Abstract: An interdental brush (1) comprises a body (4) with a handle (5) and a guide channel (7). Also provided is a connecting element (9), which connects a cleaning body (3) to an operating element (6). The connecting element (9) with the cleaning body (3) can be displaced in a reciprocating manner within the guide channel (7), by means of the operating element (6), between a retracted position, in which the cleaning body (3) is arranged within the guide channel (7), and an extended position, in which the cleaning body (3) projects out of the guide channel (7) at a distal end of the guide channel (7), as seen in relation to the handle (5). A flexible positioning element (2) is provided at the distal end of the guide channel (7). The positioning element (2) can be placed in an approximal space between two teeth such that the cleaning body (3), during displacement into the extended position, penetrates into the approximal space.

Abstract: An electrically driven device includes a housing, an electric motor with a drive shaft having a first rotary axis and a drive pin connected to the drive shaft eccentrically with respect to the rotary axis, and a driven shaft having a second rotary axis and mounted in the housing for a pivoting about the second rotary axis. The driven shaft is indirectly coupled to the drive shaft by a gear mechanism converting a rotary motion of the drive shaft into a reciprocating pivoting motion of the driven shaft. The gear mechanism includes a cross slider having a sliding support extending perpendicular to the first rotary axis and receiving the drive pin. The cross slider is guided in the housing by a parallel lever in the form of a parallelogram by at least two pivotable links. The driven shaft is coupled to the cross slider by one of the said links, thereby converting a rotary motion of the drive shaft into a reciprocating pivoting of the driven shaft.

Abstract: Attachment assemblies for oral hygiene devices and, in particular, attachment assemblies having improved designs to more effectively clean an individual's tongue or other inter-oral surface are described herein. These improved attachment assembly correspond, amongst other aspects, to improved fluid chamber configurations, improved fluid channel configurations, improved fluid exit hole configurations, improved air inlet hole configuration, and air channel features. Furthermore, these improvements to attachment assemblies are capable of being implemented separately from, or in combination with, one another.

Abstract: A dental device is disclosed for applying medicine to a patient's teeth. The device includes a handle having a distal end and a proximal end. The handle has a handle lumen extending from the distal end towards the proximal end. The handle also has a suction exit port that is fluidly connected to the handle lumen. A fork is connected to the handle at the distal end. The fork includes a fork base with at least two prongs, wherein each prong has a suction port that is fluidly connected to the handle lumen through a prong lumen. Floss is strung across the two prongs.

Abstract: A flosser is described that includes a take-up spool for winding a plurality of layers of used floss, a shell for forming a chamber around the take-up spool and enclosing the plurality of layers of used floss windings within the chamber, and helical grooves disposed in an inner surface of the shell for preventing jamming of the take-up spool by accumulated floss windings. The flosser further includes a retie assembly having a groove disposed in a fin for trapping floss against a take-up aperture upon alignment of the groove and aperture, and for urging floss into take-up aperture and wrapping the floss around the take-up spool as the fin rotates further.

Abstract: An electric flossing device includes a body, an electromechanical driving mechanism, and a flossing adapter that houses a flossing string insert. The flossing adapter has a head with forward extending arms. String floss is retained at the distal end portions of the arms and moves up-and-down and side-to-side to work the floss down between the user's teeth, while simultaneously scraping the teeth. The flossing adapter and flossing head remains stationary as the flossing string insert moves, to reduce fatigue and avoid injury to the user. This motion emulates manual flossing and permits the device to be moved forward and back slightly to follow the entire curvature of the tooth and ensure complete cleaning.

Abstract: A resilient motor mount (70) for a power toothbrush (10) configured to limit the axial and rotational displacement of a shaft (60) of a motor (50). The displacement limits are designed to protect the toothbrush (10) from physical damage and to prevent rotational slipped poles, i.e. “cogging” errors, between the permanent magnets and poles of the resonating toothbrush motor (50).

