Abstract: A flossing device having two times. An advancing mechanism advances an end of a piece of floss from the end of one tine to the end of the other tine so that a segment of the floss spans the inter-tine space. In use, an inter-dental space is placed in the inter-tine space and a segment of floss is advanced from one tine through the inter-dental space to the second tine. The end of the floss segment is locked to the second tine; and the floss is vibrated so as to floss the inter-dental space.

Abstract: A mechanism with a handle supports a pair of forwardly extending arms with a pair of guides flanking a flossing gap at the front of the tool. Clamp members anchor ends of a length of floss at the handle. An adjuster is moved to alter the length of the floss path in the tool so that the floss at the flossing gap can be configured as a straight line or in a loop with variable tension. A leverage bite member is mounted between the arms for sliding and rotating motion.

Abstract: A dental flossing device has a handle element with a forked end with spaced prongs. A tensioning cleat is mounted on the handle element for positioning and securing a length of dental floss and may include a trigger arm mechanism for advancing a strand of floss. A soft elastomer protective bite element is secured to the forked end of the handle element. The soft elastomer protective bite element has a top surface with a notch therein sized to secure a length of dental floss and a channel positioned underneath the floss held in the notch to allow initial penetration of floss between teeth and is resilient enough to allow further penetration when bitten down upon. The handle element includes a groove on both spaced prongs. The soft elastomer protective bite element may have a curved surface with a pair of spaced finger elements.

Abstract: Monofilament dental floss/tape of polymer material including fluoride and polishing powder the dental floss/tape (1) being ribbon-shaped and having material properties that enable it to be stretched to increase its length by at least 100% and also to reduce its cross-sectional area by up to ten times, and also a method fot the use of monofilament polymer dental floss/tape (1) by preparing a suitable length of dental floss/tape (1) for cleaning the teeth , by extending it to a reduce cross section so that the area of the whole piece of floss/tape can thereafter be used to clean the teeth distally and/or mesially.

Abstract: A dental floss holder has a gripping part (2) and a curved part (6) sifting on the latter, which is provided on its one end with an attachment element (10) for a piece of dental floss (8) to be tensed over the curved part. A deflecting element (4) is provided in the region of the other end of curved part (6), by means of which dental floss (8) is inverted by a finger that tenses it of the hand grasping gripping part (2). The reversing element can be configured as the transition region between gripping part (2) shaped like a knob part (4) and the throughput opening (14) for dental floss (8) which passes through curved part (6). A detachable connection, for example, in the form of a bayonet pin-and-socket (20), between curved part (6) and gripping part (2) permits a disassembly of the dental floss holder into a small size for travel as well as use of the gripping part with other attachable devices, for example, a toothbrush.

Abstract: Oral hygiene apparatus for destroying sensitized oral bacteria, comprising: an incoherent light source; and a light directing member, adapted for directing light from light source and onto at least part of a surface of at least one tooth within an oral cavity.

Abstract: A flossing device for holding floss to floss teeth with. The flossing device includes an arm. The arm has a middle portion, a distal portion and a proximal portion. The arm has a top side and a bottom side. A straight head portion comprises a base portion and two legs integrally coupled to and extending away from the base portion. The base portion is integrally coupled to a free end of the distal portion. The straight head portion has a pair of outer peripheral edges. Each of the outer peripheral edges has an elongate slot therein. A securing structure releasably secures the floss in the slots of the straight head portion.

Abstract: A prefabricated dental floss device comprises a dental floss holder (10), having the general shape of an elongate rod-like body and consisting of two interconnected but easily separable holder portions (12, 13) , and a piece of dental floss (11), received in a cavity (15) in the dental floss holder (10) and anchored to the two holder portions (12, 13) with opposite end portions thereof and adapted to become uncovered along the major portion of its length when the holder portions (12, 13) are separated from each other. Said cavity is formed by a narrow groove (15), running in the longitudinal direction of the holder (10) and extending into the holder (10) from one side of the holder, said groove (15) containing the dental floss piece (11) within the same in a position adjacent to the bottom of said groove, the end portions of the dental floss piece (11) being permanently fixed to the holder (10) at places (16) located near mutually opposite ends of the holder.

