Abstract: Novel composites are formed from a low rigidity gelatinous elastomer composition of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil. The gelatinous elastomer composition is physically interlocked with an open cell sponge thereby displacing the air space within the sponge and the gel rigidity is found to be greater than about the sum of the combined rigidity of the gelatinous elastomer composition and sponge alone. The gelatinous elastomer composite exhibits a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous elastomer composites can be made firm or soft and flexible.

Abstract: Novel gelatinous compositions and articles are formed from an intimate melt blend admixture of poly(styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) triblock copolymer and high levels of a plasticizing oil.The gelatinous composition is transparent and have a novel combination of properties including unexpectedly high elongation and tensile strength and excellent shape retention after extreme deformation under high-velocity impact and stress conditions. The gelatinous products of this invention are soft, flexible, and have elastic memory, characterized by a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram to about 700 gram Bloom. These and other properties are particularly essential for the gelatinous composition to have utility as toys, therapeutic hand exercising grips, shock absorbers, acoustical isolators, components for cushions, and other uses.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged locking retainer on the end of an elongated handle. The locking retainer has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove in the handle so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the retainer. A latch on the locking retainer has a top end with a double cam surface thereon. One of the cam surfaces guides the latch into a locking position as the retainer is closed. The other of the cam surfaces releases the locking retainer when pushed.

Abstract: A method of and system for the treatment of periodontal diseases is disclosed wherein a patient, using a delivery device, applies a medicament directly to the infected site. The delivery device may comprise a piece of tufted dental floss, an interdental brush, a syringe, or a night time application tray for forcibly applying medicament to the infected site. The delivery device carries a supply of an antimicrobial or antibiotic medicament, preferably a tetracycline, dichloride or hydrogen peroxide solution or gel. By flossing, brushing, injecting, or by forcibly disbursing the medicament with the delivery device, the patient can apply the medicament directly on or in close proximity to the infected site (i.e., bony support structure of the teeth). The medicament (tetracycline) bonds with the bony structure to promote bone regeneration, decrease osteoclastic activity and to allow osteoblastic activity to continue with a consequent decrease in bone loss rate while promoting bone growth (regeneration).

Abstract: An article of dental floss particularly for hygienic maintenance of titanium abutments which is in the form of a ribbon or an elongated strip of woven or non-woven flexible moisture-absorbent material having adequate strength when wet to resist breaking when pulled back and forth adjacent teeth abutments or implant abutments and over gum tissue and is sufficiently soft when wet to avoid scratching the abutments and cutting into or abrading the gum tissue. A relatively stiff leader at one end of the strip serves to thread the strip between teeth and under bridges and bars.

Abstract: Dental floss is used by almost everyone and recommended by all dentists and professional dental organizations, to preserve and protect the health and the longevity of teeth. The dental floss of the present invention consists of an elongated strand having two or more sections of varying thicknesses and of a continuous length, said varying thickness repeating themselves in many multiples and said multiples being pre-marked for cutting for use. The packaging for the floss of the present invention permits said continuous length of varying thicknesses to be marked for cutting and use at a predetermined length so that the predetermined length contains floss of varying diameters in the central portion thereof and normal floss thickness at either end.

Abstract: In a holding device comprising a handle and a holding section for exchangeably arresting a dental cleaning brush with a wire stem, the holding section having a bore extending about perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the holder and approximately corresponding to the diameter of the wire stem of the brush and into which the stem of the brush can be inserted, a longitudinally displaceable locking member being provided to arrest the stem safeguarded against rotation by a longitudinal slot after its being bent by 90.degree.

Abstract: An integrally formed dental floss and leader which lends itself to oral prophylaxis especially for implants and bridges. The floss is captured by the leader through a hinged door which swings from an open to a closed position during fabrication to provide an integral unit for use by a floss user when closed. A leading portion of the door fits flush within a complementally formed support channel within a tethered end of the leader. A trailing portion of the door projects with an extension of a floor of the support channel, defining a tongue, to provide a floss support. A hinge defines a transition between the floor extension and the door. The hinge allows the door to pivot about the floss and enter the support channel with the floss interposed between the door and the tongue. Shoulders border the support channel providing reinforcement to the tethered end.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning element containing threading end portions for cleaning relatively large spaces in the teeth consists of from about 400 to about 800 filaments in an elongated bundle that is from about 1,200 to 2,400 about denier. The filaments at the mid-portion of the length of the bundle are textured with the crimps and crinkles of the texturing of the several filaments being intermingled and in contact at numerous points and being adhered together at the contact points to form a bulky, longitudinal, longitudinally and laterally resilient mass. The filaments at the opposite end portions of the bundle that extend from the bulky mid-portion are adhered together in compact, smooth parallel relation.

