CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/320,890, filed on March 17, 2022, International Application PCT/IB2022/053447 filed April 12, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/442,258, filed on January 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Proper oral hygiene is necessary to prevent bacterial infection and other diseases of the mouth. However, oral hygiene can be difficult to administer to people with impaired manual abilities (and need assistance in oral care treatment) or to patients who are unconscious, anesthetized, or immobile, such as patients in intensive care units or patients undergoing ventilation. Conventional oral care devices often cannot provide a satisfactory degree of oral care to these patients.

SUMMARY

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an oral care device that can provide sufficient oral care for a ventilated, anesthetized, or otherwise immobile patient, or for a patient with impaired manual abilities, without causing damage to the patient’s mouth or teeth.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, provided is an oral care device that is easy for an oral care facilitator to use, and that allows for easy adjustment of the amount of suction of a cleaning agent provided to the oral cavity of a patient. The oral care device can also be a single-use safe solution to the need for applying mouthwash to the oral region.

[0004] At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an oral care device. The oral care device includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing includes an opening that receives an external suction tube and the second end of the housing includes a cleaning portion. The oral care device includes a hollow tube disposed within the housing and configured to couple with the external suction tube. The hollow tube includes a suction aperture at an end proximate to the cleaning portion of the housing. The hollow shaft is configured to slide within the housing to expose or conceal the suction aperture. The oral care device includes a fluid dispenser coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to at least one channel defined in part by the housing.

[0005] In some implementations, the housing further comprises a sleeve portion and the hollow tube is disposed and configured to slide within the sleeve portion. In some implementations, the cleaning portion may be formed on an end of the sleeve portion. In some implementations, the at least one channel may be defined in part by the housing is further defined at least in part by the hollow tube.

[0006] In some implementations, the at least one channel may be fluidly coupled to at least one duct defined in the cleaning portion. In some implementations, the hollow shaft may be coupled to an actuator exposed via a slot in the housing. In some implementations, the actuator, when actuated, can cause the hollow shaft to slide within the housing to expose or conceal the suction aperture.

[0007] In some implementations, the cleaning portion may comprise a brush head including a plurality of bristles. In some implementations, the brush head is an elastic material brush head. In some implementations, the brush head comprises a plurality of brush head layers. In some implementations, the cleaning portion comprises a swab.

[0008] In some implementations, the fluid dispenser is configured to compress a fluid container disposed between the fluid dispenser and the housing in response to force. In some implementations, the fluid container is configured to dispense fluid via an outlet channel defined in the housing or the hollow shaft in response to the force. In some implementations, the force causes the fluid dispenser to contact a rib defined on the housing.

[0009] In some implementations, the hollow tube couples with the suction tube via a friction fit. In some implementations, the suction aperture is a first suction aperture, and the hollow tube comprises a second suction aperture at an end proximate to the external suction tube. In some implementations, the oral care device includes at least one gasket configured to seal the second suction aperture responsive to the hollow shaft sliding to expose the first suction aperture. [0010] At least one other aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a kit. The kit includes a plurality of packaging portions each including a respective oral care device. Each respective oral care device includes a housing having a first end and a second end, the first end of the housing comprising an opening that receives an external suction tube. The second end of the housing includes a cleaning portion. Each respective oral care device includes a hollow tube disposed within the housing and configured to couple with the external suction tube. The hollow tube includes a suction aperture at an end proximate to the cleaning portion of the housing. The hollow shaft configured to slide within the housing to expose or conceal the suction aperture. Each respective oral care device includes a fluid dispenser coupled to the housing and fluidly coupled to at least one channel defined in part by the housing.

[0011] In some implementations, a first packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions is coupled to a second packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions via a perforated edge. In some implementations, the cleaning portion of the respective oral care device of at least one packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions comprises a brush head. In some implementations, the cleaning portion of the respective oral care device of at least one packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions comprises a swab.

[0012] In some implementations, a first oral care device in a first packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions is configured to dispense a first type of fluid, and a second oral care device in a second packaging portion of the plurality of packaging portions is configured to dispense a second type of fluid. In some implementations, the cleaning portion of each respective oral care device in the plurality of packaging portions is configured to carry out a respective step in an oral care procedure. In some implementations, a first cleaning portion of a first oral care device is configured to perform a brushing process and a second cleaning portion of a second oral care device is configured to perform a moisturizing process.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of manufacturing an elastic material bristle brush. The method includes forming an annulus having a plurality of ring structures disposed around a perimeter thereof. The method includes forming the elastic material bristle brush on a body by sequentially stacking each ring structure on the body to form the elastic material bristle brush, and removing each ring structure of the plurality of ring structures from the annulus.

[0014] In some implementations, forming the annulus includes injection molding the annulus and the plurality of ring structures. In some implementations, the annulus and the plurality of ring structures are formed as a single piece of material. In some implementations, removing each ring structure of the plurality of ring structures from the annulus comprises providing a force to each ring after stacking each ring structure on the body. In some implementations, stacking each ring structure on the body comprises aligning a central portion of the ring structure with an upper portion of the body. In some implementations, compressing a portion of the body to secure the plurality of ring structures on the body.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a container for a swab. The container can include one or more walls defining an opening of the container. The container includes a solution disposed within the container. The container includes an oral swab positioned at least partly in the solution such that an opening of the oral swab may be exposed via the opening of the container, the opening of the oral swab configured to receive a cleaning portion of an oral care device. The container includes a removable lid that seals the opening of the container.

[0016] In some implementations, the oral swab includes a snap-fit connector configured to couple the oral swab to the cleaning portion of the oral care device. In some implementations, the oral swab is removable from the container responsive to coupling to the cleaning portion of the oral care device.

[0017] At least one other aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an assembly for preparing a swab. The assembly includes a canister comprising one or more walls defining an opening of the canister. The assembly includes an oral swab positioned in the canister such that an opening of the oral swab may be exposed via the opening of the canister. The opening of the oral swab is configured to receive a cleaning portion of an oral care device. The assembly includes a removable lid that seals the opening of the canister. The assembly includes a packet configured to be placed proximate the opening of the canister when the lid is removed. The packet includes a liquid. The packet is configured to release the liquid into the oral swab when force is applied to the packet. [0018] In some implementations, the packet comprises a sachet. In some implementations, the packet comprises a sachet with a weakened portion configured to release the liquid when force is applied to the sachet. In some implementations, the packet comprises a sachet with a peel-off portion. In some implementations, the packet comprises a container with a portion configured to be punctured.

[0019] These and other aspects and implementations are discussed in detail below. The foregoing information and the following detailed description include illustrative examples of various aspects and implementations, and provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed aspects and implementations. The drawings provide illustration and a further understanding of the various aspects and implementations, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. Aspects can be combined and it will be readily appreciated that features described in the context of one aspect of the invention can be combined with other aspects. Aspects can be implemented in any convenient form.

[0020] Exemplary oral care devices are shown and described in WO 2022/219542 published October 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for the oral care apparatuses and techniques disclosed therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will become more apparent and better understood by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] FIGS. 1 A and IB each illustrate perspective views of an example oral care device having a sleeve portion, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0023] FIG. 1C illustrates a frontal view of the example oral care device depicted in FIGS. 1 A and IB, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0024] FIGS. 2 A and 2B each illustrate cross-sectional views of an example oral care device having a sleeve portion, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0025] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D each illustrate perspective views of an example oral care device extracting a swab from an example oral swab container, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example oral care device extracting the swab from the example oral swab container as depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0027] FIG. 5 A illustrates a perspective view of an example fluid reservoir having an outer layer, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0028] FIG. 5B illustrates a perspective view of an example brush head having a perforator and fluid channels, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0029] FIGS. 5C and 5D each illustrate perspective views of the example fluid reservoir shown in FIG. 5 A being coupled to the example brush head shown in FIG. 5B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0030] FIGS. 6 A and 6B each illustrate perspective views of a sachet container of fluid that can be used with the oral care device described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0031] FIGS. 6C and 6D each illustrate perspective views of the sachet container of FIGS. 6 A and 6B being inserted into an exterior sleeve, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0032] FIGS. 6E and 6F each illustrate perspective views of the exterior sleeve of FIGS. 6C and 6D being inserted into an oral swab, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0033] FIG. 6G illustrates a perspective view of the oral care device of FIGS. 1 A and IB being inserted into the exterior sleeve coupled to the oral swab of FIGS. 6E and 6F, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0034] FIG. 6H illustrates a cross-sectional view of the oral care device of FIGS. 1A and IB being inserted into the exterior sleeve coupled to the oral swab of FIGS. 6E and 6F, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0035] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D illustrate various views of an example oral swab container with a separate fluid container, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modular grip for an example oral care device shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of another example oral care device having a sleeve portion, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of yet another alternative oral swab container with yet another alternative separate fluid container, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates an example process of utilizing the example oral care device shown in FIG. 9 with the oral swab container and fluid container shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0040] FIGS. 12A and 12B show side views of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 9, with the sleeve portion in different positions, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0041] FIG. 13 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example oral care device with an integrated fluid reservoir, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0042] FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13D illustrate example views of a modular implementation of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 13 A, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0043] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate side views of the example oral care devices shown in FIGS. 13A-13D, with the sleeve portion in different positions, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0044] FIGS. 14C and 14D illustrate cross-sectional side views of the example oral care devices shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0045] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example sachet container and oral swab container with a base portion, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0046] FIG. 16 illustrates an example process of utilizing the example sachet container and oral swab container depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B with the example oral care device shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0047] FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate cross-sectional side views of an oral care device with an integrated fluid reservoir and various dispenser mechanisms, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0048] FIGS. 17D and 17E illustrate various views of housings that may be used in connection with the oral care devices described herein to dispense fluid, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0049] FIG. 17F illustrates a perspective view of an example reservoir that may be utilized in connection with the fluid dispenser mechanisms described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0050] FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C illustrate various views of the example sachet container shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0051] FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate additional perspective views of the example sachet container shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0052] FIGS. 20 A and 20B illustrate perspective views of the example sachet container and oral swab container with the base portion shown in FIG. 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0053] FIGS. 21 A and 21B illustrate additional perspective views of the example sachet container shown in FIGS. 18 A, 18B, 18C, 19A, and 19B, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0054] FIGS. 22 A and 22B illustrate perspective views of the example oral swab container with the base portion shown in FIG. 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations; and

[0055] FIG. 23 illustrates a side view of an example Yankauer attachment that is usable with the various oral care devices described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0056] FIG. 24 illustrates a perspective view of an example oral care device, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0057] FIGS. 25 A and 25B illustrate perspective views of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 24, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0058] FIGS. 26 A and 26B illustrate close-up perspective views of components of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-25B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0059] FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-26B, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0060] FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-27 being held by an operator, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0061] FIG. 29 illustrates a kit, as may be used in a first use case, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0062] FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrates the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being connected to a suction system, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0063] FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB illustrate perspective views the oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-28, as may be used in a second use case, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0064] FIGS. 32A and 32B illustrate side views of the example care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being operated to expose or conceal suction apertures, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0065] FIGS. 33A and 33B illustrate side views of the example care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being operated to dispense fluid via a dispenser, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0066] FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view of an example oral care device, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0067] FIG. 35 illustrates a top perspective view of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 34, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0068] FIG. 36 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0069] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of an example cleaning portion of the oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-36, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0070] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of an example body portion of the oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-36, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0071] FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-38, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0072] FIG. 40 illustrates a side view of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-39 being operated in a first use case, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0073] FIG. 41 illustrates a side view of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 41 being operated in a second use case, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0074] FIG. 42 illustrates a side view of the body portion of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-41 with a locking component removed, in accordance with one or more implementations; [0075] FIGS. 43 A, 43B, 43C, and 43D illustrate views of an example fluid container that may be included in the example oral care devices described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0076] FIGS. 44A, 44B, and 44C illustrate side views of the body portion of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-42 at multiple stages of an example operation, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0077] FIG. 45 illustrates a top view of a component produced during an example manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0078] FIG. 46 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a bristle brush of an oral care device, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0079] FIGS. 47 A and 47B illustrate views of the component shown in FIG. 45 being utilized in an example manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0080] FIGS. 48 A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, and 48G illustrate side views of an example process for the manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations;

[0081] FIGS. 49A and 49B illustrate cross-sectional views of an example bristle brush during an example manufacturing process, in accordance with one or more implementations; and

[0082] FIG. 50 illustrates an example perspective cross-sectional view of an example bristle brush manufactured according to the techniques described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the described concepts are not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes. [0084] Maintaining proper oral hygiene in incapacitated patients, such as anesthetized, intubated, or comatose patients, is of paramount importance. Without proper oral hygiene, oral infections or other diseases of the mouth can occur. In general, incapacitated patients are treated using an oral care protocol, which can include saliva and mucus removal by suction, plaque and biofilm removal through brushing, debris removal by suction, application of oral disinfectant, and finally suction of excess liquids from the mouth. Thus, it would be advantageous for an oral care device to effectuate each step of an oral care procedure. The oral care device described herein provides such functionality, reduces the risks of cross-patient contamination, and removes the need to use and sterilize (or dispose of) multiple oral care instruments for a single oral care procedure. Further, the oral care device described herein can be coupled with brush heads having integrated liquid reservoirs, which can include cleaning solutions, disinfectant solutions, or other solutions to aid in the provision of oral care.

[0085] Referring now to FIG. 1 A, illustrated is a perspective view 100A of an example oral care device having a sleeve portion 110, which can surround a hollow shaft 120. As shown in the view 100A, the oral care device can include a hand grip 105, the hollow shaft 120, and the sleeve 110 surrounding the hollow shaft 120. The sleeve 110 can include a cleaning portion 115, which can be, for example, a brush head. The hollow shaft 120 can include a first stop 130 and a second stop 135, which can prevent the sleeve 110 from sliding beyond the ends of the hollow shaft 120. To provide suction functionality, the hand grip 105 can include a suction pipe fitting 145, which can be coupled to a suction pipe that provides negative pressure (suction) from a negative pressure source, such as a pump. In addition, the hollow shaft 120 can include suction apertures 125, which can be openings in the hollow shaft 120.

[0086] The hand grip 105 can be held by a healthcare provider, or can be coupled to a robotic device that provides oral hygiene procedures to patients. The hand grip 105 can have one or more ergonomic features, making the hand grip 105 comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. The ergonomic features can include a rubber portion or a knurled surface. The hand grip 105 can be coupled to one end of the hollow shaft 120. For example, the hand grip 105 can include an opening into which the hollow shaft 120 is inserted. The inserted end of the hollow shaft 120 can include one or more attachment features, such as a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, a Luer lock connector, a threaded connector, or another type of connector. The connection between the hollow shaft 120 and the hand grip 105 can be water-tight, and may include one or more O-rings or gaskets between the hollow shaft 120 and the hand grip 105. In some implementations, the hollow shaft 120 and the hand grip 105 can be formed from the same piece of material (e.g., one solid piece with no connecting parts, etc.). The hand grip 105 can be formed from any kind of rigid or semi-flexible material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material.

