sugar content in dental plaque and transmits the determined oral hygiene to said monitoring unit.

The present invention is based on the principle of reflectance property of a tooth. A polished tooth shows high reflectance whereas, reflectance of a decayed tooth varies with variation of decay. Similarly, reflectance properties of enamel, dentine and cementum are also variable and identifiable. Reflectance values define and determine the level of gum disease of a given subject. Sugar content in dental plaque is also one variable that is identifiable using luminosity. For instance, sugar content in an immature dental plaque is higher as compared to that in a mature dental plaque. In mature dental plaque, acid content shall be higher and accordingly, a lower pH value shall be present and identifiable. Such variables are caliberated and find utility in the present invention. For a person skilled in the art, it is an appreciable fact that reflectance using water as basis of caliberation is erroneous as the salivation varies from one subject to another leading to inaccurate reading of reflectance and wrong diagnosis. Hence, the sugar content in dental plaque forms a reliable basis of assessing overall oral hygiene of a subject. In an embodiment of present invention, the body comprises of elongated handle with a monitoring unit comprising of multicolor display LED for analog presentation of oral hygiene status, further the multicolor display LED is optionally provided with plurality of push buttons with dots acting as Brail instructions which operates for a set period of time so that a blind user can also identify the status of their teeth. In an embodiment of present invention, a microcontroller is provided which integrates the apparatus system and processes the data to be sent as a feedback.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a power source is provided to power the system and a power button to operate the dental apparatus wherein the power source can be any rechargeable battery but not limited to Lithium-ion battery, button battery, or power sources alike.

In an optional embodiment of the present invention provides a provision for wireless connection over a cloud or network to a remote device via an application or software for analysis and feedback. The remote device may include but not limited to a computer, a tablet or a smart phone. The user may download an application (also called program/software) on the remote device. The internet network may be any suitable networks or links, including but not limited to a local area network (TAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet or any wireless communication links.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the invention improves brushing by allowing the replaceable brush heads with at least one luminosity sensor and different color TED’s or optionally paired with various light filters for cancer detection and pulp hyperemia using blue light technology. The incident light from different color TED’s is made incident on a target tooth, the health of the teeth is determined by comparing the intensity of the incident light and the reflected light and the value of reflectance is decided on the basis of sugar content. The system is further synchronized to the application or software for analysis and feedback, wherein the brushing is improved so that the health of the teeth is maintained or improved by providing feedback to the user, including but not limited to positioning of the head, gripping of the toothbrush, movement of the tooth brush, frequency of brushing, type of toothpaste used etc. The frequency of the feedback may be periodically established, on the discretion of the user.

Thus, in most preferred embodiment, the invention provides a portable smart dental apparatus (10) for detection of dental caries and gum diseases comprising:

a) a body (24) with an elongated handle(30) and at least one replaceable brush head (20);

b) at least one power source to provide power through a power button (34) to operate said dental apparatus (10);

c) a scanning unit comprising of an illumination source to irradiate a tooth or gum and at least one luminosity sensor(22);

d) an analyzing unit comprising a microcontroller (48) ;

e) a monitoring unit comprising of plurality of multicolor display TED to display analog status of tooth or gum; and an application program or user interface; and

f) an optional communication module comprising a wireless internet connection over cloud or network, a remote device, and the application program or user interface for analysis and feedback; wherein,

said at least one replaceable brush head is mounted to the body (24) with an elongated handle(30) using a pin (26) or bush connector;

said at least one replaceable brush head has length ranging from l5mm to 25mm;

said luminosity sensor (22) receives reflected light from the tooth or gum and measures the reflectance and transmits the measured reflectance to said microcontroller (48);

said microcontroller (48) determines the health of tooth or gum by comparing the intensity of incident and reflected light and reflectance value is measured on the basis of variance from standard predetermined value and transmits the determined health of tooth or gum to said monitoring unit;

said microcontroller (48) determines dental hygiene by analyzing dental plaque pH profile based on sugar content;

said multicolor display LED illuminates for analog presentation of health of tooth or gum ; and