Abstract: A hand held instrument and method in which a working element is to be placed by an operator into contact with a workpiece employ a laser proximity sensor arrangement adapted to sense proximity of the working element to the workpiece. A controller is responsive to the proximity sensor arrangement for activating a power source to actuate the working element in response to the working element reaching a predetermined proximity to the workpiece, as the working element is moved by the operator toward placement into contact with the workpiece. The predetermined proximity is such that the working element will reach a fully-operating condition prior to contact with the workpiece, whereby the working element will be at the fully-operating condition upon contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for performing dental hygiene having a motorized cleaning device which includes a water intake component and an oppositely positioned water exit component; a power component operatively connected to the motorized cleaning device; a floss component attached to the water exit component; a reservoir component operatively connected to the motorized cleaning device; and an aqueduct component attached to the reservoir component, wherein the aqueduct component traverses the motorized cleaning device, wherein the aqueduct component is positioned to direct pressurized water onto the floss component, and wherein the aqueduct component includes a first end attached to the reservoir component; and a second end that contacts the water intake component of the motorized cleaning device.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning device with a core pump area that provides positive pressure to push out water jetting streams and negative pressure to retract the floss attached to a piston, while the power input has enhanced torque due to the bevel gear structure; an optional spring may be placed inside the piston assembly to add to the reciprocating power, and thus creating more effective water jetting and floss oscillating motions for better teeth cleaning.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning device with a core pump area that provides positive pressure to push out water jetting streams and negative pressure to retract the floss attached to a piston, while the power input has enhanced torque due to the bevel gear structure; an optional spring may be placed inside the piston assembly to add to the reciprocating power, and thus creating more effective water jetting and floss oscillating motions for better teeth cleaning.

Abstract: An ultrasonic manipulator of dental floss is provided with an ultrasonic mechanism and a floss creep controller mechanism to enable periodic floss creep during use and a reverse of creep upon a tension designation. A process controller controls floss driving and an eccentric mechanism, and a user pause function allows a stop of floss motion and a locking of drive motors to allow floss to resist undue stress and to minimize damage to drive mechanism.

Abstract: An inter dental device which is a tooth cleaner and gum massager which cleans the area between anterior and posterior teeth, comprising a handle and a stem and flanges and a tip which is grooved or twisted in a spiral pattern, and the flanges extending from a central stem are arranged in a spiral pattern which is continuous with the spiral pattern of the grooves of the tip. This device also may serve as a delivery device which holds and delivers substances to the area between teeth, and does not remove said substances as the device is withdrawn.

Abstract: The present invention provides an advanced water flosser utilizing a direct water source, such as, but not limited to, an attachment to a shower head, that also may embody a reservoir and/or compartment capable of introducing other desirable substances designed to enhance the teeth cleaning process, such as, but not limited to fluoride, antibiotics, mouthwash, whiteners and the like.

Abstract: A portable sonic flosser system to assist teeth cleaning, the system comprising a cylindrical handle, a hollow extension, a vibrator box, two arms disposed along the opposite sides of the vibrator. The handle has a floss roll, a timer, a microprocessor and battery disposed inside. A hollow extension extends from the handle with a cutter and two elongated hollow rubber guides disposed on opposite sides of extension exterior surface. A vibrator box is disposed at the top of the cone extension with two side arms to hold floss. A thread of floss is extracted from the floss roll inside the handle and fed through the first rubber guide, the first arm, the second arm and the second rubber guide, then tightened after closing the flanges on the distal end of both arms. After power on, the floss is vibrated supersonically by the vibrator to clean the teeth.

Abstract: An interdental treatment device comprises a generator 16 for generating a non-thermal gaseous plasma at a temperature suitable for use in oral treatment and an applicator 18 of the non-thermal plasma. The applicator 18 may comprise a hollow needle member for directing a jet of the non-thermal plasma interdentally. Alternatively the applicator 18 may comprise an interdental brush having a hollow head for receiving a non-thermal gaseous plasma, the head having at least one lateral opening for the discharge of the plasma. The generator 16 and applicator 18 may both form part of a hand-held device 10 having its own gas supply in the form of a capsule 12 containing pressurized gas and its own power supply in the form of a battery 20.

Abstract: A handle has distal and proximal ends and an exterior surface. Controls with a vibrating coupler are adapted to vibrate rapidly in response to the controls. A head has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a coupling recess for receiving the vibrating coupler. The enlarged distal end has a generally planar surface and a generally hemispherical surface. The hemispherical surface has a recess to couple with a holder. A holder has a central base and two outwardly extending fingers. The fingers have free ends with a piece of floss secured between the free ends. Bristles extend from the planar surface between the fingers to control the movement of the floss between teeth.

