Various types of manual toothbrushes for cleaning the teeth of children are known. They all consist of a head from which tufts of bristles (or filaments) emerge, a neck and a handle which is longer than the neck.

The benefits derived from the regular topical application of fluoride to the primary teeth by daily brushing, are incontestibly known internationally. When a primary tooth emerges from the gums into the oral cavity, the enamel surface of the tooth always benefits from brushing it daily and/or a regular topical application of fluoride. Brushing helps remove plaque and other debris from the tooth. The fluoride improves the crystallinity and decreases the solubility of enamel, it promotes remineralization and decreases acid formation of the enamel, and significantly reduces the incidence of tooth decay.

The Canadian Dental Association and the American Dental Association and the representative associations of the industrialized countries recommend that children undergo brushing about twice a day, preferably with a fluoride toothpaste.

Excepting in special circumstances, the Canadian Dental Association no longer recommends fluoride supplements for babies less than three years old. The American Dental Association recommends; only in special circumstances, a 0.25 mg. fluoride supplement for children aged six months to three years.

Consequently, in these the first formative years of childhood,

regular oral hygiene practices which may include brushing and/or the application of topical fluoride, has attained special importance and commands serious attention.

Many parents still exercise the traditional view of taking a child for their first check-up to a dentist at the age of three years. Primary teeth play an important role in chewing, speech habits, appearance and preserving space for a child's permanent teeth. Therefore, a safe, effective and agreeable method of preventive dental care is vital. Then, when the child presents to a dental office, for example at the age of three, they may be cavity-free and well on their way toward excellent dental health for life. For babies under the age of three years, parents are normally advised to dispense a specific quantity of fluoride toothpaste (depending on the product labelling and corresponding fluoride concentration) when they clean their baby's primary teeth. Initially, it is sometimes advisable to wipe the plaque off the baby 5 teeth and gums with damp gauze or a washcloth.

Then, after the age of about one, when more teeth are emerging including the back ones, it is suggested that brushing may be introduced. But babies are often too uncoordinated to clean their own teeth. So it is suggested that parents initiate an oral hygiene program for their babies preferably in consultation with a dentist. And since learning to clean their teeth is a gradual process of children, it is also recommended that they watch someone else brushing too. They may then gradually undertake to brush their own teeth.

It is often reported that when a parent or guardian undertakes to clean a baby's teeth, the baby refuses to co-operate or cries profusely. Also, such an attempt is often met

with visions of panic or trauma in the baby. A babies mouth has great physiological and psychological significance. In the first few years of a child's life, the mouth is an important source of need and stimulation, as evidenced conspicuously in the acts of eating, drinking and suckling. Recurrent episodes of a negative experience often prompt a parent to compromise or abandon all together a regimen of regular dental care for their baby. Later, the child may not become motivated to brush on their own.

Difficulty may also present even when a baby may be willing to brush on their own. It is known that the ability to brush is related to the development of hand functions, especially in the formative years. The disadvantage with the current toothbrushes that babies try to use, is that the handles often seem not wide enough to be easily held. Hence, the known benefit of the mechanical removal of plaque by brushing may be significantly lessened.

It is desirable to have a toothbrush that overcomes these disadvantages and inconveniences as much as possible. The present invention relates to a device that may substantially improve the probability of a child introductory experiences to an oral hygiene program being positive, safe, appealing and encouraging. One advantage of the invention, is that the strangeness and/or the awkwardness of handling, seemingly characteristic of the many kinds of toothbrushes supplied, may sometimes, but not always, be significantly reduced; thereby, promoting regular dental care and the best possible dental health for years to come.

Disclosure of Invention The present invention consists of a body resembling the shape

and form of a nipple. Tufts of bristles are attached to the tip of the body. The tip is joined to the body by an isthmus. The body is attached to a base.

According to one aspect, the invention consists of a body resembling the shape and form of a nipple. The entire body is smooth and variable in shape, form or size. Inserted into and emerging from the tip are a multiplicity of bristles making up a plurality of tufts (of bristles). The tip is joined to the main body by an isthmus of variable length and girth. The tuft pattern may be variable. The tuft trim is preferably flat. The main body is attached at the center of a circular base. The base is wider in diameter than the body attached to it. The body may be passed through the surface opening of a baby bottle cap, so that when a baby bottle cap is securely fastened to a baby bottle of choice, the base will be secured between the inside of the cap and the rim of the baby bottle opening, and the device may be used by parent, guardian or baby to clean the primary teeth of the baby.

The bottle selected for handling may be any of a variety of adornments, designs, shapes, colors, sizes and material.

However, a plastic bottle is preferable.