[0087] The hand grip 105 can itself be hollow, and can be in fluid communication with the hollow shaft 120. The hollow shaft 120 can be manufactured from any kind of rigid or semi-flexible material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material. The hollow shaft 120 can be coupled to the hand grip 105, and can extend outward from the hand grip 105 along a longitudinal axis. The hollow shaft 120 can be substantially linear. However, in some implementations, the hollow shaft 120 can include one or more bends or bendable portions. In some implementations, the hollow shaft 120 can rotate about the longitudinal axis. By rotating about the longitudinal axis, the cleaning portion 115 can be rotated to apply different surfaces of the cleaning portion 115 to the oral cavity of the patient. For example, rotating the hollow shaft can allow a healthcare provider to apply a foam surface of the cleaning portion 115 to desired locations in the patient’s oral cavity, and allow a surface of the cleaning portion 115 having bristles to be applied to another surface of the patient’s oral cavity. In some implementations, the hollow shaft 120 can be fixed, and the sleeve 110 can rotate about the longitudinal axis. The hollow shaft 120 can be cylindrical. The hollow shaft 120 can include the first set of suction apertures 125 at the end of the hollow shaft 120 that is coupled to the hand grip 105. The hollow shaft 120 can be in fluid communication with the hand grip 105, which itself can be in fluid communication with an external suction source via the suction pipe connector 145.

[0088] The sleeve 110 can be manufactured from any kind of rigid or semi-flexible material, including plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material. The sleeve 110 can be substantially linear, and surround a portion of the length of the hollow shaft 120. The sleeve can slide along the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 120, such that the sleeve 110 can cover the suction apertures 125. The sliding action of the sleeve 110 is shown in FIG. IB. When the sleeve 110 slides along the hollow shaft 120, the sleeve 110 can conceal the apertures 125. The first end stop 130 and the second end stop 135 can prevent the sleeve 110 from sliding off the hollow shaft 120. One or more of the first end stop 130 or the second end stop 135 can be formed as a raised portion of the hollow shaft 120. In some implementations, one or more of the first end stop 130 or the second end stop 135 can be an additional portion that is coupled to the hollow shaft 120, such as a gasket or an O-ring. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can rotate about the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 120 by applying force to the grip 112 of the sleeve portion 110.

[0089] The sleeve 110 can include a cleaning portion 115. The cleaning portion 115 can be, for example, a brush head having one or more bristles that extend outward. In some implementations, the cleaning portion 115 can include one or more foam portions or pads. The cleaning portion 115 can be constructed from a combination of bristles, pads, or other cleaning elements, such as a swab material or a sponge-like material. The cleaning portion 115 can include, or can transport, one or more fluids from the base of the cleaning portion to the surface of the cleaning portion, such as a disinfectant solution, or an oral cleaning solution. The cleaning portion 115 can include a foam material that allows for the absorption of liquids into the cleaning portion 115. Additional suction apertures 140 can be positioned underneath the cleaning portion 115 when the sleeve 110 is positioned against the end stop 135, as shown in FIG. 1 A. Thus, the cleaning portion 115 can temporarily store liquids (e.g., absorbed in the foam of the cleaning portion 115, etc.), which can be provided to an oral cavity of a patient through the application of pressure to the cleaning portion 115. A perspective view 100 A of the sleeve 110 following a sliding action, such that the sleeve 110 is pressed against the end stop 135, is depicted in FIG. 1 A.

[0090] Referring now to FIG. IB, illustrated is a perspective view 100B of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 1 A, where the sleeve portion 110 is slid into a second position such that the second set of suction apertures 140, near the end stop 135, are exposed, and the set of suction apertures 125 are concealed. The second set of suction apertures 140 are positioned underneath the cleaning portion 115 when the sleeve 110 is pressed against the end stop 135. The suction apertures 140 and the suction apertures 125 can be openings in the hollow tube 120 and communicate with each other via the hollow tube 120, and can be fluidly connected to the inside of the hand grip 105. As described herein above, the hand grip 105 can include the suction pipe connector 145, which can be connected to an external suction device via suction tubing or another type of pipe. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can include other sliding features (e.g., rails, guide channels, etc.) that can facilitate the motion of the sleeve 110 along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube 120. In some implementations, one or more of the sleeve 110 or the hollow tube 120 can include a locking feature (e.g., a snap-fit connector that still allows rotation motion about the longitudinal axis, etc.), that prevents the sleeve 110 from sliding once it has been moved to a desired position. The locking feature can, for example, form a part of the stop 135 or the stop 130 on the hollow shaft 120. In some implementations, friction between the hollow tube 120 and the sleeve 110 can prevent the sleeve 110 from sliding when no longitudinal force is applied to the sleeve 110. A frontal view of the oral care device, showing details of a combination bristle and foam brush head, is depicted in FIG. 1C.

[0091] Referring now to FIG. 1C, illustrated is a frontal view 100C of the example oral care device depicted in FIGS. 1 A and IB. As shown in the view 100C, the cleaning portion 115 can be a brush head including one or more foam portions 150 and one or more bristle portions 155. In some implementations, the cleaning portion 115 can be coupled directly to the sleeve 110. However, in some implementations, the cleaning portion 115 can be detachable from the sleeve 110. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can include a connector for the cleaning portion, such as a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, a threaded connector, or any other type of mechanical connector that can couple the cleaning portion 115 to the sleeve 110. Although the foam portions 150 of the cleaning portion 115 appear to form about half of the cleaning portion 115 in quarter sections, it should be understood that any portion, and any arrangement, of foam portions 150 and bristle portions 155 are possible to form the cleaning portion 115. As depicted in view 100C, the front-most end of the hollow tube 120 can be closed, such that the center channel of the hollow tube 120 is not exposed. However, in some implementations, the front-most end of the hollow tube 120 can be open. Cross-sectional views 200 A and 200B of the center channel of the hollow tube 120, and of the other components of the oral care device, are depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0092] Referring now to FIG. 2A, illustrated is a cross-sectional view 200A of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 1C. As depicted in the view 200A, the hollow shaft 120 can include a central channel along the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 120. The hollow shaft 120 can include a portion that extends into the hand grip 105, which can itself be hollow. The inside of the hand grip 105 can be in fluid communication with the central channel of the hollow shaft 120. In some implementations, the hollow shaft 120 can be detachable from the hand grip 105, via a connector such as a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, a threaded connector, or any other type of connector. In some implementations, the connector that connects the hollow shaft 120 to the hand grip 105 can lock the hollow shaft 120 in place such that it may not necessarily rotate with respect to the hand grip 105. However, in some implementations, the connector can allow the hollow tube 120 to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the hollow shaft 120.

[0093] In some implementations, a liquid container can be disposed within the hand grip 105, or external to and in fluid communication with the hand grip 105. The liquid container can be, for example, formed as a part of the hand grip 105, and can be refillable via a port present on the surface of the hand grip 105. In some implementations, the liquid container can be external to the hand grip 105, and can be in fluid communication with other components of the oral care device. The hand grip 105 can include one or more channels that fluidly couple the liquid container to the central channel of the hollow shaft 120. The cross- sectional view 200 A shows how the sleeve 110 can slide over and conceal the suction apertures 140 near the end stop 135. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can form a seal over the suction apertures 140 (e.g., a watertight seal, an airtight seal, etc.) using one or more sealing features, such as a gasket or another type of seal.

[0094] Further, as the suction pipe connector 145 is in fluid communication with the hand grip 105 and in fluid communication with the hollow tube 120, fluids that pass through the suction apertures 125 or the suction apertures 140 can flow through the hollow tube 120 and the hand grip 105, and out of the oral care device via the suction pipe connector 145. Thus, an external suction device can create a negative pressure in the hand grip 105, and draw undesired fluid and debris from a patient’s oral cavity via the suction apertures 140 (or the suction apertures 125). Likewise, using a positive pressure, liquid from a liquid container disposed within (or external to) the hand grip 105 can be provided to the oral cavity of a patient via the hollow tube 120 and the apertures 140 or the apertures 125. Thus, the liquid container can be used to provide chemical cleaning (e.g., oral disinfectants, toothpaste solutions, or other oral cleaning solutions, etc.), in conjunction with the mechanical cleaning provided by the cleaning portion 115. As described herein above, the sleeve 110 can slide along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube 120. An example view of the oral care device having the sleeve 110 positioned over and concealing the suction apertures 125 is depicted in FIG. 2B.

[0095] Referring now to FIG. 2B, illustrated is a cross-sectional view 200B of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 1C. As shown, the sleeve 110 can slide along the longitudinal axis of the hollow tube 120, causing the sleeve to cover (e.g., conceal), the suction apertures 125 near the end stop 130. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can form a seal over the suction apertures 125 (e.g., a watertight seal, an airtight seal, etc.) using one or more sealing features, such as a gasket or another type of seal. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can lock to one of the end stop 130 or the end stop 135, or to a portion of the hollow shaft 120. In some implementations, the sleeve 110 can include a spring feature that causes the sleeve 110 to return from the position depicted in FIG. 2B to the position depicted in FIG. 2A (or vice versa) in the absence of a force being applied to the sleeve 110. For example, a health care provider can draw the sleeve 110 backward (e.g., toward the end stop 130) using a force to expose the apertures 140, and upon releasing the sleeve 110, the sleeve 110 can spring back to the position where the sleeve covers the apertures 140. The spring feature can be coupled to the hollow shaft 120, for example, near the end stop 130 or near the end stop 135. When the suction apertures 140 are exposed, an external suction source can be used to extract mucus, fluid, or other debris from the oral cavity of a patient via the hollow tube 120. By applying longitudinal force to the sleeve 110 and causing the sleeve 110 to slide along the hollow tube 120, the healthcare provider can manually and precisely adjust the size of the apertures 140 uncovered by the sleeve 110, and thus the amount of suction force that is applied by the apertures 140 in the patient’s oral cavity. In doing so, the healthcare provider can avoid causing damage to the patient oral cavity due to excess suction in sensitive areas.

[0096] Referring now to FIG. 3 A, illustrated is a perspective view 300A of a first stage of an oral swab extraction process flow. As depicted, the oral care device shown in FIGS. 1 A, IB, 1C, 2A, and 2B, can be used to extract an oral swab from an oral swab container 305 (a canister). The oral swab container can include one or more walls. Although the oral swab container 305 is shown as a substantially cylindrical container having a circular opening covered by a sealing lid 310, it should be understood that the container 305 can be formed into any shape, and have any size or shape opening covered by the sealing lid 310. In some implementations, the container 305 and the sealing lid 310 can be formed from a high- barrier material, which can prevent oxygen, water, light, and other elements from entering or exiting the container 305. The sealing lid 310 can be formed from a flexible high-barrier film, and can be coupled to the body of the container 305 using adhesive or another type of coupling. The sealing lid 310 can be removable, such that the contents of the container 305 are exposed when the sealing lid 310 is removed from the opening of the container 305. The cleaning end 115 of the oral care device can be used to extract the contents of the container 305 following the removal of the sealing lid 310. In some implementations, the cleaning end 115 of the oral care device can assist removal of the sealing lid 310 of the container 305 to expose the contents of the container 305. A depiction of the sealing lid 310 having been removed from the container 305, exposing the contents of the container 305, is shown in FIG. 3B.

[0097] Referring now to FIG. 3B, illustrated is a perspective view 300B of a second stage of an oral swab extraction process flow. As depicted in the view 300B, the oral care device has not yet been used to extract the contents of the container 305. However, the sealing lid 310 of the container 305 has been removed, exposing the contents of the container 305. The container 305 can include a solution. The solution can be, for example, an oral disinfectant, an oral cleaning agent, or any other solution that can be used in an oral hygiene routine. As shown, the container 305 can include an oral swab 315. The oral swab 315 can be, for example, an oral swab that can couple to the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. The oral swab 315 can be positioned in the container 305 such that the oral swab 315 is submerged, or partially submerged, in the solution described herein above. The oral swab 315 can, in some implementations, be substantially cylindrical, and can include an opening that receives the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. The oral swab 315 can be positioned in the container 305 such that the opening of the oral swab 315 is exposed when the sealing lid 310 is removed from the container 305. The opening of the oral swab 315 can be circular, square, rectangular, or any other shape that can receive the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. An illustration of the oral care device being used to extract the oral swab 315 from the container 305 is shown in FIG. 3C. In some implementations, the container 305 may include only a dose of an oral hygiene fluid, and may not include an oral swab 315. Sponges or other absorbent portions of the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device can be inserted into the container 305 and absorb the oral hygiene fluid directly without the use of an oral swab 315.

[0098] Referring now to FIG. 3C, illustrated is a perspective view 300C of a third stage of an oral swab extraction process flow. At this stage in the process, the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device can be inserted into the opening of the oral swab 315 via the opening of the container 305. The cleaning portion 115 can be inserted, for example, by a health care provider or another user of the oral care device. In some implementations, the opening of the oral swab 315 can form a cavity that accepts the entirety of the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. However, in some implementations, the oral swab may accept a portion, or a segment, of the cleaning portion 115. Following insertion, the oral swab 315 can couple to the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device, such that the oral swab 315 can remain attached to the oral care device when the oral care device is withdrawn from the container 305. In some implementations, the oral swab 315 can include one or more connectors that couple to the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. The one or more connectors can include, for example, a snap-fit connector, a press-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a threaded connector, or any other type of mechanical connector. The connector can be a “one-way” connector, such that once coupled, the oral swab 315 and the cleaning portion 115 cannot be disconnected. The one-way connector can “click,” or emit an audible sound, to indicate the cleaning portion 115 has been permanently coupled to the oral swab 315. The oral swab 315 can include an outer portion that can contact the inside of a patient’s oral cavity. The outer portion can include, for example, a foam portion, a cotton portion, a brush portion, or a combination thereof. A depiction of the oral swab 315 being withdrawn from the container 305 is shown in FIG. 3D.

[0099] Referring now to FIG. 3D, illustrated is a perspective view 300D of a fourth stage of an oral swab extraction process flow. As shown, when the oral care device is withdrawn from the container 305 after insertion into the oral swab 315, the oral swab 315 remains coupled to the cleaning portion 115. In some implementations, the oral swab 315 can be coupled to and cover the entirety of the cleaning portion 115. In some implementations, only a portion of the oral swab 315 can be coupled to the cleaning portion 115, but the oral swab 315 can still cover the entirety of the cleaning portion 115. However, in some implementations, the oral swab 315 can cover only a section of the cleaning portion 115. In some implementations, the oral swab 315 can cover more than the entirety of the cleaning portion 115, and can additionally cover a portion of the sleeve 110. The oral swab 315 can be coupled or affixed to the cleaning portion 115 such that when the cleaning portion 115 spins as part of the normal functioning of the oral care device, the oral swab remains fixed to the cleaning portion 115. The oral swab 315 can be permanently coupled to the cleaning portion 115. For example, the oral swab 315 can include one or more connectors that permanently couple the oral swab 315 to the cleaning portion 115, resulting in a unified body. Friction between the oral swab 315 and the walls of the container 305 can hold the oral swab 315 within the container until the oral swab 315 is coupled to the cleaning portion 115. Once the oral swab 315 is coupled to the cleaning portion 115, the force coupling the oral swab 315 to the cleaning portion 115 can overcome the force of friction holding the oral swab 315 in the container 305, allowing the oral swab 315 to be removed from the container 305.