Abstract: A dental probe is disclosed which is designed to be used to probe around and between teeth and surrounding soft tissue in a person's mouth. The dental probe has an arcuately shaped first portion terminating in a blunt tip and a second portion secured to the first portion opposite the tip. The dental probe also has a textured outer surface. The dental probe is capable of transferring a solution or liquid medication onto the teeth and surrounding soft tissue in a person's mouth. A method of molding the dental probe and a method of using the dental probe are also disclosed.

Abstract: A replaceable accessory head for a powered toothbrush. The user selects one of a plurality of dental care accessory assemblies for flossing, brushing teeth, or for stimulating the gums. That assembly is engaged with the head which in turn is engaged with the handle and is locked thereto. This locking motion also causes the assembly to become locked to the head and the assembly may then be used for its intended purpose. A vibratory mechanism in the handle is activated causing vibration in the accessory assembly and thus improving the flossing, brushing or gum stimulation motions. When the assembly is worn out or when a different dental hygiene task is to be undertaken, the user detaches the head from the handle, thereby simultaneously unlocking the accessory assembly from the head. The assembly is then disengaged and is replaced by a different accessory assembly.

Abstract: An embodiment of a dental flosser (10) includes a power driver (12) drivingly connectable to a flossing attachment (11). The flossing attachment includes a movably supported floss span (24) coming from a floss supply (26). A take-up spool (64) is positioned proximate to a floss-supporting tine (16) for winding used floss while fresh floss continually replaces the floss span. A cam (68) on the spool engages the tine to reciprocate the floss span for interdental cleaning. A brushing attachment (72) includes a resilient disk-shaped lingual brush (75) on a shaft (74). Opposite the lingual brush on the shaft is a resilient cup-shaped buccal brush (84). A spring (83) is positioned to urge the buccal brush to slide toward the lingual brush to engage and clean user teeth between the brushes. A brush lock (77) enables the brushes to be held apart for rinsing and air drying.

Abstract: A dental instrument (1) for oral hygiene comprises a handpiece (10) having motor means (15) that is adapted to wheel a drive shaft (20) about a rotation axis (21). The dental instrument (1) comprises, furthermore, a cleaning element (40), in particular, with elongated shape and flexible, that is adapted for cleaning the dental surface and interdental spaces of a patient (100). Means for transmitting the movement (70) transmit the movement of the drive shaft (20) to the elongated cleaning element (40). The means for transmitting the movement (70) comprises an eccentric portion (75), whose axis (76) is arranged at a distance (?) from the axis (21) of the drive shaft (20). Therefore, during the rotation of the drive shaft (20) about its axis (21), the eccentric portion (75) oscillates with a desired oscillation amplitude (2?). To the eccentric portion (75), furthermore, a support (60) is pivotally connected [FIG. 7].

Abstract: Teeth cleaning apparatus comprises a cylindrical cleaning implement. The cleaning implement includes a resilient support shaft and an engagement thread and is drivingly rotatable. The implement is so configured that, when presented between a pair of adjacent teeth, a rotating implement threads itself into the interproximal space and extracts interproximal debris.

Abstract: An inter dental device which is a tooth cleaner and gum massager which cleans the area between anterior and posterior teeth, comprising a handle and a stem and flanges and a tip which is grooved or twisted in a spiral pattern, and the flanges extending from a central stem are arranged in a spiral pattern which is continuous with the spiral pattern of the grooves of the tip. This device also may serve as a delivery device which holds and delivers substances to the area between teeth, and does not remove said substances as the device is withdrawn.