said monitoring unit is optionally provided with plurality of push buttons with dots that vibrate to act as Brail instructions which operates for a set period of time for identification of status of tooth for blind users. Figure 1 provides a work flow diagram of a non radiographic way of detecting tooth resorption. The diagram describes the working of dental apparatus in a simpler and easy way. Here, while brushing the teeth, an illumination source (LED) is used to irradiate a teeth sample with an incident light of wavelength 450-490nm, the teeth sample reflects the light. The reflected light is sensed by luminosity sensor which collects frequency data of reflected light and sends it to a microcontroller. The microcontroller debugs the data, analyzes and calculates the conditions of teeth on the basis of predefined parameters. The calculated results are then displayed through multicolor display LEDs. The data is also sent to an application or interface preferably an android/iOS application on any digital platform like mobile, tablet etc for getting user’s feedback. User’s feedback includes the status of the teeth and alerts them if dentist's attention is required.

Figure 2(a) provides a smart dental apparatus 10 for detection of dental caries on surface of a tooth, gum diseases and oral hygiene. The embodiment comprises of a replaceable brush head 20 and a body with elongated handle 30. Figure 2(b) provides a replaceable brush head 20 showing bristles. The body 24 has inserted copper plate for connection 52 and sensor unit 22 inside the head.

Figure 3 provides smart dental apparatus 10 for the detection of dental caries on surface of a tooth, gum diseases and oral hygiene. The smart dental apparatus 10 comprises of a replaceable brush head 20 and a body 24 with elongated handle 30 wherein there replaceable brush head 20 can be mounted to the body 24 with elongated handle 30 by means of a pin and/or a bush.

Figure 4 provides a replaceable brush head 20 wherein the replaceable brush head 20 comprises of a luminosity sensor 22 for non radiographic way of detecting tooth resorption. Further, luminosity sensor 22 helps in obtaining optimum standardized distance in the brush head 20 to detect pH content below 5.5 on tooth surface, sucrose dextrose starch content, tooth decay, primary and secondary gum disease detection for elderly patients. Also, special attachable filter on the TED of luminosity sensor 22 can be attached for cancer detection and pulp hyperemia wherein the brush head 20 comprises of a body 24 which is of any other geometrical shape but not limited to rectangular, oblong suitable according to the interface. Further, a replaceable brush head 20 is provided with a connection pin and/or a bush 26 through which it makes a connection with a body 24 with elongated handle 30. Figure 5 and Figure 6 provides a body 24 with elongated handle 30. A body 24 with elongated handle 30 comprises of a top body 32; a back body 44; a plurality of multicolor TEDs 36 for analog presentation of oral hygiene status; a plurality of membrane type momentary push buttons 38 with dots which operates and vibrate for a set period of time so that a blind user can identify the status of their teeth; a power button 34 is provided for operating the system, a microcontroller 48 is provided which performs the operation and process the data to be sent as a feedback; a push button 40 is attached with microcontroller 48; a battery 42 is provided to power the system which is any rechargeable battery but not limited to lithium-ion battery or alike; and a pin socket 46 used to connect external adaptor to the embodiment. Figure 7 is a block diagram describing working of luminosity sensor. The sensor is a very-high sensitivity light-to-digital converter that transforms light intensity into a digital signal output capable of direct I2C interface. The device combines one broadband photodiode (visible plus infrared) and one infrared-responding photodiode on a single CMOS integrated circuit. Two integrating ADCs convert the photodiode currents into a digital output that represents the irradiance measured on each channel. This digital output is input to a microcontroller where illuminance in lux is derived using an empirical formula to approximate response. The lux value may range from 30 to 150.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the multicolor display TEDs show reflectance values measured in Tux which is received by sensor. These reflectance values are received on ambient light of room and room temperature. These values may vary with variance of room ambience and temperature. Hence, the exemplary multicolor display TEDs for various analog statuses of teeth are: a. red indicating severely damaged teeth with reflectance value in the range of 30 to 40 and indicating user to go for an immediate corrective measures and check-up to a dentist; b. brown indicating substantially damaged teeth, advising user to go for an immediate check-up to a dentist; c. blue indicating the teeth are in initial stage of damage, and the user needs to consult a dentist; d. yellow indicating that the teeth are okay, and advising a normal check-up when as per user's convenience; and e. green indicating the teeth is in healthy condition with reflectance value in the range of 50 to 70.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a provision for wireless connection over a cloud or network to a remote device is provided for analysis and feedback. The remote device includes, but not limited to, a computer, or a tablet or a smart phone. The user may optionally download an application (also called program/software) on the remote device. The internet network is any suitable networks or links, including, but not limited to, a local area network (TAN), wide area network (WAN), Internet, Intranet or any wireless communication links. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, smart dental apparatus has standardized bristle length and optimized height of brush head to obviate intra- operability errors in detecting reflectance. The ergonomics of such standardized apparatus makes it patient-oriented as well as ensures uniformity in measurement of various variables. The design and ergonomics of the smart dental apparatus allows patient to self-analyze oral hygiene from time to time and advising when to have an expert opinion and attention of a professional.

