Abstract: An anti-tipping oral hygiene instrument exchanging structure includes a handle member attachable to a base member that includes a weight element, a circular curved section formed on the weight element, a base engaging section formed on the weight element, and a plurality of placing sections formed on the base member. The circular curved section is used in combination with the weight element to prevent the handle member from tipping over. The handle member has a handle engaging portion combinable with one hygiene piece. The hygiene piece includes a mutual engaging section mountable to the handle engaging portion in order to achieve an advantage of fast replacement. The hygiene piece includes a first rod, a plurality of holed sections formed on the first rod, and a plurality of detaching sections formed on the holed sections to provide an effect of assisting the operation and use of floss.

Abstract: A flosser is described that has only moving four parts, floss, a single piece body, a piece source spool and a single piece take-up spool. The source spool and take-up spool may snap into a source cavity and a take-up cavity, respectively. The source and take-up spools may be rotatably secured in the respective cavities using detent rings and snap rings. A cantilever flexure assembly is integrated into the single piece body and includes a push button assembly and a ratchet flexure. The push button assembly controls rotation of the source spool for dispensing and tensioning floss. The ratchet flexure controls rotation of the take-up spool for collecting and tensioning floss.

Abstract: Embodiments of a floss strip and methods of using the same are disclosed herein. The floss strip can include a flossing filament. The flossing filament can have a first end and a second end. The flossing strip can include a first anchor coupled to the flossing filament at the first end of the flossing filament. The flossing strip can include a second anchor coupled to the flossing filament at the second end of the flossing filament. The flossing filament can couple the first and second anchors. The flossing strip can include a tensioning member attached to the flossing filament at an intermediate location between the first anchor and the second anchor.

Abstract: Device for cleaning teeth which comprises a dental floss fork provided with a grippable handle and with two rods with free ends spaced from each other and a dental floss, which is mounted with a bridge section between the free ends of the two rods of the dental floss fork. The dental floss has annular extension and the dental floss fork is provided with a guide, in which the dental floss is housed, for supporting it along its annular extension. The dental floss is slidably mounted within the guide.

Abstract: A Sanitary Portable Single-Use Floss Device (SPSFD), designed to enable a user to carry a single-use portion of dental floss in a manner that protects the dental floss from contamination during storage or transportation, such as in a pocket or a purse, is disclosed; the device comprising a spool, a length of dental floss wound about the shaft of the spool, the dental floss being protected from contamination by the spool, and a grab ball or ring functioning as a means to hold the length of dental floss in the stowed condition, and as a means of holding the deployed length of dental floss for use. A method of using said SPSFD is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hybrid dental tool is disclosed herein. The hybrid dental tool includes a flosser having a flossing head. The flossing head can include a filament stretching between the first arm and a second arm. The flossing head can include a pick receptacle. The hybrid dental tool can further include a pick that has a first end and a second end. The pick can be sized and shaped to fit within the pick receptacle such that the first and second ends are protected. The pick can releasably connect with the flossing head to allow the separation of the pick from the flossing head.

Abstract: A “Super Floss” and expanding floss carrier which is held in a hand in a similar fashion to the way a toothbrush is held. It has a handle, which can hold extra “Super Floss” and expanding floss and act as a floss dispenser. It is wider in the center of the handle area and becomes narrow toward the ends of the handle. At the end of the floss carrier where it enters a mouth is a funnel, which is wider at the end closest to the handle and narrow toward the tip. The tip is curved so that it can point in between teeth to allow “Super Floss” and expanding floss to be directed between teeth. Fingers are used to direct floss from the dispenser portion of the floss carrier to the funnel portion of the carrier so that the “Super Floss and expanding floss can be then directed into a mouth.

Abstract: A dental cleaning tool includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis of the dental cleaning tool. The body portion extends from a first end to a second end along the longitudinal axis. The body portion includes a floss assembly formed at the first end of the body portion, a toothpick member formed at the second end of the body portion, and a handle portion extending between the floss assembly and the toothpick member. The handle portion includes a receptacle. The tool further includes at least one secondary cleaning tool coupled to the body portion. The at least one secondary cleaning tool is rotatable relative to the body portion for selectively positioning the at least one secondary cleaning tool between a stowed position, within the receptacle, and a deployed position.