In another aspect of the invention, wherein the preferred embodiment just described, comprises an improvement, the body also resembles the shape and form of a nipple. Inserted into and emerging from the tip are tufts of bristles. The tip is joined to the body by an isthmus. The body is attached to a base. The base makes up the outer surface of a baby bottle cap, so that the base may be screwed in the fashion of a baby bottle cap, to a baby bottle of choice, in order that the device may be maneuvered by parent, quardian or baby to clean the primary teeth.

Brief Description of Drawing The invention as exemplified by a preferred embodiment, is described with some reference to the drawing, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a Baby Toothbrush of the invention.

Referring to the drawing, the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, a Baby Toothbrush (10) shown comprises a body (18). Tufts of bristles (12) are inserted into and emerge from the tip (14) of the body. The tip of the body is joined to the main body (18) by an isthmus (16). The body is attached to a base (20).

Referring to Figure 1, the base (20) is circular with a thickness of less than five millimetres. A conventional baby bottle cap has an opening through which the entire body may be passed. When the baby bottle cap is screwed to a baby bottle of choice, the base is firmly secured between the inside of the baby bottle cap and the rim of the baby bottle opening, so that the device may be maximally maneuvered.

A further embodiment of the invention, wherein a preferred embodiment comprises an improvement, is described as follows: The circular base makes up the outer surface of a baby bottle cap, so that when the base is screwed onto a baby bottle of choice, the Baby Toothbrush may be used by parent, guardian or baby to clean the primary teeth.

The entire surface of the body is smooth. The tip may be variable in shape, form or size, although it is shown in Figure 1 as being rather bulbous. The tip of the body may take on any geometrical form, for example rectangular, or it may be nongeometrical. To allow easier access to posterior teeth, the

isthmus (16) as shown in the example of Figure 1, may be elongated.

The axis of the tip of the body may be, as illustrated in Figure 1, coaxial with the isthmus (16). Alternatively, the axis of the tip of the body may intersect the axis of the isthmus so that they are not coaxial.

In Figure 1, the isthmus is coaxial to the main body (18).

Although not shown, an alternate embodiment of the invention may incorporate an isthmus that bends or is not coaxial to the main body.

Although there are numerous possible comparable and effective variations of the distal configuration of the invention, only one preferred embodiment has been illustrated by Figure 1.

Different designs will prove to be more advantageous and favorable for certain individuals. The choice of design also will depend on whether the parent or quardian or the baby is to apply the device to clean the primary teeth. Also, a consultation with a dentist will always be advisable.

The bristle (or filaments) making up the tufts depicted in the illustration are preferably soft nylon or natural bristles.

However, a synthetic substance with suitable properties may be used as well. The bristles are each preferably less than 0.009 inches in diameter; and are each preferably smooth. The bristle tips are preferably smooth. The bristle tips are preferably rounded. There are 15-80 bristles per tuft.

There is variable open tuft pattern or distance between tufts.

The final texture of the brush depends on these aspects and the configuration of the tuft trim. The most favorable texture will depend on the individual s ability and experience in handling

the device when it is secured to a baby bottle, and on the advice and recommendation of a dentist.

The body, and the base to which it is attached, are preferably made of a hard resilient plastic which can be pressed or molded.

However, the body and base may be made of other materials having suitable properties, including but not limited to a rubber or thermoplastic substance.

The bristles, the body and the base may each have a color or be colorless; and each may be opaque or translucent.

The body or base, or both may be adorned with caricatures, colorful patterns or designs, or trademarks with an anticipated greater appeal to a baby.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention A device for brushing the primary teeth of babies must be prescribed according to the age of the child, hand function abilities and special needs.

I believe that when the invention of a Baby Toothbrush is securely mounted to a baby bottle and ready for use, that it will help a baby overcome marginal abilities to grasp a handle.

Bottles are made in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, there are oval-like donut-shaped bottles, that might make it easier for babies to maneuver the device, even one-handed. Also, there are angled bottles with a bend near the top that may prove advantageous. It is recommended that one try different varieties of bottles to determine which one affords a grip with the greatest comfort and security and maneuverability. A dentist s suggestions may be sought and is strongly advised. Supervision is always recommended to ensure that the baby does not swallow or ingest harmful levels of fluoridated toothpaste and to ensure

a thorough cleaning of the primary teeth.

The Baby Toothbrush invention may be used after a baby eats, drinks or suckles. I believe that a baby may often, but not always, be more willing to a accept a session of oral hygiene when initiated properly and at the appropriate time by a parent or guardian with the device, than with the toothbrushes with relatively thinner and awkward handles currently supplied in the market. I believe the baby may then gradually become motivated to clean their own teeth independently and be well on their way to excellent dental health.

Although only the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described and illustrated, and one preferred improvement upon the preferred embodiment has been described, the present invention is not limited to the features of these embodiments, but includes variations and modifications within the scope of the claims.