Abstract: Present invention teaches to modular and removable/attachable teeth cleaning device, wherein an electro-magnetic driver pump or a motor piston pump on the handle will actuate the mechanism on the nozzle, shooting water jet blocks out the tapered tip, and also a length of a floss string to oscillate in and out of the tapered nozzle tip. Other alternative implementations of removable module can be interchangeably selected for attaching to the handle of said invention, for added convenience and functionality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a toothbrush having a body, which comprises a handle region, a head region and a neck region located between the handle region and the head region, and having functional elements which are arranged, at least in part, within the body and comprise an electrically operated functional unit and an electric supply device which has an energy store and is intended for the functional unit, in the case of which the body is produced, by injection molding, from at least one hard component, which serves as a reinforcement, and at least one soft component, and at least some of the functional elements, during the production of the body, are encapsulated, at least in part, directly by the plastic which forms the soft component.

Abstract: A handle has distal and proximal ends and an exterior surface. Controls with a vibration generating drive mechanism are connected to a vibrating coupler adapted to vibrate rapidly in response to the controls. A coupling head has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a coupling recess for receiving the vibrating coupler. The enlarged distal end is formed with a generally planar surface and a generally curved surface. The curved surface has a coupling recess for receiving a replaceable holder. A holder has a central base and two outwardly extending fingers. The fingers have free ends with a piece of floss secured between the free ends. A compressible surface extends from the planar surface between the fingers to control the movement of the floss between teeth.

Abstract: A handle has distal and proximal ends and an exterior surface. Controls with a vibrating coupler are adapted to vibrate rapidly in response to the controls. A head has a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end has a coupling recess for receiving the vibrating coupler. The enlarged distal end has a generally planar surface and a generally hemispherical surface. The hemispherical surface has a recess to couple with a holder. A holder has a central base and two outwardly extending fingers. The fingers have free ends with a piece of floss secured between the free ends. Bristles extend from the planar surface between the fingers to control the movement of the floss between teeth.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to an automatic, touchless dental floss dispenser that comprises a housing with a front cover, a sensing mechanism for detecting of an object adjacent the front cover without the object contacting the front cover, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a predetermined length of floss, and a cutting mechanism for automatically severing the dental floss at measured lengths to ensure proper use and minimize waste of dental floss.

Abstract: The spray assembly for a droplet spray teeth cleaning system includes a guidance member (40, 56, 80, 86) at the end thereof. The spray assembly includes a nozzle (24) through which a spray of liquid is directed to the teeth for cleaning. The guidance member is configured and mounted relative to the nozzle to provide a selected standoff distance between the nozzle and the teeth and includes a portion which is configured to fit in the interproximal space between adjacent teeth and gums, or against the frontal portions of the teeth, so that the user knows the location of the spray relative to the teeth.

Abstract: An apparatus and a system for use with a traditional prior art hygienic device such as a straight edge shaving apparatus is provided. The improved apparatus may be utilized with known straight edge disposable shavers, for example, whereby the apparatus may be adapted to fit a plurality of different disposable shavers and may be removably attached to the shavers to give the disposable razor a vibratory effect while still keeping the cost of the disposable razor affordable to the common user. Moreover, the present invention may utilize a renewable power source in order to effectuate the vibratory effect to the handle which may be placed over the existing handle of the disposable razor device.

Abstract: An inter dental device which is a tooth cleaner and gum massager which cleans the area between anterior and posterior teeth, comprising a handle and a stem and flanges and a tip which is grooved or twisted in a spiral pattern, and the flanges extending from a central stem are arranged in a spiral pattern which is continuous with the spiral pattern of the grooves of the tip. This device also may serve as a delivery device which holds and delivers substances to the area between teeth, and does not remove said substances as the device is withdrawn.

Abstract: A self-dispensing dental floss applicator that has a U-shaped elongated housing (1) with two hollow prongs (4a, 4b) set perpendicularly to the body at one end and a larger opposite end to contain the locking mechanism, the dispensing mechanism, the spool (3) of fresh floss and the spool (18 or 21) of used floss. The locking mechanism composed of a casing (5), an axle (9), two lower grip pads (17a, 17b), two upper grip pads (7a, 7b), two strip springs (8a and 8b) and a lever (6) with two eccentric friction parts is used to hold the floss in position thus creating the right tension on the floss. A tension pin (19) containing a screw (20) is provided to increase floss tension if/when needed by the user. Rotating the lever (6) up unlocks the floss. Further repeated rotations of the lever backward action the sliding mechanism containing a rack-and-pinion gear (23 and 21), together with springs 24 and 26, that in turn causes the spool of used floss (21) to rotate.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flossing device includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An engine is disposed within the housing and is configured to convert input energy into ultrasonic energy and an electronic driving circuit is coupled to both the engine and the power source. A power source is electrically coupled to the engine and is configured to deliver input energy to the engine. At least one acoustic transformer is coupled to the engine, the at least one acoustic transformer being configured to amplify the ultrasonic energy. A main fluid reservoir is configured to store a fluid therein, the main fluid reservoir being coupled to the at least one acoustic transformer such that, upon activation, the fluid transmits the ultrasonic energy to a treatment area.

