How does the medical device, the suction toothbrush, achieve dual functions of suctioning and oral hygiene?
Publish Time: 2025-09-10
In clinical care, especially in the intensive care unit (ICU), emergency department, and for bedridden patients, oral hygiene management is a key component in preventing complications. The accumulation of secretions and sputum in the oropharynx not only affects patient comfort but also fosters bacterial growth, forming biofilms and significantly increasing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and aspiration pneumonia. Traditional oral care often involves separate cotton ball wiping and suctioning, which is inefficient and poses a risk of cross-contamination. The new medical device, the suction toothbrush, achieves dual functions of suctioning and oral hygiene through innovative structural design and integrated functionality, providing an efficient, safe, and convenient solution.1. Integrated structural design, combining cleaning and suction functionsThe core innovation of the suction toothbrush lies in its integration of the cleaning function of a toothbrush with the drainage function of negative pressure suction. The front end of the product features a brush head made of medical silicone. Its soft, fine bristles provide a wide contact area, allowing it to penetrate deeply between teeth, onto the tongue, and onto the buccal mucosa, effectively removing food debris, plaque, and adherent secretions. Furthermore, the brush head features multiple micro-intake ports connected to the hollow handle, creating a negative pressure suction channel. When connected to a standard hospital-standard negative pressure suction system, sputum, saliva, and rinse fluid produced during brushing are instantly aspirated, preventing fluid accumulation that can cause choking or aspiration, truly achieving simultaneous "brushing and suctioning" operation.2. Built-in fluid reservoir and dual outlets for improved rinsing efficiencyTo enhance cleaning effectiveness, the suction toothbrush features a micro-reservoir integrated into the handle, which can be pre-filled with saline or oral care solution. During use, healthcare professionals simply press a specific area on the handle to evenly dispense cleaning fluid from the dual outlets located on the brush head. The dual outlet design not only ensures wider liquid distribution but also prevents interruptions in rinsing caused by clogging of a single port, ensuring smoother oral moisturization and rinsing. This feature streamlines the three-step "rinse-wipe-suction" process, which previously required two healthcare professionals, into a single, one-handed, continuous process, significantly improving care efficiency.3. Negative Pressure Adjustment Hole Design for Precise Suction ControlThe suction toothbrush features a negative pressure adjustment hole on its handle. Its ergonomically designed position and size perfectly match the operator's thumb. When operated one-handed, healthcare professionals can control the negative pressure by opening and closing the hole with their thumb, achieving "on-demand suction." For example, when operating near the throat, negative pressure can be reduced to minimize irritation to sensitive tissues; in areas with heavy secretions, suction can be increased to ensure thorough removal. This intelligent negative pressure adjustment mechanism ensures effective suction while enhancing patient comfort and operator safety.4. Disposable, Preventing Cross-InfectionThis product is a single-use medical device, disposable after use, fundamentally eliminating the risk of cross-infection associated with inadequate cleaning and disinfection of traditional metal suction tubes or reusable brushes. Furthermore, the medical silicone material has been verified for biocompatibility, is non-toxic and non-irritating, and safe for contact with oral mucosa, making it particularly suitable for critically ill patients with compromised immune systems and fragile mucosa.The suction toothbrush integrates three functions: brushing, rinsing, and vacuum suction, providing a one-stop solution for oropharyngeal sputum, secretions, and cleaning waste. It not only thoroughly cleans the oral cavity but also instantly removes contaminants, effectively preventing the formation of bacterial biofilms and significantly reducing the incidence of VAP and aspiration pneumonia. With its convenient one-handed operation, user-friendly vacuum adjustment, and safe, disposable design, the suction toothbrush has become a vital tool in modern clinical oral care, providing strong support for improving medical quality and patient safety.