[0100] In some implementations, the oral swab 315 can be removed manually from the cleaning portion 115. In implementations where the sleeve 110 and the cleaning portion 115 are disposable and the rest of the oral care device is not disposable, all of the sleeve 110, the cleaning portion 115, and the oral swab 315 can be manually removed from the hollow tube 120 and disposed of. A healthcare provider can then clean (e.g., sterilize, etc.) the remaining portions of the oral care device, and apply a new sleeve 110 having a new cleaning portion 115 for next use. Alternatively, everything shown in FIG. 3D may be disposable.

[0101] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated is a cross-sectional view 400 of the example oral care device extracting the swab from the example oral swab container 305 depicted in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. As shown, the sleeve 110 of the oral care device is positioned such that the suction apertures 125 of the hollow shaft 120 are exposed, and the sleeve 110 is pressed against the end stop 135 at the end of the hollow shaft 120. In the view 400, the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device has been inserted into the opening of the oral swab 315 via the opening of the container 305. In some implementations, the cleaning portion 115 can include one or more mechanical coupling features, such as a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, a threaded connector, or another type of mechanical connector. In some implementations, when the cleaning portion 115 includes bristles or portions having bristles, the bristles can press into and secure the oral swab 315 to the cleaning portion 115. For example, the bristles can be made of a rigid material that presses into and couples to the oral swab 315, which can be made of a soft material. The bristles of the cleaning portion 115 can become embedded into the oral swab 315, and because at least 50% of the surface of the cleaning portion 115 can have bristles (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1C, etc.) the oral swab 315 can become coupled to the surface of the cleaning portion 115. The oral swab 315 can have elasticity to grip the cleaning portion 115. Any of the container 305, the sealing lid 310, or the oral swab 315 can each be formed from a disposable or recyclable material. For example, the container 305 can be manufactured from a recyclable plastic material, or from a biodegradable material.

[0102] Referring now to FIG. 5A, illustrated is a perspective view 500A of an example fluid reservoir 505 having an outer layer 510. The fluid reservoir can include a treatment fluid, such as an oral cleaning solution, a disinfectant solution, or a hydrating solution (e.g., to hydrate a dry oral cavity of a patient, etc.). The liquid container shown in view 500A can include one or more discrete portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the liquid container is divided into two discrete semi-circular portions, the liquid container 505A and the liquid container 505B. Each of the liquid containers 505A and 505B can store the same liquid solution. In some implementations, each of the liquid containers 505A and 505B can store a different liquid solution. The containers 505A and 505B can be surrounded by respective outer layers 510A and 510B. Each of the outer layers 510A and 510B can be constructed from, for example, a soft material such as a foam material or a cotton-based material. In some implementations, the outer layers 510A and 510B can each be formed from a soft plastic material, or a soft rubber material. Each of the outer layers 510A and 510B can protect the liquid portions 505A and 505B from potential perforation while inserted into an oral cavity of a patient. The outer layers 510A and 510B are biologically safe materials, such that they do not harm the tissue of a patent while inserted into the patent’s oral cavity. The liquid containers 505 A and 505B can be held together by a connector 515, such as a hinge. The connector 515 can allow the liquid containers 505 A and 505B be to easily coupled to a brush head, such as the brush head depicted in FIG. 5B. [0103] Referring now to FIG. 5B, illustrated is a perspective view 500B of an example brush head having a perforator 525 and fluid channels 530. As shown, the brush head can include at least one receiving cavity 520 defined by the one or more walls of the brush head. The receiving cavity 520 can be, for example, a hole or a channel defined through the center of the brush head. Having the receiving cavity 520 in the center of the brush head allows the weight of the brush head to be evenly distributed about the radial axis of the brush head, thereby minimizing the occurrence of vibrations when the brush head rotates about its longitudinal axis. The receiving cavity 520 can receive and couple to a cleaning end of an oral care device, such as the oral care device depicted in FIGS. 1 A, IB, and 1C. The receiving cavity 520 can include one or more connectors that couple the cleaning end of the oral care device to the inside of the brush head. Some example connectors include a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, adhesive disposed within the receiving cavity 520, or a threaded connector, among others.

[0104] As shown, the walls of the brush head can have a first end that includes one or more bristles 535. The bristles 535 can protrude outward from the one or more walls of the brush head, allowing the bristles to make contact with an oral cavity of a patient. Each of the bristles 535 can have a base portion that connects the bristle 535 to the wall of the brush head. In some implementations, one or more of the bristles 535 can include, or be proximate to, a base portion that is in fluid communication with the channels 530 of the central portion of the brush head. The base of a bristle can include a fluid channel outlet that is fluidly connected to one or more of the channels 530 of the central portion of the brush. The fluid channel outlet can allow fluids passing through one or more of the channels 530 to pass to a surface of the brush head and make contact with one or more of the bristles 535. This can, for example, facilitate cleaning operations performed using the brush head, by directly applying a cleaning solution to the bristles 535 of the brush head via the fluid channels 530.

[0105] The channels 530 of the brush head can be disposed in a central portion of the brush head, shown as the recessed region between both ends of the brush head in view 500B of FIG. 5B. Although the central portion is depicted as a recessed portion, it should be understood that the central portion of the brush need not necessarily be a recessed portion. The central portion can be any portion of the brush head that is configured to receive one or more liquid containers, such as the liquid containers 505A and 505B depicted in view 500A of FIG. 5 A. Although the central portion is depicted as a recessed region in the center of the brush head, it should be understood that the portion need not necessarily be positioned in the central portion of the brush head, and can instead be disposed on any surface of the brush head. In some implementations, the brush head can include several portions that each receive a separate liquid container.

[0106] The central portion can include one or more perforators 525. The one or more perforators 525 can include, for example, one or more spikes or pointed features that protrude outward from the walls of the brush head. In some implementations, the one or more perforators 525 can include one or more needles, having channels disposed there that are fluidly coupled to the channels 530. The one or more perforators 525 can include a sharped edge that can cut, pierce, or otherwise puncture a liquid container or a liquid reservoir, such as the liquid containers 505A and 505B. Once the liquid containers are perforated by the one or more perforators 525, the fluid stored in the liquid container can flow along the one or more channels 530. As the one or more channels 530 are fluidly connected to the bases of the bristles 535, the one or more perforators 525 can cause fluid from the liquid containers to flow to the outer surface of the brush head and onto the bristles 535 via the one or more channels 530. The process of affixing one or more liquid containers (e.g., the liquid containers 505A and 505B) to the brush head is depicted in FIG. 5C.

[0107] FIG. 5C illustrates a perspective view 500C of the example fluid reservoir 505 shown in FIG. 5 A being coupled to the example brush head shown in FIG. 5B. As shown, a healthcare provider can attach the liquid containers 505A and 505B shown in FIG. 5A to the brush head shown in FIG. 5B. The liquid containers 505A and 505B can be formed such that they can conform to the central portion of the brush head, causing the liquid containers 505A and 505B to be punctured by the one or more perforators 525. As described herein, the liquid containers 505A and 505B can be connected via a connector, such as a hinge. To couple the liquid containers 505A and 505B to the brush head, a healthcare provider can first couple one liquid container (e.g., the liquid container 505A, etc.) to the central portion of the brush head. The liquid containers 505A and 505B can connect to the brush head using one or more connectors, such as a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, or adhesive disposed on the surface of liquid containers 505 A and 505B or the central portion of the brush head. In some implementations, the friction caused by the perforator 525 puncturing the liquid containers 505A or 505B can hold the liquid containers 505A and 505B in place on the brush head. Once a first portion of the liquid containers 505A and 505B has been coupled to the brush head, a healthcare provider can couple the second portion (e.g., the liquid container 505B) to the brush head, as shown in FIG. 5D.

[0108] FIG. 5D illustrates a perspective view 500D of the example fluid reservoir 505 shown in FIG. 5 A being coupled to the example brush head shown in FIG. 5B. As shown, once both the liquid containers 505A and 505B have been coupled to the brush head, the liquid containers 505A and 505B can surround the central portion of the brush head. Much like the liquid container 505A, the liquid container 505B can also be punctured by one or more of the perforators 525, causing fluid from the liquid container 505B to flow to the surface of the brush head via the channels 530, as described herein. Each of the liquid containers 505A and 505B can couple to one another using an additional connector, causing the liquid containers 505A and 505B to surround the brush head. For example, as described herein above, each of the liquid containers 505A and 505B can be coupled to one another using a first connector, such as a hinge. The hinge can be positioned at one end of both liquid containers 505A and 505B. An additional connector can be positioned at the opposite end of the liquid containers 505A and 505B, which can couple each of the liquid containers 505A and 505B together to form a ring configuration that surrounds the brush head. The additional connector can be, for example, a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a press-fit connector, or adhesive disposed on a surface of either of the liquid containers 505 A or 505B. The additional connector can affix the liquid containers 505A and 505B in place once the liquid containers 505A and 505B are mounted on the brush head. In some implementations, the additional connector can be disconnected by the healthcare provider, and the liquid containers 505A and 505B can be removed from the brush head and discarded.

[0109] Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, illustrated are perspective views 600A and 600B of a sachet container of fluid that can be used with the oral care device described herein. The sachet container can include one or more pre-fabricated layers that are coupled to one another via heat, adhesive, or some other type of coupling. The pre-fabricated layers can define one or more tubes 610. As shown in FIG. 6A, the sachet container can include three tubes 610, but it should be understood that other numbers of tubes 610 are possible. The tubes 610 can contain an oral cleaning fluid, an oral disinfectant, or other fluids used in oral care procedures. The tubes can be separated by one or more perforations 605. The perforations 605 can include one or more holes, slots, or grooves. As shown in FIG. 6B, the sachet container can be folded along the perforations 605. The sachet container can fold along the perforations 605 such that the tubes 610 of the sachet container form a cylindrical shape, or another shape that conforms to an exterior sleeve 615 (described below). Once the sachet has been folded into the shape of the exterior sleeve 615 (here depicted as cylindrical) the sachet container can be inserted into an exterior sleeve, such as the exterior sleeve 615 depicted in FIG. 6C.

[0110] Referring now to FIGS. 6C and 6D, illustrated are perspective views 600C and 600D of the sachet container of FIGS. 6 A and 6B being inserted into the exterior sleeve 615. As shown, the exterior sleeve 615 can be formed to accommodate the sachet container when the sachet container has been folded into its final form. As shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the exterior sleeve 615 can be substantially cylindrical, but it should be understood that other shapes are possible. The exterior container can include one or more exterior openings 620 that correspond to the perforations 605 of the sachet container. In some implementations, the exterior openings 620 can correspond to one or more of the holes, slots, or grooves present on the perforations 605. The exterior sleeve 615 can be sized such that it can fit snugly around the outer surface of the sachet container. In some implementations, an outer surface of the sachet container or an inner surface of the exterior sleeve 615 can include adhesive or another type of coupling disposed thereon that facilitates coupling of the sachet container to the exterior sleeve 615. In some implementations, friction can couple the sachet container to the exterior sleeve 615 without any adhesive or coupling mechanism. As shown in FIG. 6D, when the sachet container has been positioned inside the exterior sleeve 615, the perforations 605 present on the sachet container can be aligned with the exterior openings 620 of the exterior sleeve 615. Once the sachet container has been positioned inside of the exterior sleeve 615, the exterior sleeve 615 can be inserted into an oral swab 625, as shown in FIGS. 6E and 6F.

[0111] Referring now to FIGS. 6E and 6F, illustrated are perspective views 600E and 600F of the exterior sleeve 615 being inserted into the oral swab 625. The oral swab 625 can be similar to the oral swab 315 described herein above in connection with FIGS. 3C and 3D. The oral swab 625 can be a dry swab comprising foam, sponge, or another type of porous material, such as cotton. The oral swab 625 can be capable of absorbing fluids, such as the fluids sealed in the tubes 610. The oral swab 625 can be used as part of an oral care procedure, and can include an opening near at least one end that can receive the exterior sleeve 615. The exterior sleeve 615 can be inserted into the opening of the oral swab 625, and the interior surface of the oral swab 625 can couple to the exterior surface of the exterior sleeve 615. In some implementations, the exterior sleeve 615 or the oral swab 625 can include one or more connectors, such as a friction-fit connector, a press-fit connector, or a snap-fit connector, among others. Once the exterior sleeve 615 has been inserted into the oral swab 625, an oral care device can be inserted into an opening of the exterior sleeve 615, as shown in FIGS. 6G and 6H.

[0112] Referring now to FIG. 6G, illustrated is a perspective view 600G of the oral care device of FIGS. 1 A and IB being inserted into the exterior sleeve 615 after being coupled to the oral swab 625. As shown, once the exterior sleeve 615 has been inserted into the oral swab 625, an opening in the exterior sleeve 615 can be exposed. The cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device can be inserted into the opening, which can compress and rupture the tubes 610 of the sachet device. In some implementations, the tubes 610 do not rupture, but instead the perforations 605 can break (for example, layers forming the tubes can delaminate), such that fluid from the tubes 610 can flow out of the holes or slots present on the broken perforations 605. The fluid present in the tubes 610 of the sachet device can flow out of the perforations of the sachet device, which as shown in FIG. 6D, are aligned with the exterior openings 620 of the exterior sleeve 615. Thus, the fluid can flow out of exterior openings 620 of the exterior sleeve 615 and soak into the oral swab 625. The oral swab 625 can absorb the fluid, and the oral swab 625 can then be used in an oral care procedure. A cross-sectional view 600H of the oral care device being inserted into the exterior device 615 is depicted in FIG. 6H.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 6H, illustrated is a cross-sectional view 600H of the oral care device being inserted into the exterior sleeve coupled to the oral swab 625. As described herein above, the oral swab can couple to the outer surface of the exterior sleeve 615. The opening of the exterior sleeve 615 can remain exposed even when inserted into the oral swab 625. The opening of the exterior sleeve 615 can receive the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device. In some implementations, the exterior sleeve 615 can include one or more connectors that couple to the cleaning portion 115 of the oral care device, such as a snap-fit connector, a friction-fit connector, or a press-fit connector, among others. In some implementations, friction between the cleaning portion 115 and the one or more tubes 610 of the sachet container can cause the cleaning portion 115 to remain coupled to the exterior sleeve 615. The cleaning portion 115 can extend outward and press into the tubes 610 of the sachet container, causing the fluid in the tubes 610 to flow out of the holes 620 of the exterior sleeve 615 and soak into the oral swab 625.

