Abstract: A toothbrush has an elongated handle with bristles disposed at one end extending outwardly from one surface of the handle. The handle is formed of a semi-rigid plastic material having a pair of flanges disposed on the surface opposite that of the bristles for controlling the flexure at various points along the handle length and a softer material is formed onto that portion of the handle containing the flanges to provide a soft grip for the user.

Abstract: A method of introducing a substance into a mouth, including flowing water into contact with a composite and then into the mouth, the composite including a substance that is released from the composite when water contacts the composite, the substance being released from the composite when contacted with the flowing water and carried by the flowing water into the mouth.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a continuous dental floss brush comprising alternating portions of thread sections which do not stretch significantly under tension and brush sections which stretch under slight tension, includes the step of coating at least the thread sections of a reverse twisted high tenacity nylon yarn with a solution of polymer in a volatile solvent, the polymer being selected from the group consisting of nylon, polyurethane and mixtures thereof. The thread sections of the yarn are thereafter heated to vaporize solvent therefrom while the yarn is maintained under a tension of from 0.15 to 1N. In the humidifier assembly, having a housing which defines a humidifier zone, the brush sections of the yarn are exposed to a mixture of steam and gas, the steam and gas mixture having a temperature of from 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A blister package is provided for display in a merchandising rack having a plurality of display enclosures of fixed cross-sectional dimension. The blister package provides a product-containing envelope of plastic material forming a cavity capable of displaying large size articles approaching the maximum dimensions of a display enclosure.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses are provided, including a fiber core, preferably a multifilament fiber, and an elastomeric outer layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush which exhibits superior interproximal and gingival margin cleaning. The toothbrush includes an elongated handle member connected to a toothbrush head member. The head is divided into two regions. A "toe" region is defined as the part of the head which is furthest from the handle and a "heel" region is the portion of the head which is closest to the handle. A multiplicity of bristles extend from the heel region of the head; the distal ends of these bristles form a longitudinally aligned concave shape when viewed on end.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing a hypersensitive tooth in a patient includes contacting exposed tubules with particles including a degradable material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a toothbrush with uniform diameter bristles containing a polishing agent with a particle size of from about 0.01 .mu.m to about 100 .mu.m, wherein cleaning of the teeth is improved without any of the adverse side effects associated with over aggressive abrasion. An embodiment of the present invention includes a toothbrush including a handle associated with a head having at least one tuft securely affixed in or attached to the head, said tuft including a plurality of filaments comprised of (a) a thermoplastic filament base material and (b) an effective polishing amount of a polishing agent having a particle size of from about 0.1 .mu.m to about 10 .mu.m. Particles less than 0.1 .mu.m can be used if aggregation occurs such that the aggregate size on bristle is described.

Abstract: A sustained-release matrix for dental application includes either an anti-microbial agent or a colorant that is released from the matrix when the matrix contacts water. The preferred matrices include a water-soluble polymer and a water-insoluble support resin.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition includes particles having an outer surface onto which an anti-microbial agent has been adsorbed. The particles can be used, for example, for coating the bristles of toothbrushes.

Abstract: Dental floss brushes, as described herein, are extremely difficult to coat with wax coatings. When conventional waxes are utilized, the floss brush becomes matted and gummy. We have developed an improved wax coating solution which results in a thin, uniform coating with good adhesion characteristics. This invention relates to an improved floss brash product and to a novel process for its manufacture. In particular this invention is directed to an improved floss brash made of a textured, high tenacity nylon yarn which provides the scraping functions of a floss under high tension and the brushing functions of a yarn under low tension. The present yarns require a wax coating to improve lubricity during use. The present product exhibits a uniform, thin wax coating. The present process imparts a thin coating by utilizing a "viscosity lowering agent" in the wax coating solution.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing a hypersensitive tooth in a patient includes contacting exposed tubules with particles including a degradable material.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting bacteria in the mouth of a patient which includes placing a particle containing a degradable material and an anti-microbial agent in the mouth of the patient. The exterior of the particle is water-stable. The particles may be coated on dental floss or the bristles of a toothbrush, or incorporated into an oral rinse. Once placed in the mouth, the degradable material degrades to cause release of the anti-microbial agent, resulting in the inhibition of bacteria in the mouth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bristle finishing fork for isolating bristles affixed to a toothbrush head within a bristle finishing region comprising two elongated prongs having tips spaced at a distance "A" defining the width of the bristle swath to be isolated, wherein starting at said tip, the distance between the prongs increases to a distance "B" defining the sidewall of the bristle finishing region.

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition includes particles having an outer surface onto which an anti-microbial agent has been adsorbed. The particles can be used, for example, for coating the bristles of toothbrushes.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a continuous dental floss brush comprising alternating portions of thread sections which do not stretch significantly under tension and brush sections which stretch under slight tension, includes the step of coating at least the thread sections of a reverse twisted high tenacity nylon yarn with a solution of polymer in a volatile solvent, the polymer being selected from nylon, polyurethane and mixtures thereof. The thread sections of the yarn are thereafter heated to vaporize solvent therefrom while the yarn is maintained under a tension of from 0.15 to 1N. In the humidifier assembly, having a housing which defines a humidifier zone, the brush sections of the yarn are exposed to a mixture of steam and gas, the steam and gas mixture having a temperature of from 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A continuous process for manufacturing a continuous floss brush comprises steps of first applying a polymer solution at a repeated preselected distance interval to a continuous length of floss yarn under tension and solidifying the polymer while the floss yarn is under tension to produce a continuous floss product of yarn sections which stretch under slight tension separated by thread sections which do not significantly stretch under tension. The floss yarn is treated to expand the yarn sections to form brush sections. The passage of a predetermined number of segments comprising thread and brush portions is determined while the continuous floss brush is under substantially zero tension using a optical detector. Finally, a length of the continuous floss segments containing the predetermined number of segments comprising thread and brush portions is cut for packaging.