Abstract: A flosser that includes a gripping element, a retainer that is connected to the gripping element and has a first and a second retainer arm and an interdental cleaning element which is secured to the first and second retainer arms and extends between the two retainer arms.

Abstract: An electric toothbrush with a replaceable brush head section is disclosed. The electric toothbrush includes a handle including a motor therein and a brush head section. The toothbrush has a longitudinal axis extending through the handle to the far end of the brush head. The brush head section includes a translation head and an oscillation head, each of which has a bristle support member, one of which will rotate and oscillate and the other of which will not rotate or oscillate, but will reciprocate along, or substantially parallel to, the longitudinal, axis. The translation head is adapted so that its motion will induce a different motion in the bristle head of the oscillation head. The invention results in reduced assembly costs.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cleaning string for cleaning a tip end face of a single core optical connector, which contains a quite small residual amount of oil components and has a high wiping property without the attachment of oil components to the tip end face of a single core optical connector. Further, the present disclosure provides a method for producing a cleaning string for cleaning a connector which can suitably remove oil components adhering to a multifilament made of chemical fibers. A cleaning string for cleaning a connector formed by twisting plural multifilament made of chemical fibers, wherein a residual amount of oil components is 3 mg/g or less.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes a connecting section and at least four floss supporting arms extending from said connecting section. Each of the floss supporting arms has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the connecting section, and the second end includes a floss fastening portion for fastening a string of dental floss. The floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting arms are configured such that a string of dental floss attached to the floss fastening portions of the at least four floss supporting arms may be arranged to constitute the edges of a polyhedron.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly including a toothpick and case within which the toothpick is detachably engaged. The toothpick includes a tapered tip which is generally triangular in cross-section having opposed sides connected by a generally flat bottom and an apex. A bristle array is provided on each side and the bottom and apex are free of bristles. The bristle array is configured as a sinuous or serpentine wave. Bristles in each array are smallest closest to an end of the tip and progressively increase in size as you move away therefrom. The toothpick is movable within the case's bore between a fully retracted, a partially extended and a fully extended position. A locking mechanism selectively locks the toothpick in any of these positions. When the toothpick is to be changed, the locking mechanism is disengaged and the toothpick is slid out of the bore and is replaced with a new toothpick.

Abstract: An eating utensil assembly may include a first eating utensil including a first handle having a through-opening therein each having a proximal end and enlarged width distal end that is enlarged relative to the proximal end to define a first handle contour and a through-opening contour, respectively. The first handle may also include a first eating utensil head coupled to one of the proximal and distal ends of the first handle. A second eating utensil may be removably carried within the through-opening. The second eating utensil may have a proximal and an enlarged distal end to define a second eating utensil contour. The second eating utensil, first handle, and through-opening contours may match. The second eating utensil may include a pair of sticks each having a tapered shape. Breakaway tabs may removably couple the first and second eating utensils.

Abstract: A dental device was designed to improve the process for a dentist to evaluate crown interproximal contacts during a dental crown delivery procedure. The device may temporally attach to an adjacent tooth to the crown being inserted. The device positions a marking material approximately at the interproximal contact area which allows for marking of contact pressure and location upon insertion of a new dental crown for evaluation prior to cementation. The device provides an improved method compared to existing methods for evaluating crown contacts.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device adapted for use in the oral cavity comprises a toothbrush at one end and a flossing device at the opposite end. The flossing device comprises first and second arms and first and second floss-anchoring buttons. Each arm has a floss-receiving slot defined in a distal end. The first floss-anchoring button projects from the first arm and the second floss-anchoring button projects from the second arm. Each floss-anchoring button has two or more floss-receiving channels defined in a peripheral wall thereof.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprising a holding portion, and a head portion disposed on the upper end thereof and bent obliquely upward from the holding portion. The head portion has first and second arm portions which symmetrically extend from the lower end of the head portion to both sides. Third and fourth arm portions symmetrically extend from the upper end of the head portion to both sides. First and second spaces for tensioning first and second segments of dental floss are formed between tail ends of the first and third arm portions, and the third and fourth arm portions, respectively. A third space for tensioning a third segment of dental floss is formed between tail ends of the fourth and second arm portions. The first and third segments of floss are parallel to the lengthwise direction of the holding portion, with the second segment of floss perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers with strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrate runs substantially parallel and extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component is positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