In an embodiment of the present invention, like in conventional tooth brush, heads of the smart dental apparatus are rectangular and are designed to effective reach to surface of each tooth. Diamond toothbrush heads are, diamond shaped and slightly more narrow than conventional heads. Diamond toothbrush heads are to help reaching the teeth in the back. Accordingly, head designs are chosen by defining the needs of unique oral cavity. The size of the brush head should effectively reach user’s farthest teeth. For instance, brushes for children between 0 and 2 years in general have a head length of 15 mm, those for children between 2 and 6 years in general have a head length of 19 mm, brushes for children between 6 and 12 years in general have a head length of 22 mm and brushes for 12 years and above in general have a head length of approximately 25 mm. Similarly, the various bristle patterns include but not limited to:

• Block: A brush with block patterned bristles has all the bristles the same length and aligned neatly like a block.

• Wavy or V-shaped: A brush with wavy or v-shaped bristles has bristles that form a v-shape from a side view. This design is meant to give you better access to the areas around tooth surfaces.

• Multilevel trim pattern: Multilevel brushes help clean difficult areas between teeth and on the tooth head.

• Criss-cross pattern: Brushes with criss-cross patterns and rubber bristles on the sides help to lift up plaque effectively.

• Polishing bristles: Brushes with multilevel bristles and rubber-like circles at the centre help clean surface stains. In an alternate embodiment, an interdental or interproximal ("proxy") brush head is provided in the smart dental apparatus to detect the oral hygiene and analyzing the dental plaque. As an exemplary description in support of the present invention, according to“The pH of Dental Plaque in Its Relation to Early Enamel Caries and Dental Plaque Flora in Humans” by P.Lingstrom et al published in clinical Research report J Dent Res 79(2): 770-777, 2000 , the pH response to sugar was evaluated before and after a sugar rinse, a local sugar application, or sucking on a sugary lozenge. pH profiles with sugar rinsing and normal or limited salivary flow conditions, showed progressively decreasing plaque pH values at various time points in the order of: low-caries subjects (s sites), higher caries subjects (s sites), higher-caries subjects (s + ws sites), and higher-caries subjects (ws sites). Table 1 indicates the plaque pH profiles for low caries and group of Eight Higher caries subjects and normal and limited salivary access after a sugar rinse.

TABLE 1

Corim Sal ivory T½e { in} after Start of fc sing witii Glyeose S oSon

6.53 4.73 4,88 465 4, 82 100 a Normal (N) and limited (L) access.

b Mean of the means of all selected tooth-surface sites, in each subject. Actual , unconverted pH values.

c As under“b”, but converted pH values.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the data pertaining to brushing habits, or maintaining oral hygiene of a patient can be stored telemetrically for future uses including but not limited to advising patient on improvising oral health and other instructions, advising dental equipment manufacturers to improvise the brush designs to avoid regular disadvantages.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will readily occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.