Abstract: Provided is a flossing device comprising a dental floss in the shape of the numeral eight, the device not only entering between the teeth, but adjoining to and cleaning the whole teeth-surface surrounding the inter proximal space. The floss of the device may be impregnated with cosmetic or medical agents.

Abstract: A device for flossing teeth includes a base unit defining a handle and a disposable head unit that removeably attaches to a top end of the base unit. An electric motor in the base unit, powered by a rechargeable battery, rotates a shaft upon operation of a switch. A pair of hollow tubular arm members extend from a top of the head unit and terminate at opposing open distal ends to define a gap therebetween. A predetermined length of dental floss is partially wound on a first wheel within a clean floss chamber of the head unit and extends through the arm members and across the gap without contacting the distal ends, thereby preventing the transfer of plaque, food particles and bacteria onto exposed surfaces of the arm members. Used floss is wound onto a second floss wheel in a segregated floss collection chamber.

Abstract: An oral cleaning device includes a reservoir with a pump attached to the reservoir, the operation of the pump increases pressure within the reservoir such that liquid contained in the reservoir becomes pressurized. A first mechanism for controlling the flow of pressurized liquid from exiting the reservoir. A mid section attached between a neck portion and the reservoir. A head attached to the neck portion and having an outlet for expelling pressurized liquid contained in the reservoir and further having a movable section rotatably connected thereto. A pathway for allowing pressurized liquid exiting the upper aperture to travel to the outlet in the head. An electrically operated motor in the mid section for moving the movable section when the motor is operated. A second mechanism in communication with the motor for controlling the operation of the motor mechanism.

Abstract: The portable battery powered flossing apparatus provides interchangeable rotating floss wheels. Floss wheels are provided with varying degrees of bristle stiffness and in varying diameters. The narrow top of the crown and crown mate provide for even small floss wheels to have access to oral areas as needed. Floss wheels are easily installed, removed, and therefore substituted, one for another. The bristles of the floss wheels are far more long lived than is dental floss. The bristles provide for cleaning between teeth without the age-old problems of typical dental floss. The bristles also provide teeth cleaning. The removable cap is provided for keeping the top of the apparatus and any installed floss wheel clean. The design provides for easy sanitization.

Abstract: A novel oral hygiene system comprised of a plurality of substantially cylindrical pieces removably attached to each other that may be adapted to contain breath spray, dental floss, a dental floss cutter, toothpicks and breath mints in a compact and highly portable container.

Abstract: A self-dispensing dental floss applicator has a U-shaped elongated housing with two hollow prongs set perpendicularly to the body at one end and a larger opposite end to contain a locking mechanism, a dispensing mechanism, a spool of fresh floss and a spool of used floss.

Abstract: An electric flossing apparatus comprising a flossing head which is detachably connected to a handle containing a reciprocating drive unit, a non-powered second handle to allow for the increased controllability of two-handed powered flossing and a disposable floss assembly that can be easily be attached to or released from the flossing head and handle. The floss is releasably attached to the flossing head in a manner that allows reciprocating motion to be imparted along the length of the floss no matter which direction that the floss exits the end of the flossing head or the shape of the path it takes. By using both hands for flossing the floss may be pulled straight and tensioned to facilitate insertion between tightly spaced teeth and then wrapped around a tooth to facilitate cleaning of the front, sides, and back of each tooth above, near, or just below the gum line. The reciprocating motion is imparted to the floss whenever the floss is tensioned.

