Abstract: A new and improved dental floss having a relatively large diameter to provide an increased surface area, and comprised of a multitude of fibers overlaid upon each other such that a number of the fiber ends extend beyond the main body of the dental floss and are somewhat self-supporting. The dental floss has improved cleaning ability and increased shock absorbency which lessens discomfort to the user.

Abstract: An aspirating dental device. An elongated sleeve member extends along a dental instrument to define an airflow passage having an inlet, adjacent the working end of the dental instrument, and an outlet. A vacuum source is connected to the airflow passage to cause air to flow therethrough, drawing water and waste with it. The sleeve member can extend over the dental instrument to define the airflow passage between the exterior surface of the dental intrument and the interior surface of the sleeve member. In such case, the sleeve member can be cut to provide a hinged cover portion openable to permit access to the working end of the dental instrument, for example for installation or removal of a dental bur. Alternatively, the sleeve member can extend along and contact a portion of the exterior surface of the dental instrument to define the airflow passage therebetween. As another alternative, the sleeve member can be a tube extending along the dental instrument.