Abstract: A flosser having a framework and a length of floss incorporated therein is disclosed. The framework has a configuration which allows for exposed portions of floss at opposite ends of the framework. A flosser mold is also disclosed which allows for manufacture of the flosser using conventional plastic injection molding techniques. The mold comprises a plurality of receptacles and pins which allow for precise capture and positioning of a strand of floss during the injection molding process.

Abstract: A dental floss holder including a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot. The second end portions are movable between a first position in which the first end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a second position in which the first end portions are moved toward one another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the first end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the first end portions are moved toward one another, said first tension being greater than the second tension. Also disclosed is a filament, such as a dental floss, that contains fumed silica.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a flexible comprises first and second elongated handles, each of the handles having at least an upper and a lower aperture defined therethrough, the apertures extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles. At least one central aperture is also defined in each of the first and second handles, the central aperture extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles and positioned between the upper and lower apertures. A loop of flexible element, extends through, and freely slidable within each of the apertures in each of the handles, wherein manipulation of the handles in conjunction with pressure applied to the loop of flexible element advances the element through the apertures to change the position of the flexible element relative to the handles.

Abstract: A flossing tool includes a handle, first and second arms, first and second retention pads, a supply of floss string, and a cutting notch. The handle is fabricated with a handle cavity to store the supply of floss string. The first and second arms extend outward from each other and from a first end of the handle in a U-shape. The first arm has a first arm cavity and the second arm preferably has a second arm cavity. Each arm preferably has an upward curvature along its length. A first retention pad is formed on a first end of the first arm and a second retention pad is formed on a second end of a second arm. A deep groove is formed around the periphery of the junction between each retention pad and a first end of each arm. A string hole is preferably formed adjacent the first retention pad. An end of the floss string is inserted through the string hole.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymeric flosses comprising particulate modification agents stably associated with the surface thereof, as well as methods for their fabrication, are provided. In the subject flosses, particulate modification agents are either adsorbed to the surface of the floss or embedded in the surface of the floss. To fabricate the subject flosses, unmodified elastomeric flosses are contacted with particulate modification agents under conditions which provide for the stable association of the particles with the floss surface, where the floss surface may be softened to promote embedding of the particulate modification agents in the surface of the floss.

Abstract: A cosmetic sampler package comprising a slurry of cosmetic and solvent which is printed onto a transparent or translucent film overlay. The film overlay includes opaque portions printed in the negative image of the desired design on the surface opposite that of the cosmetic, so as to form a display window for viewing the cosmetic sample. A perimeter adhesive may be printed on the film overlay around the sample and a protective backing is sealed to the film.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having the external appearance of an apple. In one embodiment, the dispenser consists of two simulated apple halves, hingedly connected to one another. In another embodiment, the dispenser consists of a simulated apple half hingedly connected to a vertical backing member such as a board or wall.

Abstract: A movable dental floss comprises an outer floss tensioning member and an inner floss tensioning member. The outer floss tensioning member and the inner floss tensioning member each have a pair of tensioning levers which face each other and a gripping portion, respectively. The gripping portions are connected, at their respective ends, to each other by a rotatable fixing portion so that one of them is swingable relative to the other. The pairs of the inner and outer floss tensioning levers are curved more at positions farther from respective branch portions thereof in a direction of the relative swing of the gripping portions. The pair of inner floss tensioning levers are rotated relative to the pair of outer floss tensioning levers to let the latter move in a direction of the height of teeth for removing contaminant on and between the teeth.

Abstract: A novel dental floss and gum massager made in the form of a strand, a tape or a sheet of polymeric material, said sheet having selectively positioned multiple sized holes for inserting though and holding by the fingers of the hands. The floss provides substantially very little constriction of blood flow surrounding the fingers as the floss is held taught and the peripheral edge of the floss is being manipulated and worked by the gripping, pulling, pushing, deforming, and guilding back and forth actions of the fingers during massaging of the gums and flossing of the teeth.

