Abstract: A powered toothbrush and toothbrush head comprise a transmission housing; a substantially disk-shaped bristle carrier; a plurality of first bristle tufts arranged on the bristle carrier along a first virtual circle; and a plurality of second bristle tufts arranged on the bristle carrier along a second virtual circle, the second virtual circle being concentric with and having a smaller diameter than the first virtual circle, wherein each of the plurality of first bristle tufts includes a plurality of bristles of a first type, having a tapered form.

Abstract: An oral care composition including a base formulation, sodium bicarbonate, and nisin, wherein the oral care composition removes biofilm from a tooth surface more effectively than the base formulation with the sodium bicarbonate or the nisin alone.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device such as an interdental brush includes a handle, a brush head having bristles extending therefrom, and a neck portion extending between the brush head and the handle. The neck portion of the dental hygiene device is configured to provide two modes of operation, a first cleaning mode of operation wherein the brush head contacts the teeth at a first pressure for a given application pressure, and a second cleaning mode of operation wherein the brush head contacts the teeth at a second pressure, greater than the first pressure, for the same given application pressure.

Abstract: Provided herein is a toothpaste composition, tube, and delivery system/kit. The disclosure also provides methods for use of the toothpaste composition and/or delivery system/kit.

Abstract: A dental hygiene device such as an interdental brush includes a handle, a brush head having bristles extending therefrom, and a neck portion extending between the brush head and the handle. At least some of the bristles may have a substantially triangular cross section. The neck portion defines a longitudinal axis and has a first bending stiffness when subject to loading in a first direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis, and a second bending stiffness when subjected to loading in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the axis. The first bending stiffness is less than the second bending stiffness such that the dental hygiene device can be reoriented during use to provide a more gentle or a more robust cleaning to interdental spaces.

Abstract: A dental floss dispensing unit includes a housing, a supply spool, and a metering element. The supply spool is coupled to the housing and has a length of floss wound thereabout. The length of floss has a free end extending from the housing and a plurality of alternating and distinct first and second floss segments. The metering element engages the length of floss and provides resistance to removal of the length of floss from the housing. A magnitude of the resistance changes as each floss segment moves into engagement with the metering element, thereby providing a tactilely detectable indication to the user that one of the first or second segments is emerging from the housing. The dispensing unit is configured to allow the supply spool to be manually rotated without manipulation (e.g., disassembly) of the housing for rewinding floss onto the spool.

Abstract: A method of making interdental cleaners includes forming a slug by extruding material in a direction of extrusion to form a first slug portion having a generally rectangular first cross-section and a second slug portion having a tapering second cross-section that extends away from the rectangular first cross-section. The method also includes stamping the slug substantially perpendicular to the direction of extrusion to form a plurality of cleaner blanks. The stamping forms the first slug portions into handle portions of the cleaner blanks, and the second slug portions into shaft portions of the cleaner blanks. The shaft portions include two pairs of converging surfaces that taper toward each other to define a point. The method also includes attaching cleaning members to the ends of the shaft portions.

Abstract: A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing.