PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem with a conventional technology that it is not possible to collect dental plaque adhering to a tooth surface, an interdental space, etc. in a sure manner, and it is not possible to detect the presence/absence of dental plaque accurately.SOLUTION: A dental plaque detection device of the present invention is a dental plaque detection device equipped with a waveguide 16 for guiding a light from a light source 10 to a detection part 11 for optically detecting dental plaque. The waveguide 16 includes a recess 4 on the outer peripheral surface for collecting dental plaque, applies a light onto the dental plaque collected in the recess 4, and waveguides a fluorescent light generated from the dental plaque. The dental plaque adhering to a tooth surface can be collected and removed in a sure manner, and the quantity of the collected dental plaque can be detected accurately.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2COPYRIGHT: (C)2017,JPO&INPIT【課題】確実に歯面や歯間などに付着した歯垢を採取することはできず、高い精度で歯垢の有無を検知することはできなかった。【解決手段】本発明の歯垢検知装置は、光源10からの光を検知部11へ導波する導波路16を備え、光学的に歯垢を検知する歯垢検知装置であって、導波路16は、外周面に歯垢を採取するための凹部4を有し、凹部4に採取した歯垢に対して光を照射し、歯垢から生じる蛍光を導波することを特徴としており、歯面に付着した歯垢を確実に採取及び除去し、採取した歯垢の量を高精度に検知することができる。【選択図】図2