Abstract: A holder assembly for removably storing a plurality of individual dental floss products of the type which typically comprise a looped configuration at one end thereof and which are designed primarily but not exclusively for use in the flossing or cleaning of bridgework or other orthodontic appliances, wherein the holder assembly comprises a base including a plurality of apertures at least some of which include a retaining structure cooperatively dimensioned, disposed and configured with corresponding ones of the apertures to removably maintain and orient the looped dental floss products in an upright or outwardly extending position thereby rendering the dental floss products readily accessible for use by a dental hygienist or other personnel during the flossing process.

Abstract: A replaceable head toothbrush construction 10 including an elongated handle member 20 having a hollow upper portion 24 provided with a contoured central bore 25 having an intermediate portion which defines a peripheral recess 28 and further including a head unit 12 which includes a plurality of head members 50. Each head member 50 comprises a different dental implement 60 such as a toothbrush element 61, a mirror element 62, a flossing element 63, etc. Each dental implement 60 is provided with a downwardly depending shaft 54 having a base segment 55 adapted to be captively engaged in the central bore 25 and the head members 50 and the handle member 20 is further provided with registration means 31, 53.

Abstract: A dental floss container and dispenser having first and second sections, the first section being designed to hold a floss spool and having floss guide means to guide the floss from the floss spool to exteriorly thereof, the first section also selectively permitting and preventing the dispensing of floss from the floss spool, and the second section being designed to cut the floss and grip the floss. Preferably, both sections are ergonomically configured and sized to fit within a user's hand with each section having an ergonomic design to accept the last three fingers of the user's hand to thereby encourage use of a user's index fingers to guide the floss.

Abstract: A dental floss having spaced, spherical protruberances along its length that improve the ability to remove unwanted material trapped between teeth, and improve the ability of a user to hold and use the floss.

Abstract: A flossing kit for providing disposable devices for flossing a user's teeth. The flossing kit includes a first flossing device comprising an elongate shaft having a pair of opposite ends and a generally V-shaped floss holder coupled to a first of the ends of the shaft. The floss holder has a pair of elongate arms each having a terminal end. An elongate filament is extended between the terminal ends of the arms of the floss holder. The shaft of the first flossing device also tapers to a toothpick point adjacent a second of the ends of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remedial dental floss comprising a dental floss and titanium dioxide particles of 6.0 microns or less. Depending upon the structure, formulation, and final effects desired a binder may also be used to attach, adhere or otherwise incorporate particles of titanium dioxide and other substances onto or into the dental floss. In order to provide various other qualities one or more other ingredients, compounds or substances such as fluorides, peroxide based compounds, abrading agents, other pigmenting agents, sweeteners, and flavoring agents may also be incorporated into or utilized by the remedial dental floss disclosed herein. Regular use of such a remedial dental floss will significantly reduce the interproximal staining and discolorment of dental surfaces as well as providing all other benefits normally associated with flossing in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.

Abstract: A hand-held flossing tool provides a housing member having a spool housing integral therewith containing a replaceable spool of dental floss, a tension head consisting of two tension arms integrally molded to a yoke, each tension arm including a snap eye on one end and a gripping surface at the other end, and a stabilizer rotatably attached to the housing member. The dental floss strand, which passes from the housing through a spool housing slit and then through the snap eyes on the tension arms, is secured around a cleat on one of the tensions arms. The flosser places the stabilizer in the flosser's palm and holds the tension arm gripping surfaces between the flosser's thumb and index finger. The floss spool ratchets within the spool housing to permit adjustment of the tension on the strand of dental floss by rotation of a tension adjustment key extending through the bottom of the housing into the spool.

Abstract: A dental flossing device replicating a dinosaur, includes a handle part extending in a first direction and a floss holder part extending from the handle part in a second direction different from the first direction. The handle and floss holder parts respectively are formed by shapes replicating (a) the head and open jaws and (b) the remaining body of a dinosaur, the jaws having proximal ends that are joined and distal ends that are spaced apart. The dental flossing device further includes a strand of dental floss extending generally linearly between and secured to the distal end of the jaws.