Abstract: A flossing device and a method of manufacture thereof, consisting of a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is removably coupled to the first elongated member along an interior side of a top region of the first elongated member. The flossing device includes a floss member coupled to the second elongated member and extending through an aperture of the first elongated member. The floss member includes a first enlarged stop member at an end distal from the second elongated member and sized to fit within a countersunk enlarged channel but not fit through a narrow channel in communication with the enlarged channel.

Abstract: The dental flossing device has an elongate handle with a removable and disposable floss holder at its distal end. A slide is installed along the handle, with the slide reciprocating axially along the handle when manipulated by a user of the device. The slide operates a flexible cable that in turn reciprocates the floss holder orthogonally relative to the elongate axis of the handle. Upper and lower bite pads are installed upon the distal end of the handle, with the user of the device gripping the pads, and thus the distal end of the device, between the teeth. The floss extending across the floss holder is then reciprocated between adjacent teeth by operating the slide on the handle. The device can also include a timer and alarm to notify the user of the appropriate time to be spent flossing, and to remind the user to floss daily.

Abstract: An improved flossing device structure has a main body, and two ends of the main body respectively have an end portion. Each end portion has two correspondingly side edges, wherein at least one end portion is disposed with a row of teeth portion. The row of teeth portion is formed by recessing several concave cavities along the side edge of the end portion, wherein each concave cavity is recessed toward a top end direction of the end portion to allow the side edge of the end portion to form several hook portions reversely extended toward the top end direction of the end portion, and the top edge of the hook portion is leveled with the side edge to prevent gingiva from being slashed by the hook portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dental flossing device in which dental floss is strung between a dispensing side handle, which dispenses dental floss, and goes into a receiving side handle, which receives used dental floss.

Abstract: A dental hygiene for cleaning tool that is small, inexpensive and lightweight to use by people to care for their teeth and gums. The tool has several components integrated or connected with the body of the tool such as a digger for cleaning between teeth. These components include: a floss piece preferably made of nylon and preferably attached to the tool's interiors; a number of rough textures along edges for cleaning between the teeth of varying thicknesses depending on the spacing between the teeth and a curved pick portion adapted to contour over a person's lip when using the tool; a cleaner also for cleaning between the teeth made of a pointed end to clean between teeth and a thinner material for easier insertion between the teeth.

Abstract: A disposable mini-toothbrush comprises a brush and flosser head positioned at a first and second end of a handle portion. The brush head is comprised of a plurality of bristles that extend in opposite directions from a bristle supporting element. The plurality of bristles which extend in opposite directions facilitate cleaning of the upper and lower teeth without having to readjust grip by a user. The mini-toothbrush also comprises a first and second flat grip element to facilitate manipulation of the brush and flosser head while using only a thumb and at least one finger by the user. In its preferred embodiment, the plurality of bristles will be coated with dentifrice for cleaning is of the user's teeth and gums. A thin plastic cover surrounds and seals the toothbrush and provides a seal which maintains sterility during shipping and storage.