Abstract: An interproximal brush for carrying on the person has an elongated one piece body member of elastomeric material forming a planar surface disposed between two leg members from which a substantially rigid boss extends for supporting a brush member. A plurality of hinges are formed in the body member at either side of the boss and the oppositely extending leg members are folded one adjacent the other and attached for slidable movement relative to one another. The planar surface is disposed transverse to the direction of relative movement of the leg members and rotates to move the brush from a position in alignment with the direction of movement of the leg members to a position forming an angle with the direction of movement of the leg members, when the leg members are moved relative to one another. The one piece body member may also be made foldable in the opposite direction to encase the brush within the leg members.

Abstract: A dental flosser unit for flossing teeth includes a filament of high tensile strength terminating in thickened portions at its opposite ends. In the same described embodiments, each thickened end portion includes a ferrule enclosing and crimped to the respective filament end, and a plastic body enclosing the ferrule and the respective filament end. The filament preferably includes a plurality of threads of high tensile strength coated with a low-friction material. In another described embodiment, a plastic material is injection-molded onto each end of the filament at a temperature greater than 280.degree. C. to melt the coating and to bond directly to the threads. A further embodiment is described in which the thickened end portion is constituted of a two-part bead having complementary socket and plug formations for firmly clamping the filament.

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 dental floss device with a guide post for removing food debris and dental plaque during orthodontic treatment. The guide post includes a guide post of a uniform small diameter and a floss bonded thereto. The guide post has a semi-spherical tip for sensing position to ease insertion of the guide post between the clearance which is formed by teeth and the orthodontic appliance. The dental floss device is formed by injection molding.

Abstract: A dental floss brush made from a reverse twisted, high tenacity nylon yarn comprising at least two thread sections having diameters, in their relaxed state, of at least 2.5 mm. The thread sections are separated by a floss brush section integral therewith having a diameter of from up to 4 mm in its relaxed state and a diameter of from 1.7 to 3.0 mm under a tension of 0.05 N. The brush floss has a breaking strength of at least 5 N. The floss brush section can be coated with a low melting wax composition, optimally a polyethylene glycol ester of beeswax alone or in combination with a flavoring oil, silicone oil lubricant or mixtures thereof. This product is made by coating 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.

Abstract: A germicidal dental floss having a coating of the active material typically a phenol derivative/compound removably fixed thereon by a binder such as wax. The active material is rubbed off by contact with the teeth thereby treating areas between the teeth and gums for improved oral hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a teeth cleaning apparatus which is a composite of oral cleaning implements. An elongated member has one pointed tip for cleaning between the teeth and a second end having a scoop shape for dislodging particulate matter from hard to reach places. The extended shaft portion of the device provides for supporting and handling of the scoop and point-end. Alternative embodiments of the present invention further provide a spool or cleat region cut into the elongated shaft. The spool or cleat section provides a region along the shaft suitable for wrapping and holding a supply of dental floss. The materials used in the proposed device are selected so as to minimize the amount of discomfort resulting from interacting with the gums and may be any color and optionally flavored.

Abstract: A method for desensitizing teeth includes applying an effective amount of charged polymeric particles to the surface of the tooth.

Abstract: A toothpick has an elongated body portion having an upwardly extending ridge and a pair of angulated legs defining a longitudinal groove, a tooth gap traversing tip which is substantially flat relatively long and tapers to a point for substantially traversing the gap between adjacent teeth, and a tooth scraping tip which is substantially flat relatively short and tapers to a point for scraping adjacent tooth surfaces in an upward movement. The tips are substantially flexible perpendicular to the flat surfaces for adjusting to the curved surfaces which are encountered in the spaced between teeth. The tips are highly effective in removing food debris from the gap between tooth surfaces yet can be produced at relatively low cost from plastic.