Abstract: A highly flavored dental article for cleaning the interproximal surfaces of the teeth such as dental floss comprising one filament having a water-insoluble coating. Flavorant and a flavor enhancer are provided on the outer surface of the coating and within the depth of the coating.

Abstract: A dental flosser having a pair of spaced apart arms across which a strand of dental floss is extended and a handle extending in a direction different from said the arms, the arms and handle being essentially a flat contiguous injection molded plastic board, the handle having an aperture through its central area bordered by a pair of legs which are bendable to converge toward each other, a pair of wings extending from both outside edges of these legs, each wing being bendable out of the plane of the board to extend transversely therefrom to provide a surface thicker than the original edge of the handle, each of the arms being an extension of one of the legs so that when the legs are pressed toward each other the corresponding arms are urged to diverge from each other, thus stretching and tensioning the strand of floss extending therebetween with the wings providing a comfortable surface against which the users' fingers are pressed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for securing and controlling dental floss while in the process of flossing one's teeth. The apparatus comprises a set of prostheses, one for each hand, to reside on a particular digit. Each finger prosthesis has a mechanical attachment point for dental floss. A section of dental floss has each end terminated on the mechanical attachment point. Each finger prosthesis is secured to the user by a mechanical device. The finger prosthesis comprises an adjustable member which extends the floss attachment point beyond the user's finger and or finger nail. The finger prosthesis distributes the mechanical loads encountered during flossing in a comfortable and painless manner over the user's extremities, thus promoting a positive experience and encouraging frequent flossing of one's teeth, all of which leads to better dental and overall health.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and moving a flexible element is shown and described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a pair of elongated handles, each having a pair of apertures, providing a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures, and advancing the elements through the apertures by moving the handles and tensioning various segments of the loop. The apparatus includes first and second elongated handles each having a pair of apertures, at least one of the handles including a cleat extending transversely to said handle, and a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures and entrained around the cleat.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is disclosed, which is adapted for mounting onto a pump toothpaste dispenser. The dental floss dispenser has a one-piece housing of integrally molded plastic construction which has a peripheral contour to match the predetermined bottom configuration of the toothpaste dispenser. The housing has a base with a peripheral wall having a recessed ledge and slot in the peripheral wall to dispense the floss. The dental floss spool is rotatably mounted on one of two bosses in the housing. The housing also has a hinged door which matches the predetermined bottom configuration of the toothpaste dispenser which is capable of movement away and against the peripheral base wall to expose the slot through which the floss is dispensed. A cutter is mounted on the hinged door allowing the severing of a desired length of floss pulled from the spool through the slot.

Abstract: A converter is described for converting a power-driven toothbrush into a power-driven flossing device. Such converter includes a yoke for holding floss string and an arrangement for receiving energy from a toothbrush originally provided to move toothbrush bristles and convert such energy into movement of a floss string.

Abstract: Dental flosses are provided that include a foam. Preferred flosses include a foam outer layer and a reinforcing core and may be formed as a multicomponent coextruded filament.

Abstract: A dental flossing tool and method for flossing of the teeth using that tool is provided. The tool includes two elongated, rod-shaped handle elements and a length of dental floss that is removably secured at its opposite ends to respective ones of the handle elements at their terminal ends. Each handle element is provided with a bulb at the terminal end to which the floss is attached with the bulbs being larger in transverse cross-section relative to the longitudinal axis of its handle element than is the adjacent portion of the handle element. This results in a depressed annular region in which floss is wound and functions to retain the floss on a handle element. Each handle element includes a hand-grip section disposed in remote relationship to the terminal end provided with a bulb enabling a user to grip the element in a respective hand for support thereof and independent manipulation in effecting a flossing operation.