[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D, illustrated are various views of an example oral swab container 705 with a separate fluid container 710, in accordance with one or more implementations. Referring to FIG. 7A, illustrated is an oral swab container 705, which may be similar to, and include any of the structure of, the oral swab container 305 described in connection with FIGS. 3 A-3D. As shown, the oral swab container 705 includes an oral swab 715, which may be similar to, and include any of the structure of, the oral swab 315 described in connection with FIGS. 3A-3D. The oral swab container 705 differs from the oral swab container 305 of FIGS. 3A-3D in that liquid may not be stored in the oral swab container 705. Instead, liquid used in connection with the oral swab 715 is stored in a separate liquid container 710.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 7B, the liquid container 710 includes a sharp portion 725 that can puncture a wall or protective film on the liquid container 710 to release fluid 720 contained therein. Any type of liquid, gel, or material can be stored as the fluid 720 in the liquid container 710, including chi orhexi dine (CHX), mouth rinse solution, a toothpaste solution, or any other type of oral-hygiene related material. FIG. 7C shows a perspective view of the oral swab container 705, with the oral swab 715 contained therein, with the liquid container 710 removed. FIG. 7D illustrates an alternative view of the liquid container 710, which shows a bottom wall 730 that includes a weakened portion at the center. The weakened portion of the bottom wall 730 can be pierced by the sharp portion 725, releasing the fluid 720 from the liquid container 710. A foil or protective film may also be used. The oral swab container 705 or the liquid container 710 may include a mechanical snap-fit edge, which can couple the liquid container 710 to the oral swab container 705. [0116] Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a cross-sectional view of a modular grip 905 for an example oral care device 900 described in connection with FIG. 9, having a sleeve portion, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the oral care device includes a hollow shaft 920, suction apertures 925, and a grip portion 905, each of which are described in greater detail in connection with FIG. 9. Additionally, the grip portion 905 includes a clip 805, which couples the grip portion 905 to the hollow shaft 920. The hollow shaft 920 includes a lip 810, which slides into a corresponding slot of the clip 805 on the grip 905. The clip may include a spring at an end opposite to the slot, such that the clip 805 may be compressed at the end opposite to the slot to release the lip 810 from the slot. The clip 805 may be a snap-fit connector, and may make a clicking noise when the hollow shaft 920 has been sufficiently inserted into the grip portion 905.

[0117] FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an alternative oral care device 900 having a sleeve portion 910, in accordance with one or more implementations. The oral care device 900 can be similar to the oral care device described in connection with FIGS. 1 A-2B. The oral care device 900 can include brush head 915, which can be similar to, and include any of the structure of, the brush head 115 described in connection with FIGS. 1 A-2B. The oral care device 900 can include a grip portion 905, a suction pipe fitting 945, and a hollow shaft 920. The hollow shaft 920 can be surrounded by the sleeve portion 910, similar to the configuration of the hollow shaft 120 described in connection with FIGS. 1 A-2B. The hollow shaft 920 can include one or more suction apertures 925, which can be similar to and include any of the structure of the suction apertures 125 described herein. The grip portion 905 can include a rough or patterned surface, to reduce slipping when held in the hand of a dental professional. The oral care device 900 can be a modular device, where the hollow shaft 920 (and the sleeve portion 910 and the brush head 915 coupled thereto) can be separated from the grip portion 905. The hollow shaft 920 can couple to the grip portion utilizing one or more connectors, such as a snap-fit connector. The hollow shaft 920 can be in fluid communication with the suction pipe fitting 945 through one or more channels or tubes (not shown) inside the grip portion 905.

[0118] FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of yet another alternative oral swab container 1005 with yet another alternative separate fluid container 1010, in accordance with one or more implementations. The oral swab container 1005 can be similar to the oral swab container 705 described in connection with FIGS. 7A-7D. However, the oral swab container 1005 can include one or more perforators 1025 at the top of the oral swab container 1005. As shown in FIG. 10, the perforators 1025 are formed in a pointed spiral shape, and can perforate a protective wall or protective film (not shown) of a liquid container 1010. The oral swab container 1005 can include an oral swab 1015, which may be similar to and include any of the structure of the oral swab 315 described in connection with FIGS. 3A-4. The oral swab container 1005 may be coupled to or placed into a base structure 1020.

[0119] The liquid container 1010 can be structurally similar to the liquid container 710 described in connection with FIGS. 7A-7D. However, the liquid container 1010 may not include a perforator as in FIGS. 7A-7D, and may instead be perforated by the perforators 1025 of the oral swab container 1005. To perforate the liquid container 1010, a user can apply a downward force to the liquid container 1010, pressing it against the perforators 1025. The base structure 1020 can support the oral swab container 1005 when the force is applied. In some implementations, the force can be applied in a twisting motion, and the perforators 1025 can become embedded in the wall or protective film on the liquid container 1010.

Then, when the liquid container 1010 is removed after the oral swab 1015 has been saturated with the fluid in the liquid container 1010, the perforators 1025 can be coupled to the film and be removed with the liquid container 1010. For example, the perforators 1025 may be coupled to the oral swab container 1005 at one or more weak points, which are designed to fail in response to an applied force that also pierces the film of the liquid container 1010. Removing the perforators 1025 exposes the saturated oral swab 1015, which can then be coupled to an oral care device for an oral care procedure.

[0120] FIG. 11 illustrates an example process of utilizing the example oral care device 900 shown in FIG. 9 with the oral swab container 1005 and fluid container 1010 shown in FIG. 10, in accordance with one or more implementations. The process can begin at step 1105, where the liquid container 1010 can be pressed downward onto the perforators 1025. At step 1110, a downward twisting force can be applied to the liquid container 1010, and the perforators 1025 can pierce the protective film or wall of the liquid container 1010. At step 1115, the twisting force can separate the perforators 1025 from the oral swab container 1005, and the perforators 1025 can remain embedded in the protective wall or film of the liquid container 1010. The liquid container 1010 can then be removed, leaving the oral swab 1015 exposed while saturating in the fluid 1125 that has escaped the liquid container 1010. The brush head 915 coupled to the sleeve portion 910 of the oral care device 900 can be inserted in the opening of the oral swab 1015, and removed from the oral swab container 1005, as shown in step 1120.

[0121] FIGS. 12A and 12B show side views of the example oral care device 900 shown in FIG. 9, with the sleeve portion in different positions, in accordance with one or more implementations. As described herein, the oral care device 900 is similar to the oral care device described in connection with FIGS. 1A-2B. As shown, the oral care device 900 includes a sliding outer sleeve portion 910, which can slide over the hollow shaft 920 (omitted here for visual clarity, but described in connection with FIG. 9) to expose the suction apertures 925 or a second set of suction apertures 940. FIG. 12A shows the sleeve portion pulled back to expose the second set of suction apertures 940, while FIG. 12B shows the sleeve portion pushed forward to expose the suction apertures 925. This is similar to the arrangements described in connection with FIGS. 2B and 2A, respectively.

[0122] FIG. 13 A illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example oral care device 1300 with an integrated fluid reservoir, in accordance with one or more implementations. The oral care device 1300 can include a grip portion 1305 and a suction pipe connector 1345, which can be structurally similar to the grip portion 905 and the suction pipe connection 945 described in connection with FIG. 9. The oral care device 1300 can include a hollow tube 1320 that is fluidly coupled to the suction pipe connector 1345, and a sleeve portion 1310 that surrounds the hollow tube 1320. The sleeve portion 1310 can surround the hollow tube 1320 such that a fluid channel is formed between the sleeve portion 1310 and the hollow tube 1320. The fluid channel can be fluidly coupled to an integrated reservoir 1350, which may contain, for example, CHX, a mouth rinse solution, or any other oral hygiene-related substance. The integrated reservoir 1350 may be a donut shaped reservoir that surrounds the hollow tube 1320.

[0123] The oral care device 1300 can include a brush head 1315, which may be structurally similar to the brush head 915 described in connection with FIG. 9. The brush head 1315 may include one or more openings (not pictured), which are in fluid communication with the channel formed between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. The fluid from the integrated reservoir 1350 can travel down the channel and out of the openings in the brush head 1315. The fluid may saturate an oral swab that is coupled to the brush head 1315, or may provide a fluid solution to a mouth of a patient during an oral care procedure.

[0124] FIGS. 13B, 13C, and 13D illustrate example views of a modular implementation of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 13 A, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 13B shows a portion of a modular implementation of the oral care device 1300. As shown, the oral care device may include several modular components, which may be exchanged as needed. The hollow tube 1320, the sleeve portion 1310, and the brush head 1315 can form a first portion of the oral care device 1300. As shown, when disassembled, a set of suction apertures, similar to the suction apertures 925 described in connection with FIG. 9, are exposed. The suction apertures can be in fluid communication with the hollow portion of the hollow tube 1320. Additionally, as shown, a channel connector 1355 is exposed, which can fluidly couple the fluid reservoir 1350 to the channel formed between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. The integrated reservoir 1350 can be housed inside a housing 1360, which may include one or more connectors (e.g., a snap-fit connector, etc.) that couple to one or more of the hollow tube 1320 or the sleeve portion 1310. The integrated reservoir 1350 can include a connector, which couples to the channel connector 1355.

[0125] FIG. 13C shows the reservoir housing 1360 coupled to the hollow tube 1320 (or in some implementations, to the sleeve portion 1310). Additionally, although not shown here, the channel opening can be connected to the integrated reservoir 1350, allowing fluid to flow through the channel and to the brush head 1315. As shown, the housing 1360 may have a central opening that surrounds the hollow tube 1320, exposing an end portion of the hollow tube 1320 which may couple to the grip portion 1305. FIG. 13D shows the grip portion 1305 of the oral care device coupled to the hollow tube 1320, forming the completed oral care device 1300.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, illustrated are side views of the example oral care device 1300 shown in FIGS. 13A-13D. FIGS. 14A and 14B depict arrangements that are similar to the arrangements depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B, but instead showing the oral care device 1300. As shown, the sleeve portion 1310 can be moved to different positions to expose either the second set of suction apertures 1340 (as in FIG. 14A) or to obstruct the second set of suction apertures 1340. When the sleeve portion 1310 is pulled backward, it may retract into a shroud portion 1370, which itself may be coupled to the housing 1360. A friction seal may be created between the sleeve portion 1310 and the shroud 1370. The shroud 1370 may include one or more channels or tubes that fluidly couple the channel connector 1355 (not shown here) to the channel formed between the sleeve portion 1310 and the hollow tube 1320. When the sleeve portion 1310 obstructs the second set of suction apertures 1340, the suction apertures 1340 may be sealed such that fluid does not flow into or out of the suction apertures 1340. In some implementations, the sleeve portion 1310 may not retract into the shroud portion 1370, and may instead travel along the hollow shaft 1320 toward the grip portion 1305, as shown.

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 14C and 14D, illustrated are cross-sectional side views of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, FIG. 14C corresponds to FIG. 14A, in that the sleeve portion 1310 has been retracted to expose an end portion of the hollow tube 1320. The cross- sectional view of FIG. 14C shows that the channel connector 1355 is coupled to the reservoir 1350. As shown in FIG. 14D, when the sleeve 1310 is pushed forward to obscure the suction apertures 1340 (reference number omitted for visual clarity), the fluid in the integrated reservoir 1350 can be forced through the channel connector 1355, through the channel, and out of the brush head 1315. The fluid reservoir may be forced by a positive pressure provided through the suction pipe connector 1345 and out of the apertures 1325. Because the suction apertures 1340 are sealed, the positive pressure escapes from the apertures 1325 and presses on the reservoir 1350, causing the fluid stored therein to flow through the channel connector 1355, through the channel, and out of the brush head 1315. Alternatively, forward motion of the sleeve 1310, as shown in FIG. 14D, can cause the integrated reservoir 1350 to become compressed, forcing the fluid stored therein to flow through the channel connector 1355, through the channel, and out of the brush head 1315.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, illustrated are views of an example sachet container 1500 and oral swab container 1530 with a base portion 1520, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 15A shows an example of the sachet container 1500, which may include a fluid container 1505, an opening 1510, and an outer ring 1515. The sachet container 1500 may be constructed from any suitable material, such as flexible plastic, foil, or composite material, and may be similar to the sachets described in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B. The fluid container 1505 of the sachet container 1500 can include any type of oral hygiene-related fluid, including CHX, mouth rinse, or another substance. Use of a sachet provides the correct amount of liquid for each oral care session. A disadvantage of storing an oral care liquid with a brush or a swab is that compatibility of the liquid with the brush and swab materials over long storage periods must be established. Use of a sachet overcomes this disadvantage.

[0129] The sachet container 1500 may include a channel that connects the opening 1510 to the fluid container 1505. The channel may be blocked or sealed, for example, by a weakened portion of a sidewall of the fluid container 1505 that is configured to rupture in response to an appropriate force on the fluid container 1505. Upon rupturing, the fluid in the fluid container 1505 can flow into the channel and out of the opening 1510. The channel can be defined between two layers of material, which are coupled by the outer ring 1515 (e.g., through thermocompression, adhesive, or another attachment process, etc.). One of the two layers of material can include the opening 1510, which is in fluid communication with the channel, while the other layer may be solid, allowing the fluid to be directed out of the sachet container 1500 in a single direction.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 15B, the sachet container 1500 may be utilized with an oral swab container 1530. The oral swab container 1530 may be similar to the oral swab container 1005 described in connection with FIG. 10. However, the oral swab container 1530 may not include perforators 1025 as described in FIG. 10, but instead may include a flat edge portion on which the sachet container 1500 can rest, as shown. The outer ring portion 1515 can fold under the fluid container, directing the opening 1510 downward towards an oral swab contained in the oral swab container 1530. The oral swab container 1530 may include a base portion 1520, which may be similar to the base portion 1020 described in connection with FIG. 10. A downward force can be applied to the sachet container 1500, causing the fluid to flow out of the opening 1510 to saturate the oral swab 1525. [0131] Referring now to FIG. 16, illustrated is an example process of utilizing the example sachet container 1500 and oral swab container 1530 depicted in FIGS. 15A and 15B with the example oral care device 900 shown in FIG. 9, in accordance with one or more implementations. The process can begin at step 1605, where the outer ring 1515 can be coupled to the top portion of the oral swab container 1530. The fluid container 1505 can be pulled upwards to separate the fluid container 1505 from the outer ring 1515, which remains coupled to the top of the oral swab container 1530. At step 1610, a force can be applied to the fluid container 1505, and the fluid contained therein can rupture the weak portion of the sachet container 1500 and the fluid 1625 can flow out of the opening 1510 (not pictured) and into the oral swab container 1530. At step 1615, the sachet container 1500 can be removed from the top of the oral swab container 1530, exposing the oral swab 1525, which has become saturated with the fluid 1625. The brush head 915 coupled to the sleeve portion 910 of the oral care device 900 can be inserted in the opening of the oral swab 1525, and removed from the oral swab container 1530, as shown in step 1620.

