Pearly whites: Unilever targets teeth stain removal with new toothbrush design

13 Feb 2023 --- Unilever has filed a patent for its oral care instrument design claiming “better stain removal.” The filament or bristle is shaped like a double-concave lens instead of a circular cross-section to maximize surface area.

“We have determined that the problems of stains could be better addressed by the use of oral care implements that comprise filaments in accordance with the present invention,” Unilever wrote in its patent application.

“An object of the present invention is to provide an oral care implement which can provide better stain removal, preferably better removal of at least some of the stains such as tea, coffee, wine amongst other stains commonly associated with teeth.”

The document clarifies that the instrument can be a manual or electric toothbrush, an interdental brush, a toothpick or floss. Furthermore, Unilever recommends that the filament can be made of natural, synthetic polymer or biopolymer materials.

Unilever’s dental care invention aims to target teeth staining.“An advantage of this system is the improved deliverability of actives as well as flavors to the teeth and gums based on the unique configuration and material of the brush. This invention’s dentifrices [toothpaste or powder] may normally include a humectant, abrasive, thickener, flavor and therapeutically active agent.”

Design details
Unilever explains that toothbrush bristles usually have a “circular cross-section.” In contrast, its invention has a “cross-section shaped like a double-concave lens having non-linear edges.”

Regarding the breadth of the bristles, Unilever’s patent details that it should be “preferably 0.18 to 0.23 mm,” and it may be of any color.

The document elaborates that users may interchange heads with different bristle designs to achieve different types of cleaning – for example, standard, sensitive or whitening – while using the same handle. Therefore, the invention may allow users to have “greater flexibility” in their teeth-cleaning habits without having to own multiple toothbrushes, it asserts.

Furthermore, the dimensions of a toothbrush, according to the invention, are maintained. The toothbrush preferably has a length in the range of 170 to 200 mm. The width of the handle is in the range of 10 to 20 mm and the thickness is between five to 15 mm. 

“The surface area to the volume ratio, which is an important parameter in determining the ergonomic properties of the toothbrush, is maintained similar or superior to that of a standard quality toothbrush.” Teeth get stained due to prolonged exposure to staining agents which include many food and beverage preparations.

Oral care inventions
Last month, the third generation sonic toothbrush manufacturer Y-Brush entered the US market with the capacity to polish a set of pearly whites in ten seconds. The company claims to make brushing teeth simpler, quicker and more efficient. The toothbrush has a y-shaped handle that transmits sonic vibrations and spins 360 degrees. 

The head is composed of 35,000 nylon bristles, allowing all sides of the teeth to be brushed simultaneously and effectively in ten seconds. 

Additionally, in December, the Colgate-Palmolive Company and NASA signed a contract to investigate ways to improve skin, oral and personal care for both astronauts in space and people on Earth. 

Through the Space Act Agreement, Colgate and NASA will work together to test technologies that could help preserve or enhance the health and well-being of future space travelers in low orbit, either before, during or after long-duration missions.

By Radhika Sikaria