Abstract: A dental floss applicator includes an applicator head, and protrusions on the head defining first and second floss engaging surfaces, and a third surface spaced from the first and second surfaces, to engage a primary strand of floss extending from the first surface to the third surface, and to engage a secondary strand of floss extending from the second surface to the third surface. The strands may be portions of a continuous loop of floss engaging all three surfaces, which may be located on multiple legs protruding from the head, and that loop may be disengagable from the one leg for finger simultaneous manipulation of two spaced flossing strands as during flossing.

Abstract: This invention involves a stretchable elastomer floss and elastomer floss disposable units, plus related devices for packaging the floss, dispensing the floss, and for holding the ends of the elastomer floss when the elastomer floss units are in use. The elastomer floss units are manufactured by extrusion or injection molding.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot. The second end portions are movable between a first position in which the first end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a second position in which the first end portions are moved toward one another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the first end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the first end portions are moved toward one another, said first tension being greater than the second tension. Further embodiments of the dental floss holder are also contemplated.

Abstract: A dental flossing device for removing food and debris from between teeth and crowns. The dental flossing device includes an elongate arcuate bow member with opposite first and second ends. A pair of floss loops are linked together and each floss loop is coupled to an end of the bow member. Each of the floss loops may extend into an aperture of the respective end of the bow member and be coupled in the apertures. Alternatively, each of the ends of the bow member has a pair of finger portions forming a channel between them. First and second floss loops extend between the first and second ends of the bow member. Each of the floss loops comprises a length of dental floss. The length of dental floss of the first floss loop extends through the second floss loop such that the floss loops are linked together. The first floss loop extends through the channel of the first end of the bow member. The second floss loop extends through the channel of the second end of the bow member.

Abstract: Dental hygiene filament, for use as dental floss or as bristles for a tooth brush for flossing and/or brushing teeth, comprising an elongated body defining an exterior surface having an abrasive, granular substance, such as pumice, uniformly distributed thereon. The granular material is firmly attached to the filament so that, when used as dental floss, pulling on the ends of the floss between the teeth allows for aggressive and efficient removal of plaque while moving the dental floss across the surface, as recommended by dentists. In addition, the irregular surface area acts to cause additional frictional interaction between the filament's granular material and the tooth surface, quickly and efficiently removing the plaque and providing a greater surface area for removing plaque. Each filament embodiment may include a microbicide for preventing bacterial growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicated dental floss comprising a dental floss and at least one dental desensitizing agent. Depending upon the structure, formulation, and final effects desired a binder may also be used to attach, adhere or otherwise incorporate a dental desensitizing agent onto or into the dental floss. In order to provide various other qualities one or more other ingredients, compounds or substances such as fluorides, peroxide based compounds, abrading agents, pigmenting agents, sweeteners, and flavoring agents may also be incorporated into or utilized by the medicated dental floss disclosed herein. Regular use of such a medicated dental floss will significantly reduce the incidence of dental hypersensitivity as well as providing all other benefits normally associated with flossing and in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.

Abstract: A dental flossing device is characterized by a flossing circuit comprising a floss supply spool and a take-up spool mounted to a housing containing a gear train assembly adapted to rotate the take-up spool in a winding direction. The floss feeds from the supply spool along a pair of prongs forming a forked extension of the handle and is stretched across the forked prongs and appropriately tensioned to be inserted into a user's mouth for flossing. To maintain hygiene, the take-up spool is mounted outside the housing. In a manually operated embodiment, a manually depressible trigger projecting from the housing is operable to rotate the take-up spool with reverse rotation thereof being prevented with a ratchet mechanism. Release of the manually depressible trigger reversely rotates the supply spool through a short arcuate interval to remove slack and then locks the supply spool against unwinding rotation through gear teeth.