Abstract: A personal toothpick comprises a curved handle with a thin wire hollow form at each end, designed to enter the smallest space between teeth to extract impacted food particles in between teeth and gums. The handle is of a modified s-shaped configuration with thin wire forms extending outwardly therefrom at each extremity in a set shape and being mounted to the handle at their ends.

Abstract: A strip of dental floss that is capable of receiving and retaining a substantially solid coating is coated with an ingestible binder that is capable of being stripped from the dental floss by the mechanical forces of flossing and being deposited in situ in the interproximal region of the teeth. The binder incorporates a medicament, particularly being an antibacterial agent such as chlorhexidine that is slowly released from the binder over a predetermined period of time responsive to oral fluid and oral temperature. This invention accomplishes delivery of the medicament to specific areas of the teeth where plaque build-up is likely to occur and minimizes staining of the teeth by the antibacterial agent.

Abstract: A process for making a flattened, highly flavored floss and the floss product of that process. The process comprises coating a multi-filament thread with a first liquid or semi-solid wax composition having a high melting temperature and cooling the coating to a temperature at which the first wax composition has become a soft solid. The thread is flattened and coated with a lower melting liquid or semi-solid wax composition having a temperature less then the melting point of the first coating without disrupting the first wax composition of the flattened configuration of the thread. The lower melting wax composition contains volatile flavoring oil.

Abstract: An improved device for holding and manipulating dental floss for the removal of food particles, tartar and plaque from the teeth is described in which a loop of dental floss is connected between a pair of separate handles; the loop of dental floss being long enough to permit lateral motion across the tooth surface. The devices are either disposable or sterilizable for reuse.

Abstract: A dental floss comprises a monofilament ribbon of oriented non-porous PTFE having a tensile strength of at least 200 MPa, preferably 200-600 MPa, and a coating of wax. Optionally, the wax contains an additive. The wax is applied to the ribbon from a bath of molten wax to a lick roller, whose surface moves relatively to the ribbon at the contact region.

Abstract: A dental floss is produced from expanded polytetrafluoroethylene that has been coated with a friction enhancing coating such as a microcrystalline wax to increase the friction coefficient of the floss. The polytetrafluoroethylene is preferably expanded to form a structure having a plurality of nodes interconnected by fibrils. The floss has a tensile strength of at least about 10,000 psi and a weight of about 500 denier to about 1500 denier. The coefficient of friction of the wax coated floss ranges from about 0.08 to 0.25. The floss may be comprised of a single strand or multiple strands. The floss may contain an optional dentifrice or pharmaceutically active material for delivery to the tooth and gum surfaces during use.

Abstract: A gum stimulator is disclosed which has a removable brush composed of a high-density of soft thin fibers. The brush tip is disposed on a handle, which may comprise an end of a toothbrush, and is mounted on a shaft which extends from the handle. In one embodiment, the brush extends at an angle of about 90 degrees from the handle and includes long fibers surrounded by short fibers which penetrate the interstitial spaces between the teeth to provide complete gum stimulation without casuing tissue damage.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged locking retainer on the end of an elongated handle. The locking retainer has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove in the handle so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the retainer. A latch on the locking retainer has a top end with a double cam surface thereon. One of the cam surfaces guides the latch into a locking position as the retainer is closed. The other of the cam surfaces releases the locking retainer when pushed.

Abstract: A dental cleaning instrument for cleaning the interproximal area between teeth is constructed with three threads of yarn. The first thread is initially supported on a first post and a second thread of yarn is supported on a second post. The third thread is wound on a bobbin and then interlaced around and between the first and second threads in a figure-8 pattern, while the first and second threads are simultaneously advanced in a direction normal to the plane in which the bobbin is moving. The resulting instrument consists of woven threads having a combined denier in the range of 480-1240, with superior spreadability and separation of ends.

Abstract: A dental device for cleaning teeth includes a fork-shaped instrument with two arms, each arm having a free end and a needle eye near the free end, where the two arms are separated by a predetermined distance at a point of the needle eyes. A dental floss for use with the dental device includes a guide rod connected to one end of the dental floss and a stop button connected to another end of the dental floss such that the floss can be securely mounted to the forked-shaped instrument. The guide rod and stop button can be integrally molded with the dental floss, the entire assembly made from a strong, plastic material.