Abstract: A device and method for its use for cleaning teeth. An uninterrupted floss-type loop, is supported by an implement. The implement includes a handle portion sized to be gripped by a user and a pair of extensions emanating from the handle portion and terminating in spaced-apart terminal ends. A stem is located in and supported by the handle portion being biased away from the terminal ends, the floss-type loop being sized to pass over the terminal ends and the stem to provide the floss-type material under tension between the pair of extensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothpick which enables a user to effectively remove foreign matters between teeth, to easily remove plaque or scale from a tooth, and to simply carry the toothpick, so that the user can more improve the health of teeth. The toothpick includes a body, a bending part provided at one end of the body and having a shape sharpened toward an end thereof such that at least a portion of the bending part is inserted between teeth, and an unevenness part provided at an opposite end of the body, having a flat shape, having at least a portion inserted between the teeth, and having a plurality of protrusions formed on a surface thereof to remove at least one of plaque and scale from a tooth. The bending part has a bent shape to remove foreign matters between the teeth inside an oral cavity through the bent shape.

Abstract: A method and device for flossing teeth utilizing positionally adjustable floss picks holding strands of dental floss. The floss picks fit into a retainer component and are positioned to insert the floss strands into the interproximal spaces between the user's teeth. The position of individual floss picks can be adjusted to achieve the correct fit.

Abstract: A dental floss and brush apparatus includes a handle, an arcuate head member including a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm, a flossing assembly, and an interdental cleaning member including a flossing element and brush bristles. The flossing assembly includes an elongate channel to accommodate and allow traversal of the flossing element, and a spool member to wind and rotate the flossing element for the traversal of the flossing element through the elongate channel. The flossing element supported between two tubular members dislodges interdental substances in an oral cavity. The brush bristles create a diverging extension arm of a wide dimension towards the first arcuate arm to brush away the dislodged interdental substances from a buccal side of teeth, and another diverging extension arm of a narrow dimension towards the second arcuate arm to brush away the dislodged interdental substances from a lingual side of the teeth.

Abstract: A dental flossing device comprising a handle and a floss holder. The floss holder comprises a base portion and a pair of spaced-apart arms accommodating dental floss therebetween. The floss holder has greater flexibility in a direction laterally perpendicular to the direction of the length of said length of dental floss than in the direction of the floss itself. This flexibility is provided either by incorporating at least one convoluted section into either the base portion or the pair of spaced-apart arms of the floss holder, or by providing either the base portion or the pair of spaced-apart arms with a reduced cross sectional dimension in the lateral direction generally perpendicular to the floss than in the direction generally parallel to the floss, or by means of a groove in the neck by which the floss holder is attached to the handle.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a dental floss holder containing a body that includes a fixing portion, which is provided with at least a recess disposed inward so as to constitute a neck for holding the dental floss and is provided with at least a slot for receiving the dental floss in position. Thus a user can operate the dental floss fixed on the body in cooperation with the other end of the dental floss held by fingers (or fixed on another dental floss holder) to easily clean the slits between teeth deep inside the oral cavity.

Abstract: A dental flosser design utilizes the shape of the handle, the positioning of one or more floss strands and the shape and materials of the floss strands to increase the ease of use for the consumer. In one embodiment, the flosser combines the advantages of an F-shaped flosser for flossing the front teeth with the advantages of a Y-shaped flosser for flossing the rear teeth by providing a flosser with a handle having first and second longitudinal ends, with a first flosser head extending from the first longitudinal end and the second flosser head extending from the second longitudinal end. The first flosser head may form an F-shaped flosser at the first end of the handle, wherein the flosser head is generally aligned in the same plane as the gripping surfaces of the handle, the with the flosser arms extending at an angle to the longitudinal length of the handle.

Abstract: A dental flosser (2) comprising a tensioning structure (8, 10, 12) for holding a section of a dental floss for flossing. The dental floss (14) is of continuous length and has on said length a plurality of spaced nodes (30) defining a plurality of sections. The tensioning structure is arranged to apply a tensioning action to a pair of nodes on said length to tension the section (14) defined by the pair. The tensioning structure is so arranged so that the section is replaceable with another one of the sections (14b). A method of operating a dental flosser comprises a) operating the dental flosser to at least partially remove a tensioning action acting on each of the pairs of nodes of the section to tension the section, b) removing the section from the position and locating the other section in the position, and c) applying a tensioning action to the pair of nodes defining the other section.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers and having one or a plurality of strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The floss extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component may be positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

Abstract: A kit for dental plaque removal comprises a longitudinally extending absorbent dental strip and a holder. The absorbent dental strip has a thickness “t” and a width “w.” T is sized to be receivable in edentulous areas and diastemas, and w is sized to clean the surface of a tooth without protruding past a gingival sulcus and damaging gingival tissue. The holder has a main shaft. A pair of laterally spaced prongs project from a first end of the main shaft. The prongs are configured to reversibly secure a length of the absorbent dental strip.