Abstract: A flossing loop comprising a closed or continuous loop of dental floss standing, or alternately formed by a length of dental floss having a first and second end, with the first end of the length of dental floss secured to the second end to form the closed loop. A plurality of the flossing loops may be arranged as a cascade of frangibly coupled flossing loops that are contained in a suitable package. The package is configured with a suitable opening, possibly provided as a slot, to enable each respective flossing loop (of the cascade) to be drawn out of the package, one after the other. Once a respective flossing loop is drawn from the package it is detached from the next subsequent flossing loop still substantially located within the chamber, and is available for flossing activities.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for cleaning dental implant posts comprising a handle specifically adapted for ease of use by a person of limited or impaired dexterity or muscle control or a care giver and a series of brush and pick attachments specifically adapted for cleaning dental implant posts. This handle configuration eliminates the need for a pencil-like grip.

Abstract: A dental flossing apparatus adapted to use dental floss having gripper elements. The apparatus includes a handle having a pair of arcuate prongs extending therefrom, a pair of receptacles defined within the handle and disposed adjacent the proximal end of each prong, and a pair of channels, wherein each channel extends from a receptacle towards the tip of the prongs. The tips are spaced apart such that a piece of dental floss can be stretched therebetween, and the receptacles are adapted and configured to securely hold each gripper element at the ends of the dental floss. As an alternate embodiment, a pair of handles are pivotally attached such that the distance between the tips of the prongs is variable based on the position of the handles relative to each other.

Abstract: Elastomeric polymeric flosses comprising particulate modification agents stably associated with the surface thereof, as well as methods for their fabrication, are provided. In the subject flosses, particulate modification agents are either adsorbed to the surface of the floss or embedded in the surface of the floss. To fabricate the subject flosses, unmodified elastomeric flosses are contacted with particulate modification agents under conditions which provide for the stable association of the particles with the floss surface, where the floss surface may be softened to promote embedding of the particulate modification agents in the surface of the floss.

Abstract: A dental flossing device having a strand of dental floss, a gripping element attached to each end of the floss and at least one structural element for engaging and maintaining the gripping elements in fixed spatial relation relative to each other or the elements being releasably secured to each other, with the dental floss extended generally linearly between the gripping elements, each gripping element being breakable apart from the other or from the structural element for rendering the gripping elements freely movable relative to each other with the floss freely extendible or bendable between the gripping elements.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses are provided, including multicomponent coextruded filaments and/or filaments having a multilobal cross-section. Some preferred flosses of the invention are capable of bulking.

Abstract: A disposable flossing device is disclosed. The disposable flossing device is adapted for use with the conventional dental handpiece or any other device providing rotary input motion. The disposable flossing device converts the rotary input motion to reciprocating linear motion so that the dental floss will reciprocate through a linear plane. In addition to flossing, other attachments to the conventional dental handpiece such as brushes and polishers can also be operated with the linear motion of the disclosed device.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser and applicator to be used with fixed orthodontic appliances, provided for a wearer to clean food, debris, and dental plaque so as to prevent proximal caries and periodontal disease. The dental flosser includes a handle section, a dental floss mounting section, and a single floss support portion wherein the dental floss mounting section and handle section contain a metered floss dispenser and locking means for floss being dispensed, and wherein the floss support contains a through hole to continuously supply floss. The floss support is slender so that it can be inserted into the narrow clearance between the adjacent surfaces of the teeth. The locking means holds the floss taught and allows for easy access to clean floss during operation.

Abstract: A flossing device for flossing the teeth as part of a dental care program. The device includes a central arch made up of two legs connected by a central segment. A length of floss is secured to the free ends of the legs. Two rings sized to fit over finger tips are secured to the outside of each arch leg. Two fingers are inserted into the rings so that the floss can be brought into well controlled contact with teeth interstices. The rings may be metal rings embedded in or bonded to the arch or may be plastic rings with the arch and rings molded as a unitary structure. With plastic rings, the rings may be circumferentially divided so as to be expandable to fit larger finger tips.

Abstract: A toothbrush assembly is disclosed which includes an articulating head portion for releasable supporting a brushhead, and which is configured to releasably mount a plurality of interchangeable dental accessory tools. A spring biased actuation member having a plurality of sprockets associated therewith is provided for effectuating incremental articulated movements of the brushhead supporting portion with respect to the handle of the toothbrush assembly to position the brushhead in a desired angular orientation.