Abstract

A toothbrush can include tufted bristles and tongue brush bristles that emanate from the same surface of the head. The tufted bristles can function primarily to clean the teeth whereas the tongue brush bristles can function primarily to clean the surface of the tongue. The tongue brush bristles can also insert between teeth and along the gum line when the toothbrush is used to brush the teeth thereby enhancing the toothbrush's effectiveness for removing bacteria, food particles, and/or soft plaque from the teeth.

IPC Classes  ?

• A46B 9/02 - Position or arrangement of bristles in relation to surface of the brush body, e.g. inclined, in rows, in groups
• A46B 9/06 - Arrangement of mixed bristles or tufts of bristles, e.g. wire, fibre, rubber
• A46B 3/22 - Brushes characterised by the way in which the bristles are fixed or joined in or on the brush body or carrier rubber bristles being fixed in or on brush bodies