Abstract: A floss holder includes a holder body having two suspension arms, a shaft joining the suspension arms and a through hole at a front end of each suspension arm, and two rivets respectively mounted in the through holes each having factory head disposed outside one end of one through hole, and a floss-retaining unit defined between the factory head and one respective suspension arm for securing a dental floss.

Abstract: A dental floss apparatus for cleaning the gaps between adjacent teeth which is comprised of a pair of handles that are configured for engagement with the fingers with strands of flossing substrate extending therebetween. The flossing substrate runs substantially parallel and extends within an opening formed between the ends of the two handles, during tensioned employment of the handles by a user. A dissolvable component is positioned within the opening through an engagement with one or both of the handles or the flossing substrate. The dissolvable component dissolves to a solution during use to deposit a residue on the surface of the teeth. The solution from the dissolving component may be colorized or fluorescent, and have an additive material such as mouthwash, breath freshener, cooling agent, or flavor.

Abstract: A multi-tooth flosser allows a user to floss simultaneously several spaces between the user's teeth. In an embodiment, the device includes an assembly of multiple pieces, allowing the device to be adjustable and adapted to the mouths of different users. The user adjusts the placement of the stringed material through movement of floss receivers along an arched groove, with the dental floss being attached to the floss receivers. In this way, the stringed material is aligned with the positions of the spaces between the user's teeth. An impression of the user's teeth made in a cavity filled with impressionable material into which the user bites guides the adjustment of the floss receivers.

Abstract: A floss holder includes a holder body having two suspension arms, a shaft joining the suspension arms and a through hole at a front end of each suspension arm, and two rivets respectively mounted in the through holes each having factory head disposed outside one end of one through hole, and a floss-retaining unit defined between the factory head and one respective suspension arm for securing a dental floss.

Abstract: A dental cleaning article comprising a band of expanded fluoropolymer that is highly distensible at room temperature, such that it can be stretched from a first state to a second state is described. The diameter of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be increased by stretching by, in some embodiments, two times or more the original first state diameter. Likewise the cross sectional area of the band of expanded fluoropolymer may be reduced upon stretching to less than one quarter the first state cross sectional area. The band of expanded fluoropolymer provides the user with the ability to stretch the band a desired amount, such that they may more effectively clean between their teeth. Furthermore, the band may be regular or irregularly shaped, and in some embodiments may comprise higher density regions.

Abstract: A dental flosser including a plastic handle having proximal and distal ends, a flosser head at the distal end of the handle, and two spaced apart arms extending from the flosser head. First and second strands of dental floss extend transversely between the spaced apart arms. The first and second strands may different material characteristics from each other, such as different coefficients of friction. The first and second strands may be arranged on the arms to provide enhanced cleaning. For instance, a portion of one of the strands may be offset from the other strand along the width of the flosser arms.

Abstract: A dental care device utilizing a shaft having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an intermediate portion there between. A dental brush is located on the shaft at the distal end while a wishbone support is found on the proximal end of the shaft. The wishbone support includes a gripping post and a groove which allows dental floss to extend from the post, along its outer surface, and to span the end legs of the wishbone for use.

Abstract: A device for flossing teeth comprises an elongate handle having a central axis. In addition, the device comprises a head including a pair of spaced apart posts and a base portion extending therebetween. Each post has a central axis. The central axis of each post is disposed in a plane that is oriented at an acute angle ? in side view relative to a projection of the central axis of the handle. Further, the device comprises a neck extending between the handle and the base portion of the head. The device also comprises a strand of floss extending between the posts.

