BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of oral care devices. More specifically, the disclosure relates to single use, disposable oral care devices.

Commonly used standard toothbrush designs are not suitable for use in hospitals or other medical treatment facilities, where patients may have compromised immune systems. In these settings, there is an increased risk of contracting pneumonia. Accordingly, compliance to a proper oral care regimen, which includes brushing three to four times per day, is important.

Use of a standard toothbrush, due to its repeated reuse, creates a risk of bacterial infection. Standard toothbrushes are also not suitable for some patients because patients may be unable to spit or otherwise voluntarily remove liquids from their mouths, may not have easy access to water, or may have difficulty holding and using a toothbrush having the standard size and shape. Standard toothpaste may also be unsuitable for use by such patients, and it may be difficult for the patient to find and apply the proper amount to a toothbrush.

In many circumstances, medical procedures, such as oral care, must be repeated multiple times. For example, in medical care and with particular reference to oral care, a series of mouth care products must be used in a repetitious fashion, such as for periodic cleaning sessions, where there can be evacuation, brushing of the teeth, and swabbing of the mouth and gums. With the repetition of each procedure occurring after a predetermined interval, such as every few hours, it may be cumbersome for the healthcare provider, or the patient, to gather the necessary instrument(s) repeatedly throughout the day.

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein address the aforementioned issues surrounding proper oral care in a hospital setting. Certain disclosed embodiments provide a single-use, disposable oral care device, such as a toothbrush, which can be easily activated to provide oral care fluid and suction through the device to improve ease of use, and ultimately, compliance with the regimen.