Abstract: A dental floss holder with improved structure includes a main body, a restraining apparatus for tightening dental floss, a hollow shaft portion, a releasing apparatus, a clean portion having a pair of U-shaped fork arms for cleaning teeth, a connecting arm for connecting the main body and the clean portion, and dental floss, wherein the main body includes an assembly portion assembled and communicating with a supply portion adapted for accommodating dental floss, and a bottom case covering the main body. The assembly portion defines an axial hole thereon. The restraining apparatus is assembled on the assembly portion with a hollow post inserted through the axial hole. The hollow shaft portion is rotatably mounted to the hollow post in the assembly portion. The releasing apparatus disposed on the bottom case for releasing the dental floss to be replaced.

Abstract: A new and improved dental floss dispenser for providing dental floss pre-treated with fluoride. The dental floss dispenser comprises a container, a rotatably supported spool of dental floss mounted in the container, and a chamber containing fluoride, wherein the chamber has at least one opening for guiding the dental floss through the fluoride.

Abstract: A new dental flossing system comprising; a.) Multiple compact floss dispensing cartridges having quick attachment means to a driver to advance floss contained within said floss dispensing cartridge, b.) A packaging container for multiple said compact floss dispensing cartridges and c.) Drive extension attachment means to configure new and existing dental drivers for use with said compact floss dispensing cartridges. The unique features built into said compact floss dispensing cartridge comprise; a plaque accumulator, containment of additive materials to the floss before use, and floss tension control. Novel system features built into said drive extension attachment means comprise; a self-locking gear train, auxiliary motion to said compact floss dispensing cartridge and quick attachment means to said compact floss dispensing cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleansing a person's mouth. One aspect is an apparatus comprising at least one teeth cleaning tool, a volume of mouth rinse and a container. The container comprises at least one first chamber that is liquid-tight and has the volume of mouth rinse disposed therein. The container further comprises at least one second chamber having the at least one teeth cleaning tool at least partially disposed therein.

Abstract: A flossing tool comprises in general a fork shape handle body, a lever and a rotor. The handle body has eyelets to direct the floss. The lever is pivoted on the neck of the handle body to stretch the floss directly or via the rotor. The rotor has one or two reels for winding the floss. The tool provides constant controllable tensioning and easy advancing operation of the floss. Four embodiments are illustrated in this invention, in the fourth embodiment a floss container is included.

Abstract: A reusable handle for use with a disposable dental flosser having an electrical circuit located within the handle for operating an illumination source to illuminate floss of the flosser and an area of interest during use of the flosser at the area of interest.

Abstract: The present invention of the Power Dental Flosser uses a looped dental floss driven by a small electric motor to provide a continuous cleaning motion for a better teeth cleaning experience. At least one of the spool is capable of rotating with an attached tooth brush or with a tooth polishing what could be rotated in and out. The disposable dental loop is strong, made from naturally waxy polymer material preferably from a biodegradable thin-gauged high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or similar material.

Abstract: A motorized flosser comprising an elongated body and a flossing head secured to an end portion of the elongated body. The flossing head oscillates in an arcuate manner. A battery powered motor drives a drive mechanism which reciprocates an output drive shaft, which drive shaft is in turn connected through a flexible drive rod to a drive disc. The drive disc oscillates in a rotary arcuate motion to impart either pure rotary arcuate oscillatory motion or a combined rotary arcuate motion and translatory motion to flossing material carried by a yoke of the flossing head. The flossing head may incorporate a toothpaste holder mounted upon the flossing head or toothbrush bristles mounted upon tines of the yoke of the flossing head.

Abstract: An oral hygiene product for providing a user aural instruction associated with a proper brushing technique. The oral hygiene product may be any dental device capable of providing an effective brushing technique to a user.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, an electric folding flossing apparatus is provided and includes a handle and a power supply contained therein, an arm movably joined to the handle at one end and having a flossing tool disposed at another end, a motor mechanism contained within the arm and operable to move the flossing tool when activated, and includes the ability to supply power to the motor mechanism when the flossing tool is in an outstretched position. The ability to supply power to the motor mechanism is accomplished with a first electrical contact in communication with the power supply and positioned in the handle, and a second electrical contact in communication with the motor mechanism and positioned in the arm such that when the arm and the handle are in the outstretched position the first and second electrical contacts make an electrical connection such that power from the power supply operates the motor mechanism.