[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 17A, 17B, and 17C, illustrated are cross-sectional side views of oral care devices (e.g., similar to the oral care device 1300 described in connection with FIGS. 13A-13D) with integrated fluid reservoirs 1350 and various dispenser mechanisms, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 17A shows an oral care device 1700A, which is similar to the oral care device 1300 of FIGS. 13A-13D, but utilizing a spring-based dispenser mechanism. As shown, the oral care device 1700A includes the brush head 1315, the sleeve portion 1310, the hollow tube 1320, the integrated reservoir 1350, the grip portion 1305, and the suction pipe connector 1345. As shown, the channel connector 1355 is fluidly coupled to the reservoir 1350.

[0133] FIG. 17A shows an oral care device 1700A, which is similar to the oral care device 1300 of FIGS. 13A-13D, but utilizing a spring-based dispenser mechanism. The oral care device 1700A includes a trigger mechanism 1710 to compress the reservoir 1350 toward the brush head 1315. The springs 1705 may compress the reservoir 1350 when the trigger mechanism 1710 is pulled backward toward the grip portion 1305. The sleeve portion 1310 can remain in place, and the housing including the reservoir 1350 can be pushed forward toward the brush head 1315 to compress the reservoir 1350 and the springs 1705. In some implementations, the springs 1705 may be a series of snap-fit connectors, which produce a clicking sound as the reservoir 1350 is compressed. Such snap-fit connectors are described in further detail in connection with FIG. 17D. When the reservoir 1350 is compressed, the fluid contained therein flows through the channel connector 1355 and into the channel defined between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. The trigger mechanism 1710 can be operated while holding the grip portion 1305. The trigger mechanism 1710 pivots on an axis, and when actuated, presses the housing forward to compress the integrated reservoir 1350. When the reservoir 1350 is compressed, the fluid contained therein flows through the channel connector 1355 and into the channel defined between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. The trigger may then be released, and the springs 1705 can move the housing back to a neutral position.

[0134] FIG. 17B shows an oral care device 1700B, which is similar to the oral care devices 1700A of FIG. 17A but utilizing an alternative integrated reservoir 1350 and compression mechanism 1715. The compression mechanism 1715 can include a housing that stores the integrated reservoir 1350. When a downward force is applied to the compression mechanism 1715, the alternative integrated reservoir 1350 is compressed, forcing the fluid contained therein through the channel connector 1355 and through the channel defined between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. The compression mechanism 1715 may include a spring, which causes the compression mechanism 1715 to return to its original position after being compressed. The integrated reservoir 1350 may be provided with ribs 1352, which mate with compression mechanism 1715 and “click” as the compression mechanism passes over each rib, to allow discrete amounts of fluid to be output.

[0135] FIG. 17C shows an oral care device 1700C, which is similar to the oral care devices 1700A and 1700B of FIGS. 17A and 17B, but utilizing an alternative integrated reservoir 1350 that is manually compressed by the operator of the oral care device 1700C. As shown, the integrated reservoir 1350 is fluidly coupled to the channel connector 1355 via the tubing 1720. The integrated reservoir 1350 is coupled to the grip portion 1305 using a connector 1725, which may be a rigid connector, adhesive, a tape, or another attachment mechanism. When a user of the oral care device 1700C is holding the grip portion 1305, they may compress the integrated reservoir 1350, forcing the fluid contained therein through the tubing 1720, into the channel connector 1355, and through the channel defined between the hollow tube 1320 and the sleeve portion 1310. [0136] Referring now to FIGS. 17D and 17E, illustrated are various views of mechanisms that may be used in connection with the oral care devices described herein (e.g., the oral care device 1300, 1700A, 1700B, etc.) to dispense fluid, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 17D shows a perspective view of the housing 1360, which may be utilized in connection with the oral care devices 1300 and 1700A. The housing 1360 may be used to contain and dispense fluid from the reservoir 1350 (not shown). As shown, the housing 1360 includes an inner portion 1742, which includes clips 1735 that couple the housing 1360 to an oral care device (e.g., the oral care device 1300 or 1700A, etc.). The housing 1360 couples to the inner portion 1742 using the snap-fit connectors 1730 (one of which is not visible and positioned on the opposite side of the housing 1360). The snap-fit connectors 1730 can snap into the corresponding openings 1740 of the inner portion. The housing 1360 may be pressed forward, for example, by a finger or thumb of an operator of the oral care device, while the inner portion 1742 of the housing 1360 remains stationary and attached to an oral care device. This causes a reservoir positioned within the housing and behind the inner portion 1742 to become compressed by the housing 1360 as the housing slides forward along each of the openings 1740, dispensing the liquid from the reservoir as described herein. The openings 1740 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance to dispense a predetermined volume of the liquid in the reservoir. As the snap-fit connectors 1730 snap into the corresponding openings 1740, a “click” noise may be generated, providing auditory feedback regarding the amount of fluid being dispensed to an operator of the oral care device.

[0137] FIG. 17E shows side views of the compression mechanism 1715 of FIG. 17B. The compression mechanism 1715 can include a housing that stores the integrated reservoir 1350. The connectors 1745 can be used to couple the compression mechanism 1715 to the hollow shaft 1320 (not pictured) and the grip portion 1305 (not pictured) of an oral care device (e.g., the oral care device 1700B). The compression mechanism 1715 can include a housing that contains the integrated reservoir 1350. When a downward force is applied to the compression mechanism 1715, the integrated reservoir 1350 is compressed, forcing the fluid contained therein through an outlet 1750. The compression mechanism 1715 may include a spring, which causes the compression mechanism 1715 to return to its original position after being compressed. The integrated reservoir 1350 may be provided with ribs 1352, which mate with compression mechanism 1715 and “click” as the compression mechanism passes over each rib, to allow discrete amounts of fluid to be output.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 17F, illustrated is a perspective view of an example reservoir 1350 that may be utilized in connection with the fluid dispenser mechanisms described herein, such as the housing 1360 described in connection with FIGS. 13A-14D and 17A. The reservoir 1350 may be formed from a flexible material that enables the reservoir to be wrapped in an annular configuration and inserted into a housing, such as the housing 1360. The reservoir 1350 can contain a predetermined volume of fluid, and can include a connector 1755 that fluidly couples the reservoir 1350 to one or more channels of an oral care device. The connector 1755 may be a Luer connector, a snap-fit connector, a friction fit connector, a threaded connector, or any other type of suitable connector.

[0139] Referring now to FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, illustrated are various additional views of the example sachet container 1500 shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 18A shows a top view of the sachet container 1500 container. As shown, the sachet container 1500 includes the fluid container 1505, the opening 1510, and a weakened portion 1535, which may rupture when an appropriate force is exerted on the fluid container 1505. When ruptured, fluid in the fluid container 1505 flows through a channel defined between the layers of material 1540A and 1540B (shown in FIG. 18C) and out of the opening 1510. FIG. 18B shows a front view of the sachet container 1500, and FIG. 18C shows a side view of the sachet container 1500. As shown in FIG. 18C, the sachet container 1500 can be a substantially flat container, and may be manufactured by coupling at least two layers 1540A and 1540B of material (e.g., a polymer material, etc.) together. In one implementation, the container has a volume of 10 mL and employs heat- welded edges.

[0140] Referring now to FIGS. 19A and 19B, illustrated are additional perspective views of the example sachet container 1500 shown in FIGS. 18A, 18B, and 18C, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sachet container 1500 may be made of a flexible material, and may include a crease or seam that allows the circular portion on which the opening 1510 is formed to be folded over the fluid container 1505, with the opening 1510 facing away from the fluid container 1505. In some implementations, the folding process may be performed to rupture the weakened portion 1535, enabling the fluid to flow from the fluid container 1505 to the opening 1510. FIG. 19A shows a view of the sachet device 1500 with the opening 1510 exposed upward, and FIG. 19B shows a view of the sachet device 1500 with the opening 1510 (not shown) facing downward.

[0141] FIGS. 20 A and 20B illustrate perspective views of the example sachet container 1500 and oral swab container 1530 with the base portion shown in FIG. 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the oral swab container 1530 may include a base portion 1520, which may stabilize the oral swab container 1530. Although not shown here, the oral swab container 1530 can contain an oral swab. Similar to the process described in connection with FIG. 16, the circular portion of the sachet container 1500 can be coupled to the top of the oral swab container 1530, with the opening 1510 (not shown) facing toward the inside of the oral swab container 1530. As shown in FIG. 20A, the sachet container 1500 can be coupled to the oral swab container 1530 in a folded position. Then, as shown in FIG. 20B, the fluid container 1505 can be unfolded while the circular portion of the sachet container 1500 remains coupled to the oral swab container 1530. The layer 1540B, which does not include the opening 1510, is facing upwards, while the layer 1540 A (not shown) is pointed downwards into the oral swab container 1530.

[0142] Referring now to FIGS. 21 A and 21B, illustrated are additional perspective views of the example sachet container 1500 shown in FIGS. 18A-20B, in accordance with one or more implementations. These perspective views provide additional views of the material layers 1540A and 1540B, the opening 1510, and the fluid container 1505. The fluid container 1505 can be filled with any type of liquid or fluid. The sachet container 1500 may be manufactured from a disposable or recyclable material.

[0143] Referring now to FIGS. 22A and 22B, illustrated are perspective views of the example oral swab container 1530 with the base portion 1520 shown in FIG. 15B, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 22A, the base portion 1520 may be circular with a single opening in its center. The central opening of the base portion 1520 can be slightly less than the average diameter of the oral swab container 1530, enabling the oral swab container 1530 to be inserted securely in the base portion 1520. As shown in FIG. 22B, the oral swab container 1530 can contain an oral swab 1525, which may be utilized in an oral care procedure after being saturated with an appropriate fluid (e.g., using a sachet container 1500, etc.). The oral swab 1525 may have a central opening, which may receive a brush head of an oral care device as described herein.

[0144] Referring now to FIG. 23, illustrated is a side view of an example Yankauer suction tip 2300 that is usable as a modular component in connection with the oral care devices described herein. For example, the Yankauer suction tip 2300 can be coupled with a grip portion of an oral care device, such as the grip portion 905 of FIG. 9 or the grip portion 1305 of FIG. 13. The Yankauer suction tip 2300 can include a connector 2320 that couples to a corresponding grip portion. The Yankauer suction tip 2300 can be a hollow tube that is in fluid communication with a suction pipe connector (e.g., the suction pipe connector 945, the suction pipe connector 1345, etc.). The Yankauer suction tip 2300 can include a grip 2312, which may cause the Yankauer suction tip 2300 to rotate about a longitudinal axis in response to a corresponding force (e.g., from a thumb of an operator of the oral care device). The Yankauer suction tip 2300 can include a hollow shaft 2310, and may include one or more suction apertures 2325. The hollow shaft 2310 may be manufactured from a rigid or a flexible material. The Yankauer suction tip 2300 may include a bulbous head (not pictured) that is designed to enable suction without damaging surrounding tissue. The tip 2300 may include additional suction apertures, for example, on the side.

[0145] The systems and devices described herein can be used in an oral care procedure, which can be implemented as part of an oral care policy. Aspects of an oral care policy can include assessing an oral cavity of a patient initially and daily. The oral care policy can specify that unconscious or intubated patients should be provided oral care every 2-4 hours, and as needed, in accordance with an oral care procedure. The policy can further specify that intubated patients should be assessed to determine the need for removal of oropharyngeal secretions every 8 hours, as well as prior to repositioning the tube or deflation of the cuff. One example of an oral care procedure is included below.

[0146] An oral care procedure can include setting up suction equipment, positioning the patient’s head to the side or placing the patient’s head in a semi-fowler’s position, and providing suction, as needed, to intubated patients to remove oropharyngeal secretions that can migrate down the tube and settle on top of the cuff. The oral care procedure can include brushing the patient’s teeth using the oral care device described herein, while applying small amounts of water and alcohol-free antiseptic oral rinse. The oral care procedure can specify that brushing should occur for approximately one to two minutes, while exerting gentle pressure and moving in short, horizontal or circular strokes. The oral care procedure can include gently brushing the patient’s tongue. If brushing causes discomfort or bleeding, a suction swab can be used to clean the teeth and tongue. To do so, the swab can be placed perpendicular to the gum line, and used to apply gentle mechanical action for one to two minutes. The swab can then be turned in a clockwise rotation to remove mucous and debris. Finally, mouth moisturizer can be applied to the inside of the patient’s mouth, and lip balm can be applied, if needed.

[0147] The oral swab containers described herein may sometimes be referred to as an oral care canister or a canister.

[0148] Various embodiments of an oral care device, such as those described in connection with FIGS. 24-44C, may include a housing with a hollow tube disposed therein. The housing may include an open portion that receives a suction tube, which is configured to be coupled to the hollow shaft to provide suction. The hollow shaft can be manufactured from plastic or other suitable materials. The hollow tube may include a grip portion exposed via a slot or opening in the housing that enables an operator to slide the hollow tube within the housing to reveal or conceal suction apertures defined in the hollow tube. The hollow tube may have multiple sets of suction apertures along the length of the tube, as described herein.

[0149] Additionally, techniques for the manufacture of an example bristle brush head (as may be sometimes referred to as a bristle brush or a brush head) are described herein.

The brush head can be an elastic material brush head, which may be constructed from one or more rings assembled on the cleaning portion of the housing, as described in connection with FIGS. 45-50. The elastic material may include an elastic rubber, silicone, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), among others, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the elastic material may be a composite material. The rings that form the elastic material brush head may be injection molded as a single piece (e.g., an annulus, another type of structure), such that the rings are disposed on the outer perimeter of the single piece.

[0150] Each ring can be sequentially separated from the single piece and positioned on the end of the housing of the oral care device (or another structure, other than the housing, such as a shaft or body portion) in a stack, forming the completed brush head. Each ring may include portions of one or more channels that fluidly couple to channels defined in the housing, such that fluid flowing through the channels in the housing can flow into and out of the brush head. The oral care device may be a disposable oral care device, and the bristle brush head may be disposed as a part of the oral care device.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 24, illustrated is a perspective view 2400 of an example oral care device, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the example oral care device includes a housing 2440 that defines a sleeve portion 2410, which is coupled to a cleaning portion 2415. A dispenser 2430 is shown as being coupled to the housing 2440 of the example oral care device. As shown, the housing 2440 of the example oral care device includes an actuator 2420, which is configured to control a position of an internal hollow tube positioned within the sleeve portion 2410 of the housing 2440. The various components of the example oral care device described herein may be formed from any type of rigid or semiflexible material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material. Further details of the internal hollow tube are described in connection with FIGS. 27, 32A, and 32B.

[0152] The housing 2440 may be utilized as a hand grip, which can be held by a healthcare provider, or can be coupled to a robotic device that provides oral hygiene procedures to patients. The housing 2440 can have one or more ergonomic features, and may be formed to be comfortable to hold for extended periods. For example, the housing 2440 may have one or more rubber portions or a knurled surface. As shown, the housing 2440 of the example oral care device can receive a coupling portion 2445 of a suction tube 2435, which can provide suction through the internal hollow tube of the oral care device, as described herein.