Abstract: An integrally formed dental floss and leader which lends itseld to oral prophylaxis especially for implants and bridges. The floss is captured by the leader through a hinged door which swings from an open to a closed position during fabrication to provide an integral unit for use by a floss user.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device employs a hollow plastic tube sealed at both ends. At least one area along the length of the tube is weakened and has its diameter in the weakened area reduced, but not reduced to zero diameter. A length of fiber, such as conventional dental floss well known as a tooth cleaning material is stored within the length of the tube comprising the housing and has each of the free ends secured to a bulk of rigid material whose size does not permit the fibrous material from being able to escape the narrow diameter area. In use, a user bends the unbroken tubing housing to a point that the tubing breaks into at least two pieces, allowing the fibrous flossing material to be positioned intermediate the separated portions of the tubing, which are now free to act as handles. After its use, the fibrous material and the two handles may be discarded.

Abstract: A germicidal dental floss having a coating of the active material typically a phenol derivative/compound removably fixed thereon by a binder such as wax. The active material is rubbed off by contact with the teeth thereby treating areas between the teeth and gums for improved oral hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention discloses dental floss containing surfactant and silicone preparations with added chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser is designed to retain a roll of dental floss which may be dispensed and cut through an opening. The floss is provided in preselected lengths interconnected by shorter lengths of thread. Once dispensed and cut in a medial portion of the thread, the threaded ends of a length of floss may be held to use the floss which prevents any wastage of flossing material. In modified embodiments, the lengths of thread may be provided with small knots to indicate where to cut the thread and to provide a better grip during a use of the floss. Further, granules of fluoride may be attached to a floss strip to act both as an abrasive and as a means of applying fluoride between teeth as the granules dissolve.

Abstract: Apparatus, and method, for flossing the teeth, and simultaneously applying an antibacterial liquid solution to the teeth being flossed. The apparatus is constituted generally of a flexible hollow fiber with porous walls of diameter sufficiently small for fitting between and flossing the teeth, and a positive displacement device for supplying an antibacterial liquid to the interior volume, or bore, of the flexible hollow fiber for transport through the porous walls to the teeth. Flossing with the flexible hollow fiber, to which the antibacterial liquid solution is applied during flossing, bathes the teeth with the liquid solution during the flossing and provides a significant reduction in plaque accumulation.

Abstract: A dental floss having excellent tensile strength, impact strength, water resistance, creep resistance and use feeling and composed of a drawn multifilament of an ultrahigh-molecule-weight polyolefin having an intrinisic viscosity of at leasat 5 dl/g or an ultrahigh-molecular-weight ethylene-alpha-olefin copolymer containing an alpha-olefin having at least 3 carbon atoms in an amount of 0.1 to 20 on an average per 1000 carbon atoms. An interdental cleaning tool comprising the dental floss stretched taut between protruding portions of the tool is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of treating the oral cavity with a surfactant, silicone, and chemotherapeutic agent containing preparation released from dental floss to alter local microbial ecology including: plaque formation, gingivitis and S. mutans count.

Abstract: Dental floss formed from acrylic fiber having a leader integrally connected with the fiber allowing the fiber to be placed between gaps of teeth and a gum line.

Abstract: A combination dental pick and carrying case is provided by an elongated pick element having a head at one end and a pick portion sized to enter the spaces between the teeth of a user at the other end. The pick element is selectively and temporarily stored in a carrying case and is retained in removable assembly therewith by means of a Morse taper.

Abstract: A dental floss in which an inelastic strand is tightly wrapped around an elastic strand of a certain length and firmly tied at each end of the elastic strand is provided. To remove matter from interproximal area between tightly spaced adjacent teeth, only the inelastic strand is used, while both the inelastic and elastic strands may be used to clean the interproximal are between widely space apart adjacent teeth.

Abstract: A toothbrush comprising a floss bundle primary cleaning element instead of conventional bristles. The floss bundle, having no sharp tips, can clean, absorb and polish without risk of cutting gums. No toothpaste is required. Because of the soft, smooth nature of the floss bundle, the invention can be used dry as well as wet, and, thus, function safely and properly where no water is available. This floss bundle is held in a clamp, having upper and lower jaws, fixed at one end of a handle. The lower jaw comprises a sleeve which encircles a threaded bolt formed at this end of the handle. The clamp jaws are opened and closed by rotating a nut located just below the lower jaw, also encircling the bolt. In this way the floss bundle can be removed and replaced between uses. The other end of the handle is also formed into a threaded bolt, having a hole diametrically bored through it, into which the wide end of a half toothpick is removably fitted.

