Abstract: A dental polishing applicator for use with a rotary dental handpiece and method of using the same which is characterized by a collet portion and a removably mounted, disposable single use tip portion. The cylindrical collet is adapted to be removably mounted to conventional dental handpieces and includes an opposing end adapted to removably receive a shaft portion of the applicator tip portion. Preferably the tip portion comprises a relatively very small cylindrical shaft provided with a conical polishing end which is designed to permit access to the more difficult to reach areas of tooth anatomy.

Abstract: A polishing composition carrying abrasive particles having a carrier vehicle comprising an organic liquid vehicle, such as glycerine, a mixture of gelling agents comprising an edible gum and a seaweed extract, and water in a ratio which forms a relatively viscous semi-gel or sol. The preferred gelling agent mixture is gum tragacanth and agar which provides the carrier vehicle with physical properties improving its ability to cling to the rotary applicators and the work surface during use as a polishing agent. The preferred compositions include greater than about 85 percent by weight of glycerine and less than about 10 percent by weight of water and exhibit Newtonian or near Newtonian flow characteristics and resists apparent melting at temperatures generated during use.