[0153] As shown, the housing 2440 may include or be coupled to a dispenser 2430, which can dispense a cleaning fluid or other types of fluid into one or more channels defined in the housing 2440, as described in further detail herein. The dispenser 2430 may include a sachet or reservoir that contains the fluid (e.g., the sachet shown in FIGS. 43 A-43D). The dispenser 2430 may include a compression actuator (e.g., a compressor, a mechanical pressure device, etc.) that can be actuated by an operator of the oral care device. Further details of the dispenser are described in connection with FIGS. 33A and 33B.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, illustrated are additional perspective views of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 24, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 25A shows a top perspective view 2500A. As shown in the top perspective view 2500A, the dispenser 2430 may surround a bottom portion of the housing 2440 of the oral care device. The dispenser 2430 may be coupled to housing 2440 using any suitable connector or fastener, such as a hinge, a friction fit connector, screws or bolts, among other types of connectors. The housing 2440 further defines a region via which the actuator 2420 is exposed. As described in further detail herein, the actuator 2420 may slide along a longitudinal axis within the open region defined in the housing, thereby controlling a position of an internal hollow tube (not shown here) with suction apertures defined thereon. The housing 2440 may itself be hollow or partially hollow, with at least one opening that can receive the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435.

[0155] FIG. 25B shows a bottom perspective view 2500B of the oral care device shown in FIGS. 24 and 24 A. As shown in FIGS. 24-25B, the cleaning portion 2415 may be barrel or cylindrical in shape, and may include bristles or cleaning components that extend outward perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion 2410 of the housing 2440. As shown in the bottom perspective view 2500B, the dispenser 2430 may be in part coupled or secured to the housing 2440 via at least one latch 2425. The latch 2425 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or metal. The latch 2425 may couple to corresponding portions of both the housing 2440 and the dispenser 2430. The latch 2425 may be partially or fully removable, as described in connection with FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB. The latch 2425 may prevent the dispenser 2430 from actuating to dispense fluid or other material via the oral care device as described in further detail herein.

[0156] Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26B, illustrated close-up perspective views 2600A and 2600B of components of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-25B, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in the close up view 2600A, the coupling portion 2445 may couple to material that is coupled to or formed from the same material as the actuator 2420. As such, when the actuator 2420 is slid along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device towards the cleaning portion 2415 of the oral care device, the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube may be pulled forward, into the opening of the housing 2440 of the oral care device. When the actuator 2420 is moved in the opposite direction, away from the cleaning portion 2415, the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube may be pulled backward and out of the opening of the housing 2440 of the oral care device.

[0157] The close-up perspective view 2600B of the cleaning portion 2415 of the oral care device shows the oral care device when the actuator 2420 is pushed forwards towards the cleaning portion 2415 along the slot defined in the housing 2440 of the oral care device. As shown, when the actuator 2420 is pushed forwards, the hollow tube 2450 (as may be sometimes referred to as a hollow shaft 2450) positioned within the sleeve portion 2410 of the housing 2440 is pushed out form the opening of the cleaning portion 2415, exposing the suction apertures 2455. The hollow tube 2450, and the suction apertures 2455, can be in fluid communication with the suction tube 2435, enabling positive or negative pressure to be created within the hollow tube 2450 via the suction tube 2435, as described in further detail herein.

[0158] When the when the actuator 2420 is pushed backwards along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device and away from the cleaning portion 2415, the hollow tube 2450 is pulled backward into the sleeve portion 2410. In some implementations, a seal can be created between the end of the cleaning portion 2415 and the hollow tube 2450. For example, the connection between the hollow tube 2450 and the cleaning portion 2415 (or the sleeve portion 2410) can be watertight, and may include one or more O-rings or gaskets between the hollow tube 2450 and the cleaning portion 2415 (or the sleeve portion 2410). In some implementations, the hollow tube 2450 and the actuator 2420 can be formed from the same piece of material (e.g., one solid piece with no connecting parts, etc.). In some implementations, the hollow tube 2450 and the actuator 2420 can be formed from different pieces of material that are coupled to one another within the housing 2440 of the oral care device. The hollow tube 2450 can be formed from any kind of rigid or semi-flexible material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material. [0159] In some implementations, one or more of the sleeve portion 2410 or the hollow tube 2450 can include a locking component or surface feature (e.g., a snap-fit connector that still allows rotation motion about the longitudinal axis, etc.), that prevents the hollow tube 2450 from sliding once it has been moved to a desired position within the sleeve portion 2410. In some implementations, a portion of the housing 2440 (e.g., the slot in the housing via which the actuator 2420 slides) may prevent the hollow tube 2450 from extending outward beyond a predetermined distance from the end of the cleaning portion 2415. In some implementations, friction between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410 can prevent the hollow tube 2450 from sliding when no longitudinal force is applied to the actuator 2420. In some implementations, springs or other tension or compression components may be included in the housing 2440 that return the actuator 2420 (and therefore the hollow tube 2450) to a default position in the absence of longitudinal force on the actuator.

[0160] The cleaning portion 2415, as shown in the view 2600B, can be an elastic material bristle brush or any other type of brush head or cleaning portion described herein. In the example implementation shown in FIG. 26B, the cleaning portion 2415 may be an elastic material brush head with one or more bristles that extend radially outward from a surface of the cleaning portion 2415. The cleaning portion 2415 may be defined as part of, formed on, or coupled to the sleeve portion 2410. The cleaning portion 2415 and the sleeve portion 2410 may be stationary relative to the housing 2440 (e.g., not move during operation of the device). The cleaning portion 2415 may be inserted into the oral cavity of a patient to carry out an oral care procedure, as described herein.

[0161] Referring to FIG. 27, illustrated is a cross-sectional view 2700 of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-26B, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in this example, the housing 2440 and the sleeve portion 2410 are made of the same piece of material (e.g., a single-piece construction). In some implementations, the housing 2440 and the sleeve portion 2410 are at least a two-piece construction, with the housing 2440 coupled to the sleeve portion 2410 via adhesive or a mechanical fastener (or a combination thereof), for example. Also shown in this example, the actuator 2420 and the hollow tube 2450 are made of the same piece of material (e.g., a single-piece construction). In some implementations, the actuator 2420 and the hollow tube 2450 are at least a two-piece construction, with the actuator 2420 coupled to the hollow tube 2450 via adhesive or a mechanical fastener (or a combination thereof), for example.

[0162] As shown, the portion of the hollow tube 2450 opposite the cleaning portion 2415 can couple to the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435. As shown, the hollow tube 2450 may include can include a portion that extends into the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435. The coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435 may couple to the hollow tube 2450 via any type of suitable fastener or connector, and in some implementations, may couple to the hollow tube 2450 via a friction fit (as shown) connector, a snap-fit connector, a press-fit connector, a threaded connector, or any other type of connector. The inside of the hollow tube 2450 can be in fluid communication with the suction tube 2435, which may be coupled to a source of negative or positive pressure. The coupling portion 2445 can detach from the hollow tube 2450 in response to suitable force, or by disconnecting a corresponding connector that couples the coupling portion 2445 to the hollow tube 2450.

[0163] As described herein, the hollow tube 2450 may slide forward in response to a force applied to the actuator 2420, thereby exposing the suction apertures 2455. Because the hollow tube 2450 is in fluid communication with the suction tube 2435, fluids that pass through the suction apertures 2455 can flow through the hollow tube 2450 and out of the oral care device and into the suction tube 2435. This may be facilitated via an external suction device, such as a pump, which can create a negative pressure in the suction tube 2435, and draw undesired fluid and debris from a patient’s oral cavity via the suction apertures 2455. In some implementations, using a positive pressure, liquid from a liquid container disposed within (or external to) the hollow tube 2450 may be provided to the oral cavity of a patient via the hollow tube 2450 and the apertures 2460.

[0164] As shown, the hollow tube 2450 includes a second set of apertures 2460, which are exposed to the open portion of the housing 2440 when the actuator 2420 is pulled away from the cleaning portion and the suction apertures 2455 are concealed within the sleeve portion 2410. The second set of apertures 2460 can provide a path for the negative or positive pressure induced via the suction tube 2435 through the device when the suction apertures 2455 are concealed. In some implementations, the seal between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410 can be watertight, and may include one or more O-rings or gaskets 2720 between the hollow shaft 120 and the housing 2440. When the actuator 2520 is pushed towards the cleaning portion 2415 to expose the suction apertures 2455, the second set of apertures 2460 can be pushed beyond the O-ring or gasket 2720, creating a path of least resistance for the positive or negative pressure between the suction apertures 2455 and the suction tube 2435.

[0165] As described herein, the housing 2440 may itself be hollow, such that air can enter via the opening that receives the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435 and move through the second set of apertures 2460 when the actuator 2420 when the suction apertures are concealed by the sleeve portion 2410. In some implementations, a second Ciring or gasket may create a seal at the end of the cleaning portion between the hollow tube 2450 and the cleaning portion. The seal is configured to reduce or minimize leakage and prevent fluid or debris from unintentionally entering the oral care device. The seal between the hollow tube and the sleeve portion may be water tight (fluid tight) at both ends, in such implementations.

[0166] As shown, the housing is coupled to the dispenser 2430. The dispenser 2430 may be a compressible or movable component that can press on a fluid container 2705 (e.g., the fluid container described in connection with FIGS. 43A-43D, etc.). As shown, a latch 2425 may prevent the dispenser 2430 from actuating. The latch 2425 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or metal. The latch 2425 may couple to corresponding portions of both the housing 2440 and the dispenser 2430. The latch 2425 may be partially or fully removable, as described in connection with FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB.

[0167] Once the latch 2425 has been disconnected or removed, the dispenser may be pressed downward, which applies pressure to the fluid container 2705. In some implementations, the fluid container 2705 may include an oral care solution, a saline solution, or any other type of fluid, gel, or semi-fluid material that may be dispensed during an oral care procedure. The dispenser 2430 may be at least partially hollow, and can surround the fluid container 2705 and at least a portion of the housing 2440 of the oral care device. As shown, the dispenser 2430 may fully surround (and protect) the fluid container 2705. The dispenser 2430 may couple to one or more ribs defined on the housing 2440, as described herein. For example, ribs of the housing 2440 friction fit with a corresponding protrusion or lip defined on the dispenser 2430. When a downward force is applied to the dispenser 2430, the lip or protrusion may be pushed past the rib on the housing 2240 to rest on the next rib, generating a “click” sound as the dispenser 2430 passes over each rib. The distance between the ribs may therefore enable predetermined portions of the fluid in the fluid container 2705 to be dispensed. In some implementations, the dispenser 2430 may include a spring, which causes the dispenser 2430 to return to its original position after being compressed.

[0168] The dispenser 2430 can be positioned over fluid reservoir such that, when a downward force is applied to the dispenser 2430, the fluid container 2705 is at least partially compressed. As shown, the fluid container 2705 includes an outlet channel 2710, which can fluidly couple the central reservoir of the fluid container 2705 with a corresponding fluid channel 2715 defined in part by the housing 2440. When the fluid container 2705 is at least partially compressed, the fluid contained therein may be force towards and out of the outlet channel 2710 of the fluid container 2705. In implementations that include ribs defined on the housing, the distance between the ribs may in part control an amount of fluid dispensed with each “click” of the dispenser 2430. In some implementations, the dispenser 2430 may be manufactured from a transparent material, such that the fluid container 2705 is visible to an operator of the oral care device.

[0169] As shown, the fluid channel 2715 receives fluid dispensed via the fluid container 2705 via the outlet channel 2710. The fluid channel 2715 can be in fluid communication with one or more additional channels defined in or on the housing 2440, in or on the sleeve portion 2410, or combinations thereof. In one implementation, one or more spaces between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410 can define one or more channels that are fluidly coupled to the fluid channel 2715. Fluid forced through the fluid channel 2715 in response to actuating the dispenser 2430 can be forced through the channels defined between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410, towards the cleaning portion 2415.

[0170] In some implementations, the cleaning portion 2415 can include one or more ducts or channels between or among the bristles of the brush head of the cleaning portion 2415. The ducts or channels defined in the cleaning portion 2415 can be in fluid communication with the channels defined between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410, and therefore the fluid channel 2715. As such, fluid forced through the channels between the hollow tube 2450 and the sleeve portion 2410 can flow towards and out of the ducts of channels defined in the cleaning portion 2415. The dispensed fluid can flow out of the cleaning portion 2415 and into the mouth of the patient, for example, during an oral care procedure.

[0171] In some implementations, the cleaning portion 2415 may include additional or alternative types of end portions, including swabs, brushes, or other types of cleaning components that may be utilized during an oral care procedure. In implementations in which the cleaning portion 2415 includes a swab, fluid forced through the channels of the oral care device as described herein in response to actuation of the dispenser 2430 may saturate the swab. In a non-limiting example, swabs may include cotton-based, foam-based materials, or other types of absorbent materials.

[0172] Referring to FIG. 28, illustrated is a perspective view 2800 of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-27 being held by an operator, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the actuator 2420 of the oral care device can be drawn backward along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device, away from the cleaning portion 2415, to conceal the suction apertures 2455 defined on the hollow tube 2450 as shown in FIG. 27. In this example view 2800, the actuator 2420 has been drawn backward to conceal the suction apertures 2455 within the sleeve portion 2410.

[0173] During operation of the oral care device, an operator can squeeze the dispenser 2430 to dispense fluid from the fluid container 2705 shown in FIG. 27, thereby saturating the cleaning portion 2415 or providing cleaning solution to the oral cavity of a patient, as described herein. Also during operation of the oral care device, the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435 can be coupled to the hollow tube 2450, enabling suction via the suction apertures 2455 when the actuator 2420 is pushed forward towards the cleaning portion 2415. As shown, the suction tube 2435 may be a flexible tube, enabling the oral care device to be maneuvered by the operator to perform an oral care procedure. In some implementations, the housing 2440 can include a grip portion, enabling the oral care device to be held by an operator of the oral care device for extended periods. [0174] Referring to FIG. 29, illustrated is an example kit 2900, as may be used in a first use case, in accordance with one or more implementations. In the example shown in FIG. 29, the kit 2900 can include packaging 2905, 2910, 2915, 2920, 2925, 2930, each of which includes a respective disposable oral care device. The oral care device in the packages 2905-2930 may be the oral care devices described in connection with FIGS. 24-28. As shown, the oral care devices may include the brush-type cleaning portion 2935 or the swabtype cleaning portion 2940. The brush-type cleaning portion 2935 may be any type of cleaning portion having a brush head, such as the elastic material bristle brush heads described herein. The swab-type cleaning portion 2940 may be any type of swab, such as a cotton-based swab or a foam-based swab. In some implementations, different oral care devices in the kit 2900 may each include a different type of fluid in their corresponding fluid containers 2705. For example, a first oral care device in the kit 2900 may store and dispense a first type of cleaning fluid, and a second oral care device in the kit 2900 may store and dispense a second type of cleaning fluid. Instructions for use may be provided with kit 2900.

