Abstract: A dental suction tip that can be connected through a hose to a low pressure or vacuum source will entrain material in a patient's mouth. A flap valve is formed by incisions in the hollow tube forming the suction tip. The flap valve is located between opposite ends of the dental suction tip so that the flap valve remains aligned with the tube walls so as not to restrict entraining flow in the suction tip. The dental suction tip can be reoriented with the tube extending between the patient's lips so that the patient can exert pressure to force valve flaps inwardly to open the valve to permit the patient to spit into the dental suction tip. The flap valve is spaced from the open end of the suction tip by a distance sufficient to prevent simultaneous blockage of both openings to avoid stalling or suck back or fluid migration and resulting adverse effects on patient health without compromising evacuating flow.

Abstract: A dental suction apparatus 2 includes a tubular vacuum member 10, such as a tubular vacuum tip or aspirator, and a protective foam pad 20. The pad is mounted on a distal end 12 of the tubular vacuum member through a first opening 32 and partially through a second opening 34. In a folded operative position, the foam member 20 not only protects the patient's mouth, but creates a larger surface through which fluids and debris particles can be drawn though the influence of a vacuum.

Abstract: A denture treating apparatus employs a receptacle base with a chamber closed by a rotatable cover. A denture and an effervescing denture treating composition, such as a denture cleaning tablet is place in water in the chamber. When the chamber is closed, the pressure created by the effervescing tablet causes the active ingredients to penetrate small spaces in the denture. A seal is compressed between relative thick peripheral lips on the cover and receptacle base. Thinner sections of the receptacle base can bow under pressure to show that pressure is building up. A shiftable handle on the cover makes it easier for a user to close the cover and compress the seal.

Abstract: Flasks 10, 110, 210 and 310 serve as a storage container for toothbrushes 2, 2A and serve are reservoirs for a treating solution, such as a cleaner, which can be used to clean, deodorize, sanitize, decontaminate or otherwise treat the toothbrush between brushings. Flask 10 has an upper section 14 separated from a lower section 22 by an intermediate section 18, which contains a constricted throat 20. A toothbrush 2 in an inverted position would be supported by an inwardly tapered surface 16 above the constricted throat 20. Toothbrush bristles 6 would be located in the enlarged lower section 22, which serves as a reservoir for the treating solution. The constricted throat 22 can be sealed so that overpressure in the lower section can enhance the action of the treating solution. A covered flask 110 can also be used to store or merchandise the toothbrush.

Abstract: Flasks 10, 110, 210 and 310 serve as a storage container for toothbrushes 2, 2A and serve are reservoirs for a treating solution, such as a cleaner, which can be used to clean, deodorize, sanitize, decontaminate or otherwise treat the toothbrush between brushings. Flask 10 has an upper section 14 separated from a lower section 22 by an intermediate section 18, which contains a constricted throat 20. A toothbrush 2 in an inverted position would be supported by an inwardly tapered surface 16 above the constricted throat 20. Toothbrush bristles 6 would be located in the enlarged lower section 22, which serves as a reservoir for the treating solution. The constricted throat 22 can be sealed so that overpressure in the lower section can enhance the action of the treating solution. A covered flask 110 can also be used to store or merchandise the toothbrush.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for treating dentures at elevated pressured to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment employs a sealed pressure containment vessel. Denture cleaning, disinfecting, deorderizing, brightening, bleaching can be performed using this apparatus and method and the effectiveness of conventional active agents in removing plaque or the biolayer on the surface of the denture can be improved. Active agents can be forced into pores, fissures and microscopic openings in dentures to remove pathogens or contaminants that cannot be reached by conventional processes. The effectiveness of conventional effervescent denture treatment tablets can also be increased.

Abstract: An accessory for a dental practitioner during a dental procedure utilizing an instrument held in one hand is in the form of a miniature tray-like holder of tough sharp-point penetration resistant, stiffly resilient material, preferably a thermo-formable plastic, formed with a recess containing a flexible absorbent wiping medium for the instrument, such as one or more small elongated cylinders of conventional quilted dental padding or a flexible cellular foam, is anchored to the back of the opposite hand of the practitioner by means e.g. of a layer of adhesive carried on its underface and adhered to the back of the hand or resilient wings downwardly gripping a finger thereof. The recess is contoured to promote retention of the absorbent material therein The holder preferably also has a well for holding a small vial of tooth polishing paste adjacent to the wiping medium recess for ready access during polishing.

Abstract: A temperature-time-pressure detecting device for a closed heat treatment zone consists of a sealed discoidal-shaped capsule of substantially transparent material adapted for placement within the zone in a generally vertical position. The capsule is formed of two opposed preferably symmetrical circular shell walls sealed around their common rim and defining therebetween a central core region containing a shaped mass of a fusible indicating material having a defined melting point at least as high as the temperature to be detected. The central core region is surrounded by an inner and an outer annular chamber which are concentric with the core region and with one another.