Abstract: A flossing kit and tool include a floss cartridge having a length of floss and a pair of tip members each sized larger than a typical spacing behind arch wires of a set of braces, each fixedly coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each tip member includes a coupling structure and a projection member and are coupled to the length of floss, wherein the projection member of at least one of the tip members is elongated and sufficiently narrow to be inserted into a typical spacing behind arch wires of a set of braces. The flossing tool includes a pair of floss handles each removably couple to one of the pair of tip members respectively. The flossing tool includes a release mechanism disposed within the cylindrical body that selectably couples and disengages from the associated coupling structure of the tip member when triggered.

Abstract: A flossing device and a method of manufacture thereof, consisting of a first elongated member and a second elongated member that is removably coupled to the first elongated member along an interior side of a top region of the first elongated member. The flossing device includes a floss member coupled to the second elongated member and extending through an aperture of the first elongated member. The floss member includes a first enlarged stop member at an end distal from the second elongated member and sized to fit within a countersunk enlarged channel but not fit through a narrow channel in communication with the enlarged channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dental cleaning aid. The aid includes a threader (or leader) including a monofilament. A follower is provided for following the threader and the follower is at least in part wider than the monofilament. Preferably, the aid includes a loop or fold fastening arrangement by which the threader and follower are fastened together. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes a fold or loop of the follower engaged with a fold or loop of the threader.

Abstract: A flossing tool for persons wearing braces. A floss support head is attached at an acute angle with respect to a handle. The head includes two spaced-apart support elements where the first support element closest to the handle is thinner than the distance between the teeth and the arch-wire. A disposable plastic embodiment includes a floss strand affixed in an injection molding process to ends of the support elements; a tapered portion of the first support element which allows the device to pivot without interference from the arch-wire; and a broadened spatula tip for securing an end of the floss strand. The end of the first support element may be curved outwardly. Another embodiment includes a wire head with floss support loops.

Abstract: A tooth flossing device may comprise a sleeve and a dental floss retainer. The sleeve may be releasably received over the finger of a user. The retainer may assist in securing a length of dental floss to the sleeve such that the sleeve, when received over the finger of a user, assists in the insertion of the dental floss between the teeth of the user or another. The retainer may comprise a pair of leg members that have slots dimensioned such that receipt of dental floss into the slots causes a frictional engagement between the slots and the dental floss to aid in releasably securing the dental floss between the leg members. The leg members and the slots may be arranged such that when dental floss is secured between the leg members the dental floss is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprising a holding portion, and a head portion disposed on the upper end thereof and bent obliquely upward from the holding portion. The head portion has first and second arm portions which symmetrically extend from the lower end of the head portion to both sides. Third and fourth arm portions symmetrically extend from the upper end of the head portion to both sides. First and second spaces for tensioning first and second segments of dental floss are formed between tail ends of the first and third arm portions, and the third and fourth arm portions, respectively. A third space for tensioning a third segment of dental floss is formed between tail ends of the fourth and second arm portions. The first and third segments of floss are parallel to the lengthwise direction of the holding portion, with the second segment of floss perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: An oral hygiene system including a handle with a releasable locking mechanism. The system also includes an oral hygiene attachment removably coupled to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a safety gate coupled to the handle, the safety gate being pivotable relative to the handle. The locking mechanism also includes a locking receptacle configured to receive the safety gate, whereby the locking mechanism is locked.

Abstract: A tooth flossing device comprising a sleeve and a dental floss retainer. The sleeve is releasably receivable over the finger of a user. The dental floss retainer assists in securing a length of dental floss to the sleeve such that the sleeve, when received over the finger of a user, assists in the insertion of the dental floss between the teeth of the user or another. The dental floss retainer comprises a pair of leg members extending outwardly from the surface of the sleeve. The distance between the dental floss, when secured between the leg members, and the sleeve determining the extent to which the dental floss can be inserted between the teeth of a user or another.