[0175] Each of the oral care devices packaged in the kit 2900 may be utilized in a single oral care procedure for a patient over a predetermined portion of time. For example, each package 2905 may be numbered according to an order in which the respective oral care device is used to perform the oral care procedure according to a schedule. In this example kit 2900, each of the oral care devices in the packages 2905-2930 may be disposable devices. As shown, the packages 2905-2930 of the kit 2900 may be coupled to one another via a tearaway perforated edge. At a first stage of an oral care procedure, an operator can tear away the package 2905 from the kit to access the first oral care device with the brush-type cleaning portion 2935, as shown.

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 30A and 30B, illustrated are perspective views 3000A and 3000B of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being connected to a suction system at a second stage of an oral care procedure, in accordance with one or more implementations. Furthering the example oral care procedure described above, at a second stage of the oral care procedure, the suction tube 2435 can be connected to the end portion 3005 of the hollow tube 2450 described herein. As shown in FIG. 30A, the end portion 3005 can include ridges, which may assist with friction fitting the end portion 3005 to the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435. As shown in FIG. 30B, the coupling portion 2445 can friction-fit to the end portion 3005 of the oral care device. At least a portion of the coupling portion 2445 may be received by an opening in the housing, such that the coupling portion 2445 of the suction tube 2435 can move inside of the housing when the actuator 2420 is push towards the cleaning portion 2415. Also as shown, the suction tube 2435 can be coupled to the oral care device prior to removing the latch 2425 that prevents the dispenser 2430 from being actuated.

[0177] Referring to FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB, illustrated are perspective views 3100A and 3100B, the oral care device shown in FIGS. 24-28, as may be used in a second use case, in accordance with one or more implementations. Furthering the example oral care procedure described herein above, following the attachment of the suction tube 2435, the latch 2425 can be removed from the oral care device such that the dispenser 2430 can be actuated. As shown in FIG. 31 A, the latch 2425 is coupled to both the dispenser 2430 and the housing 2440, and can prevent the dispenser 2430 from be actuated. As shown in FIG. 3 IB, the latch 2425 can be removed by sliding the latch 2425 out from between the dispenser 2430 and the housing 2440. When the latch 2425 is removed, the dispenser 2430 may no longer be prevented from being forced towards the housing 2440, and can be actuated to dispense fluid as described herein.

[0178] Referring to FIGS. 32A and 32B, illustrated are side views 3200A and 3200B of the example care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being operated to expose or conceal suction apertures, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 32A, the actuator 2420 can be pushed forward to a first position along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device, which exposes the suction apertures 2455 defined as holes in the hollow tube 2450. As shown in FIG. 32B, once the actuator 2420 is pulled backward to a second position along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device, the suction apertures 2455 are concealed with the oral care device inside the cleaning portion 2415. The suction apertures 2455 can be exposed or concealed at any point during the oral care procedure in order to draw undesired fluid and debris from a patient’s oral cavity.

[0179] Referring to FIGS. 33A and 33B, illustrated are side views 3300A and 3300B of the example care device shown in FIGS. 24-28 being operated to dispense fluid via the dispenser 2430, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 33A, prior to dispensing fluid, the dispenser 2430 is positioned in a first position. As described herein, a first end of the dispenser 2430 may couple to one or more ribs 3305 defined on the housing 2440. A second end of the dispenser 2430 can couple to the housing via a hinge 3310 or via another type of fastener. The ribs 3305 of the housing 2440 friction fits with a corresponding protrusion or lip defined on the dispenser 2430. The second end of the dispenser 2430 can rotate about the hinge 3310, such that applying pressure to the dispenser 2430 causes the lip or protrusion to be pushed past the rib 3305 on the housing 2440 to rest on the next rib 3305, as shown in FIG. 33B. Pushing past the rib 3305 can generate a “click” sound as the compression mechanism passes over each rib. Each rib 3305 of the housing 2440 may hold the dispenser 2430 in place. Additional pressure can be continually applied to the dispenser 2430 to repeatedly dispense predetermined portions of fluid as described in connection with FIG. 27.

[0180] Referring to FIG. 34 illustrates a perspective view 3400 of an example oral care device similar to the oral care device described in connection with FIGS. 24-33, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the example oral care device includes a housing 3440 that defines a sleeve portion 3410, which is coupled to a cleaning portion 3415. The oral care device includes a dispenser 3430, which is shown as being coupled to the housing 3440. The housing 3440 of the example oral care device defines a slot for an actuator 3420, which is configured to control a position of an internal hollow tube (not shown here) positioned within the sleeve portion 3410 of the housing 3440.

[0181] The housing 3440 may be utilized as a hand grip, which can be held by a healthcare provider, or can be coupled to a robotic device that provides oral hygiene procedures to patients. The housing 3440 can have one or more ergonomic features, and may be formed to be comfortable to hold for extended periods. For example, the housing 3440 may have one or more rubber portions or a knurled surface. As shown, the housing 3440 of the example oral care device can receive a coupling portion 3445 of a suction tube 3435, which can provide suction through the internal hollow tube of the oral care device, as described herein. Each of the housing 3440, the sleeve portion 3410, the cleaning portion 3415, the actuator 3420, the coupling portion 3445, and the suction tube 3435 may be respectively similar to and include any of the structure or functionality of the housing 2440, the sleeve portion 2410, the cleaning portion 2415, the actuator 2420, the coupling portion 2445, and the suction tube 2435 described in connection with FIGS. 24-33B. The various components of the example oral care device described herein may be formed from any type of rigid or semi-flexible material, such as plastic, thermoplastic, metal, ceramic, or a composite material.

[0182] FIGS. 35 and 36 illustrate a top perspective view 3500 and a bottom perspective view 3600, respectively, of the example oral care device shown in FIG. 34, in accordance with one or more implementations. The top perspective view 3500 is similar to the top view 2500A of FIG. 25A and the bottom perspective view 3600 is similar to the bottom view 2500B of FIG. 25B. As shown in the top perspective view 3500, the dispenser 3430 may surround a bottom portion of the housing 3440 of the oral care device. The dispenser 3430 may be coupled to housing 3440 using any suitable connector or fastener, such as a hinge, a friction fit connector, screws or bolts, among other types of connectors. The housing 3440 further defines a region via which the actuator 3420 is exposed. As described in further detail herein, the actuator 3420 may slide along a longitudinal axis within the open region defined in the housing, thereby controlling a position of an internal hollow tube (not shown here) with suction apertures defined thereon. The sleeve portion 3410 may be hexagonal, cylindrical, or any other suitable shape.

[0183] As shown in the 3600, the cleaning portion 3415 may be barrel shaped, and may include bristles or cleaning components that extend outward perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve portion 3410 of the housing 3440. The latch 3425 couples to and prevents the dispenser 3430 from being actuated. The latch 3425 may be similar to, and include any of the structure and functionality of, the latch 2425 described herein. A portion of the latch 3425 can be positioned between the housing 3440 and the dispenser 3430, similarly to the latch 2425 described herein in connection with FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB. The latch 3425 may prevent the dispenser 3430 from actuating to dispense fluid or other material via the oral care device as described in further detail herein.

[0184] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view 3700 of an example cleaning portion 3415 of the oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-36, in accordance with one or more implementations. The perspective view 3700 is similar to the perspective view 2600B of FIG. 26B. The view 3700 of the cleaning portion 3415 of the oral care device shows the oral care device when the actuator 3420 is pushed forwards towards the cleaning portion 3415 along the slot defined in the housing 3440 of the oral care device. When the actuator 3420 is pushed forwards, the hollow tube 3450 positioned within the sleeve portion 3410 of the housing 3440 is pushed out form the opening of the cleaning portion 3415, exposing the suction apertures 3455.

[0185] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view 3800 of an example body portion of the oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-36, in accordance with one or more implementations.

The perspective view 3800 is similar to the perspective view 2600A of FIG. 26A. As shown, the coupling portion 3445 may couple to material that is coupled to or formed from the same material as the actuator 3420. As such, when the actuator 3420 is slid along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device towards the cleaning portion 3415 of the oral care device, the coupling portion 3445 of the suction tube may be pulled forward, into the opening of the housing 3440 of the oral care device. When the actuator 3420 is moved in the opposite direction, away from the cleaning portion 3415, the coupling portion 3445 of the suction tube may be pulled backward and out of the opening of the housing 3440 of the oral care device.

[0186] FIG. 39 illustrates a cross-sectional view 3900 of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-38, in accordance with one or more implementations. The cross-sectional view 3900 may be similar to the cross-sectional view 3900 of FIG. 39. In some implementations, the housing 3440 and the sleeve portion 3410 are at least a two-piece construction, with the housing 3440 coupled to the sleeve portion 3410 via adhesive or a fastener (or a combination thereof), for example. Also shown in this example, the actuator 3420 and the hollow tube 3450 are made of the same piece of material (e.g., a single-piece construction). The portion of the hollow tube 3450 opposite the cleaning portion 3415 can couple to the coupling portion 3445 of the suction tube 3435. The hollow tube 3450 may include can include a portion that extends into the coupling portion 3445 of the suction tube 3435. The inside of the hollow tube 3450 can be in fluid communication with the suction tube 3435, which may be coupled to a source of negative or positive pressure.

[0187] The hollow tube 3450 may slide forward along the slot defined in the housing 3440 in response to a force applied to the actuator 3420, thereby exposing the suction apertures 3455. As described herein, the hollow tube 3450 is in fluid communication with the suction tube 3435, and therefore fluids that pass through the suction apertures 3455 can flow through the hollow tube 3450 and out of the oral care device and into the suction tube 3435. This may be facilitated via an external suction device, which can create a negative pressure in the suction tube 3435, and draw undesired fluid and debris from a patient’s oral cavity via the suction apertures 3455. In some implementations, using a positive pressure, liquid from a liquid container disposed within (or external to) the hollow tube 3450 may be provided to the oral cavity of a patient via the hollow tube 3450 and the apertures 3460.

[0188] The hollow tube 3450 includes a second set of apertures 3460, which are exposed to the open portion of the housing 3440 when the actuator 3420 is pulled away from the cleaning portion 3415 and the suction apertures 3455 are concealed within the sleeve portion 3410. The second set of apertures 3460 can provide a path for the negative or positive pressure induced via the suction tube 3435 through the device when the suction apertures 3455 are concealed. In some implementations, the seal between the hollow tube 3450 and the sleeve portion 3410 can be watertight, and may include one or more O-rings or gaskets 3920 between the hollow shaft 120 and the housing 3440. The O-rings or gaskets 3920 may be similar to, and include any of the structure or functionality of, the O-rings or gaskets 2720. When the actuator 3520 is pushed towards the cleaning portion 3415 to expose the suction apertures 3455, the second set of apertures 3460 can be pushed beyond the O-ring or gasket 3920, creating a path of least resistance for the positive or negative pressure between the suction apertures 3455 and the suction tube 3435.

[0189] The housing 3440 may be hollow, such that air can enter via the opening that receives the coupling portion 3445 of the suction tube 3435 and move through the second set of apertures 3460 when the actuator 3420 when the suction apertures are concealed by the sleeve portion 3410. In some implementations, a second O-ring or gasket may create a seal at the end of the cleaning portion 3415 between the hollow tube 3450 and the cleaning portion, to minimize leakage and to prevent fluid or debris from unintentionally entering the oral care device. The seal between the hollow tube and the sleeve portion may be water tight at both ends, in such implementations.

[0190] As shown, the housing is coupled to the dispenser 3430. The dispenser 3430 may be a compressible or movable component that can press on a fluid container (e.g., the fluid container described in connection with FIGS. 43A-43D, the fluid container 2705 of FIG. 27, etc.). The latch 3425 may prevent the dispenser 3430 from actuating. The latch 3425 may be manufactured from a rigid material, such as a rigid plastic or metal. The latch 3425 may couple to corresponding portions of both the housing 3440 and the dispenser 3430. The latch 3425 may be partially or fully removable, as described in connection with FIGS. 31 A and 3 IB.

[0191] Once the latch 3425 has been disconnected or removed, the dispenser may be pressed downward, which applies pressure to the fluid container. In some implementations, the fluid container may include an oral care solution, a saline solution, or any other type of fluid, gel, or semi-fluid material that may be dispensed during an oral care procedure. The dispenser 3430 may be at least partially hollow, and can surround the fluid container and at least a portion of the housing 3440 of the oral care device. As shown, the dispenser 3430 may fully surround (and protect) the fluid container. The dispenser 3430 may couple to one or more ribs defined on the housing 3440, as described herein. For example, ribs of the housing 3440 friction fit with a corresponding protrusion or lip defined on the dispenser 3430. When a downward force is applied to the dispenser 3430, the lip or protrusion may be pushed past the rib on the housing 3240 to rest on the next rib, generating a “click” sound as the dispenser 3430 passes over each rib. The distance between the ribs may therefore enable predetermined portions of the fluid in the fluid container to be dispensed. In some implementations, the dispenser 3430 may include a spring, which causes the dispenser 3430 to return to its original position after being compressed.

[0192] The dispenser 3430 can be positioned over fluid reservoir such that, when a downward force is applied to the dispenser 3430, the fluid dispenser is at least partially compressed. As shown, the fluid container includes an outlet channel 3910, which can fluidly couple the central reservoir of the fluid container with a corresponding fluid channel 3915 defined in part by the housing 3440. When the fluid dispenser is at least partially compressed, the fluid contained therein may be force towards and out of the outlet channel 3910 of the fluid container. In implementations that include ribs defined on the housing, the distance between the ribs may in part control an amount of fluid dispensed with each “click” of the dispenser 3430. In some implementations, the dispenser 3430 may be manufactured from a transparent material, such that the fluid container is visible to an operator of the oral care device.

[0193] The fluid channel 3915 receives fluid dispensed via the fluid container via the outlet channel 3910. The fluid channel 3915 can be in fluid communication with one or more additional channels defined in or on the housing 3440, in or on the sleeve portion 3410, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the sleeve portion 3410 may be hexagonal or non-circular in cross-section, and the hollow tube 3450 may be circular in cross-section. In such implementations, the gaps formed between the non-circular cross-section of the sleeve portion 3410 and the circular cross-section of the hollow tube 3450 can define the channels along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device within the sleeve portion 3410. Fluid forced through the fluid channel 3915 in response to actuating the dispenser 3430 can be forced through the channels defined between the hollow tube 3450 and the sleeve portion 3410, towards the cleaning portion 3415.

[0194] In some implementations, the cleaning portion 3415 can include one or more ducts or channels between or among the bristles of the brush head of the cleaning portion 3415. The ducts or channels defined in the cleaning portion 3415 can be in fluid communication with the channels defined between the hollow tube 3450 and the sleeve portion 3410, and therefore the fluid channel 3915. As such, fluid forced through the channels between the hollow tube 3450 and the sleeve portion 3410 can flow towards and out of the ducts of channels defined in the cleaning portion 3415. The dispensed fluid can flow out of the cleaning portion 3415 and into the mouth of the patient, for example, during an oral care procedure. In some implementations, the cleaning portion 3415 may include additional or alternative types of end portions, including swabs, brushes, or other types of cleaning components that may be utilized during an oral care procedure. In implementations in which the cleaning portion 3415 includes a swab, fluid forced through the channels of the oral care device as described herein in response to actuation of the dispenser 3430 may saturate the swab.

