Abstract: An improved dental floss employing a planar substrate with one or a plurality of apertures formed therein. At each aperture, a pair of edible substrate side portions having a perimeter portion slightly larger than the perimeter of the aperture are positioned and joined to each other through the aperture in the planar substrate thereby securing the edible substrate to the planar substrate. Dismounting of the edible substrate is achieved by tensioning the planar substrate around a tooth during use and aided by saliva dissolving the edible substrate. The edible substrate can be flavored or impregnated with medicine, mouthwash or flavorings. Additionally at least one of the two side portions of the edible substrate may include a design element which may include a geometric shape, a cartoon shape, indicia, or a logo.

Abstract: An improved dental flossing material and method of making the same is disclosed. The flossing material in the form of a tape is formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) folded longitudinally to form a pair of laminae defining a recess therebetween in which an abrasive or non-abrasive cleaning material is disposed. During the cleaning procedure, material flows from the free edges of the tape to become deposited upon the surfaces of the teeth and adjacent gingiva. Due to changes in light transmitting quality of the tape, a visual and reversible indication of prior use becomes apparent. In the manufacture of the tape, the PTFE, which is microporous, is coated on one surface thereof with a moist dentifrice which may be suitably thinned using a volatile vehicle.