Abstract: A dental appliance in which an elongated handle has a rectangular aperture at one end for removably receiving an insert with a rectangular cross section hub that has at least one elongated detent channel which is engageable with a complementary elongated protuberance within the aperture. The channel and protuberance may be perpendicular or parallel with respect to the major axis of the hub insert. The hub is rigid and protrudes from the opposite side of the handle aperture so that the insert may be expelled from the handle by applying pressure to the protrusion. Once removed, the insert may be replaced or readied for reverse installation on the handle, particularly where the portion of the handle containing the aperture is angled.

Abstract: A bristled dental floss comprised of a plurality of sub-fibers each having a plurality of bristles secured thereto. The sub-fibers, bristles, or both, may be stiffened with wax, TEFLON, nylon, or like material. The bristled dental floss has improved cleaning and massaging ability facilitating the dislodging and removal of unwanted particles from the interproximal and gingival embrasive regions.

Abstract: A tooth cleaner comprises an elongate plastic body (1) and a brush portion (2) connected with the body and consisting of a plastic fabric or net which forms bristles (3) projecting from the body in the transverse direction. A method for manufacturing the tooth cleaner comprises preparing an injection mould suited for injection moulding or like moulding of an elongate plastic body, inserting between the splits of the mould a strip of a plastic fabric or net having a larger width than the moulding cavity, closing the mould, and injecting plastic in the mould to form the body which is thermally bonded to the strip.

Abstract: A germicidal dental floss having a coating of the active material typically a phenol derivative/compound removably fixed thereon by a binder such as wax. The active material is rubbed off by contact with the teeth thereby treating areas between the teeth and gums for improved oral hygiene.

Abstract: A device for cleaning teeth comprising a stiff plastic filament one section of which is curly in shape. This curly section has a longitudinal axis along which tensional forces lie when tensional forces are applied to stretch the device. This curly section also extends laterally to provide contact lines which are oriented at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to scrape away unwanted materials on the surface of the teeth when the curly section is pulled longitudinally through the interdental areas. The device can be fabricated by winding a filament around metal pin, heating the filament, and then cooling the filament to provide the curly shape.

Abstract: Nicotine treated dental floss is disclosed which is useful in alleviating tobacco smokers' urges to smoke.

Abstract: Porous, high strength (that is, "Expanded") polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) dental floss is coated with microcrystalline wax. If desired, the floss may also incorporate one or more actives tartar control anti-caries antiplaque and/or antibacterial actives and/or dentally acceptable agents such as polishing and abrasive agents, coolants, flavorants and/or coagulants.

Abstract: An interdental toothbrush has a hinged cap on the end of an elongated handle. The cap has a hole which is positioned relative to a groove so that a twisted wire brush may be locked into place simply by inserting it and closing the cap.

Abstract: A compact mouth and breath freshening apparatus which includes a multiplicity of individual elongated members with each elongated member carrying a swab that has been impregnated with a mouth and breath freshening agent. The multiplicity of elongated members are aligned in one or more rows and incorporated on a support base which in turn is housed within a compact carrying case. Alternatively, the multiplicity of elongated members are supported by having their respective swabs retained in a wrapper which in turn is supported in a case.

Abstract: The periodontal pocket cleaner is a device for cleaning the deeper recesses of a periodontal pocket by the removal of debris material. The device can also be employed for ascertaining and monitoring bleeding and suppuration within such pocket so as to detect the onset of an inflamation or other pathology and for delivering medication to such pockets as a complement for the treatment of infections or inflammation. The device has a wooden composition and an elongated narrow shape with the grain of the wood running parallel to the direction of elongation. The device includes a tapered end which narrows to a functional point to facilitate the insertion of the device into the deeper recesses of the periodontal pocket. This tapered end of the device also serves for scooping material from the pocket, for scraping plaque from the tooth surfaces adjacent to the pocket, and for absorbing blood and other suspended components from the pocket.