[0195] Referring to FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrated is are side views 4000 and 4100 of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-39 being operated in first and second use cases, in accordance with one or more implementations. The side view 4000 may be similar to the view 4000 of FIG 40. The actuator 3420 can be pushed forward to a first position along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device, which exposes the suction apertures 3455 defined as holes in the hollow tube 3450. As shown in FIG. 41, once the actuator 3420 is pulled backward to a second position along the longitudinal axis of the oral care device, the suction apertures 3455 are concealed with the oral care device inside the cleaning portion 3415. The suction apertures 3455 can be exposed or concealed at any point during the oral care procedure in order to draw undesired fluid and debris from a patient’s oral cavity.

[0196] Referring to FIG. 42, illustrated is a side view 4200 of the body portion of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-41 with a locking component (e.g., the latch 3425) removed, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the latch 3425 can be removed from the oral care device such that the dispenser 3430 can be actuated. As shown, the latch 3425 may include grooves or protrusions that can friction-fit to both the dispenser 3430 and the housing 3440, and can prevent the dispenser 3430 from be actuated. The latch 3425 can be removed by sliding the latch 3425 out from between the dispenser 3430 and the housing 3440. When the latch 3425 is removed, the dispenser 3430 may no longer be prevented from being forced towards the housing 3440, and can be actuated to dispense fluid as described herein.

[0197] Referring to FIGS. 43 A, 43B, 43C, and 43D, illustrated are views of an example fluid container 2705 that may be included in the example oral care devices described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations. As described herein, the fluid container 2705 can be positioned beneath a dispenser (e.g., the dispenser 2430 described in connection with FIGS. 24-33, the dispenser 3430 described in connection with FIGS. 34-42). In the top view shown FIG. 43 A, the fluid container 2705 is shown as including a reservoir 4305. The reservoir 4305 may be formed from a flexible material that enables the reservoir to be compressed by the dispenser of an oral care device described herein. The reservoir 4305 may be manufactured to contain a predetermined volume of fluid.

[0198] As shown, the reservoir 4305 may have a wall with a thin portion 4325. The thin portion 4325 of the wall can rupture when pressure is applied to the reservoir 4305, which forces the fluid contained in the reservoir 4305 through the wall and into a separate portion of the fluid container. In FIGS. 43A and 43D, the top portion of the fluid container 2705 is shown as including a cap 4310. The cap 4310 may be coupled (e.g., adhered, etc.) to the reservoir over a region of the fluid container 2705 to cover an opening previously used to fill the reservoir 4305 of the fluid container 2705 with a fluid. After the fluid is dispensed via the opening, pressure or heat may be applied to define the wall including the thin portion 4325, separating the portion of the fluid container 2705 with the cap 4310 from the portion of the fluid container 2705 having the reservoir 4305.

[0199] As shown in FIGS. 43B and 43C, the fluid container 2705 can include a perforated portion 4315, which may be a weakened portion of the wall of the fluid container 2705. The perforated portion 4315 can be perforated by the end 4320 of an outlet channel (e.g., the outlet channel 2710 of the housing 2440 or the hollow tube 2450, the outlet channel 3910 of the housing 3440 or the hollow tube 3450, etc.) when the fluid container 2705 is placed within the oral care devices described herein. In contrast to other portions of the fluid container 2705, the cap 4310 placed on the opposite side of the perforated portion 4315 can be made of a rigid material (e.g., a rigid polymer, a metal, etc.), and can prevent the end 4320 of the outlet channel from perforating the opposite wall of the fluid container 2705. When the end 4320 of the outlet channel punctures the perforated portion 4315 of the fluid container 2705, fluid that has been forced through the thin portion 4325 of the wall can flow out of the punctured perforated portion 4315 and into the outlet channel.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 44 A, 44B, and 44C, illustrated are side views of the body portion of the example oral care device shown in FIGS. 34-42 at multiple stages of an example operation, in accordance with one or more implementations. The views shown in FIGS. 44A, 44B, and 44C. As shown in FIG. 44A, the dispenser 3430 is positioned in a first position. As described herein, a first end of the dispenser 3430 may couple to one or more ribs 4405 defined on the housing 3440. A second end of the dispenser 3430 can couple to the housing via a hinge 4410 or via another type of fastener. The ribs 4405 of the housing 3440 friction fits with a corresponding protrusion or lip defined on the dispenser 3430. The second end of the dispenser 3430 can rotate about the hinge 4410, such that applying pressure to the dispenser 3430 causes the lip or protrusion to be pushed past the rib 4405 on the housing 3440 to rest on the next rib 4405, as shown in FIG. 44B. Pushing past the rib 4405 can generate a “click” sound as the compression mechanism passes over each rib. Each rib 4405 of the housing 3440 may hold the dispenser 3430 in place. Additional pressure can be continually applied to the dispenser 3430 until the dispenser is pressed against the housing 3440, as shown in FIG. 44C, thereby dispensing all of the fluid in the fluid container disposed beneath the dispenser 3430.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 45, illustrated is a top view of an annulus 4505 produced during an example manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations. Although the annulus 4505 is shown here is circular, it should be understood that the annulus 4505 may be any suitable shape, including a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, or any other type of shape with an outer perimeter. The annulus 4505 may be manufactured from a material that is utilized to manufacture brush heads, including the elastic material bristle brush heads that may be included as part of the cleaning portions 2415 and 3415 described herein.

[0202] In a first stage of a manufacturing process, the annulus 4505 may be formed via an injection molding procedure, in which an elastic material (e.g., an elastic rubber material, a silicone material, a polymer material, a TPU material, etc.) or any other suitable material is injected into a mold to form the annulus 4505. As shown, the outer perimeter of the annulus 4505 includes the protrusions 4515, each of which is coupled to a corresponding brush layer 4510. Further details of the brush layers 4510 (as may be sometimes referred to as “brush head layers”) are described in connection with FIG. 46. The annulus 4505, the protrusions 4515, and the brush layers 4510 may each be formed from a single piece of material, and may be manufactured using the same mold in an injection molding process.

The protrusions 4515 can be formed using that the brush layers 4510 may be removable from the protrusions in response to an external force, as described herein.

[0203] Referring to FIG. 46, illustrated is a perspective view of a brush layer 4510 shown in FIG. 45 that has been disconnected from a corresponding protrusion 4515 of an annulus 4505, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, the brush layer 4510 may be a ring structure with a central portion 4605. The central portion 4605 may have a hexagonal opening in its center, and have a circular outer perimeter, as shown. The bristles 4610 may each extend radially outward from the circular perimeter by a predetermined distance, a shown. The bristles 4610 of the bristle brush may have a varying length that depends in part on where the brush layer 4510 will be positioned in the brush head. For example, if the brush layer 4510 is positioned in the middle portion of the bristle brush, the brush layer 4510 may have relatively longer bristles 4610 compared to a brush layer 4510 that is positioned near the ends of the bristle brush. Each of the bristles 4610 may have rounded ends, making the bristles 4610 safer for oral care procedures.

[0204] As shown, one or more ducts 4615 may be defined on the surface of the central portion of the brush layer 4510. The ducts 4615 may be utilized to transport fluid forced through an oral care device through to the surface of the brush head. The fluid can coat the bristles 4610 of the brush layer 4510, such that the fluid can be subsequently applied to a patient during an oral care procedure. In this example, the ducts 4615 are defined on both sides of the central portion 4605 of the brush layer 4510. In some implementations, the ducts 4615 may be formed on a single side of the central portion 4605 of the brush layer 4510. As described in further details herein, the ducts 4615 may align with other ducts of a second brush layer 4510 in the bristle brush formed using the techniques described herein.

[0205] FIGS. 47 A and 47B illustrate views of the annulus shown in FIG. 45 being utilized in an example manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown in FIG. 47A, an upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 can be inserted into the hexagonal opening of a first brush layer 4510, such that the first brush layer 4510 is stacked on the body of the upper portion 4705. The elastic material bristle brush can be constructed by stacking each of the brush layer 4510 extending outward from the annulus 4505 on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410. The upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 may include one or more structures that cause each brush layer 4510 to be aligned with the previously stacked brush layers 4510 positioned on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410.

[0206] As shown in FIG. 47B, the each of the brush layers 4510 may be arranged around the outer perimeter of the annulus 4505 in the order in which they are stacked upon the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410. Once each brush layer 4510 has been positioned on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410, a force can be applied to disconnect the brush layer 4510 from the protrusion 4515 of the annulus 4505. As shown, the ducts 4615 of the second brush layer 4510 may be aligned with the first brush layer 4510. To stack each brush layer 4510 on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410, the annulus 4505 may be raised, rotated, and lowered, such that the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 is inserted into the opening of each brush layer 4510. In some implementations, the annulus 4505 may be stationary, and the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 can be inserted into the opening of each brush layer 4510. This can be repeated for each brush layer 4510 extending from the annulus 4505.

[0207] Referring to FIGS. 48A, 48B, 48C, 48D, 48E, 48F, and 48G, illustrated are side views of an example manufacture of a bristle brush, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 48A shows the sleeve portion 3410 after the first brush layer 4510 was positioned on the upper portion 4705. FIGS. 48B and 48C show the sleeve portion 3410 of FIG. 48A after the second and third brush layers 4510 of a bristle brush are positioned on the upper portion 4705. As shown in FIGS. 48D, 48E, and 48F, as the brush layers 4510 are positioned on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410, the length of the bristles of each brush layer 4510 increase, creating a brush head having a barrel-like shape. The length of the bristles may be defined by the mold used to form the annulus 4505 shown in FIG. 45.

[0208] In FIG. 48G, all of the brush layers 4510 have been positioned on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410. As shown, the bristles of the brush layers 4510 begin to reduce in length as the stack of brush layers 4510 approaches the end of the upper portion 4705. The bristles of the brush layers 4510 therefore define the shape of the brush head. In some implementations, different bristle lengths may be provided by each of the brush layers 4510, defining any suitable shape for the brush head. For example, the bristles of the brush layers 4510 may be defined such that the brush head has no tapered ends (e.g., a cylindrical shape).

[0209] Referring to FIGS. 49 A and 49B, illustrated are cross-sectional views of an example bristle brush during an example manufacturing process, in accordance with one or more implementations. FIG. 49A shows the bristle brush once all of the brush layers 4510 have been positioned on the upper portion 4705. As shown, the sleeve portion 3410 may define one or more channels 4910, which may also be defined in part by the hollow tube 2450 or the hollow tube 3450 as described herein. As shown, each channel 4910 may lead into a corresponding opening 4915, enabling fluid forced along the channel 4910 to flow out from within the channels to the outer surface of the sleeve portion 3410, beneath the brush layers 4510.

[0210] Once all of the brush layers 4510 have been positioned on the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410, the upper edge 4905 can be flattened using, for example, a suitable compression process, to create the seal 4912. The seal 4912 can mechanically secure each of the brush layers 4510 on the sleeve portion 3410, such that the brush layers 4510 are prevented from sliding off the of the sleeve portion 3410. In some implementations, adhesive or a mechanical fastener (or a combination thereof) may be used in addition to or as an alterative to flattening the edge 4905 into the seal 4912.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 50, illustrated is an example perspective cross-sectional view of an example bristle brush manufactured according to the techniques described herein, in accordance with one or more implementations. As shown, gaps 5005 may be defined between the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 and the central portion 4605 of each brush layer. The gaps 5005 may be aligned with the openings 4915 shown in FIGS. 49 A and 49B, such that fluid flowing through the openings 4915 flows out of the sleeve portion 3410 and between the upper portion 4705 of the sleeve portion 3410 and the central portion 4605. One or more of the ducts 4615 defined in the central portions 4605 of each brush layer may also be aligned with the gaps 5005, such that fluid in the gaps can flow through and out of the ducts 4615, enabling the fluid to be provided to a patient during an oral care procedure. Although the bristles 4610 are shown as aligned along the longitudinal axis of the brush head, in some implementations the bristles of consecutive brush heads may not be aligned, or may be aligned in a different predetermined pattern.

[0212] While operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, such operations are not required to be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, and all illustrated operations are not required to be performed. Actions described herein can be performed in a different order.

[0213] The separation of various system components does not require separation in all implementations. [0214] A functional hierarchy of an implementation of an apparatus as described herein can include a hollow shaft with a brushing means. The hollow shaft with the brushing means can be mounted on a tube with a forward-facing aperture and a back-facing aperture. The hollow shaft with the brushing means can be mounted on the tube with the apertures, and can be dipped into a mouthwash. The hollow shaft with the brushing means, when mounted on the tube, can be connected directly to a negative air pressure system for suction purposes. The hollow shaft with the brushing means, when mounted on the tube with the apertures, can be connected to a handgrip. The handgrip, with the hollow shaft and tube connected thereto, can be connected to the negative air pressure system. In some implementations, the handgrip can contain liquids.

[0215] Having now described some illustrative implementations, it is apparent that the foregoing is illustrative and not limiting, having been presented by way of example. In particular, although many of the examples presented herein involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives. Acts, elements, and features discussed in connection with one implementation may be included in other implementations.

[0216] The phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “characterized by,” “characterized in that,” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, and additional items, as well as alternate implementations of the items listed thereafter. In one implementation, the systems and methods described herein comprise one, each combination of more than one, or all of the described elements, acts, or components.

[0217] As used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art and will vary to some extent depending upon the context in which they are used. If there are uses of the term which are not clear to persons of ordinary skill in the art given the context in which it is used, “about” will mean up to plus or minus 10% of the particular term.

[0218] Any references to implementations or elements or acts of the systems and methods herein referred to in the singular may also embrace implementations including a plurality of these elements, and any references in plural to any implementation or element or act herein may also embrace implementations including only a single element. References in the singular or plural form are not intended to limit the presently disclosed systems or methods, their components, acts, or elements to single or plural configurations.

[0219] Any implementation disclosed herein may be combined with any other implementation or embodiment, and references to “an implementation,” “some implementations,” “one implementation,” or the like are not necessarily mutually exclusive and are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the implementation may be included in at least one implementation or embodiment. Such terms as used herein are not necessarily all referring to the same implementation. Any implementation may be combined with any other implementation, inclusively or exclusively, in any manner consistent with the aspects and implementations disclosed herein.

[0220] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0221] References to “or” may be construed as inclusive so that any terms described using “or” may indicate any of a single, more than one, and all the described terms. For example, a reference to “at least one of ‘A’ and ‘B’” can include only ‘A’, only ‘B’, as well as both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Such references used in conjunction with “comprising” or other open terminology can include additional items.

[0222] Where technical features in the drawings, detailed description, or any claim are followed by reference signs, the reference signs have been included to increase the intelligibility of the drawings, detailed description, and claims. Accordingly, neither the reference signs nor their absence has any limiting effect on the scope of any claim elements.

The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the characteristics thereof. The foregoing implementations are illustrative rather than limiting of the described systems and methods. The scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.