Abstract: A dental floss type tooth cleaning device that is configured to clean tooth gap in oral cavity is disclosed. The invention is mainly configured to allow the user, who is preparing to use dental floss to clean tooth gap, to quickly wind the dental floss which follows a floss groove and is tightened and fixed. The dental floss can be dismantled quickly and disposed after use, so as to achieve a recyclable effect.

Abstract: A dental floss gripper has a ring-shaped base element and a clamp that is pivotally coupled to the ring for movement between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the clamp grips a length of dental floss supported on the external surface of the ring. The clamp and the ring are configured so that the clamp snap-fits to the base element and securely holds the dental floss in use.

Abstract: A dental plier-type tool is provided for removing debris that is trapped or lodged between teeth without applying pressure to the adjacent teeth or crown itself and thus avoiding loosening the teeth (or crown). The current method for removing debris that is lodged between the teeth is usually accomplished by either of the following methods . . . manual flossing, a flossing type tool, a dental scaler, or a dental explorer. The problem with the current methods is that they all transfer unnecessary up and down, side to side pressure to the adjacent teeth or crown as pressure is being applied to the debris being dislodged, thus risking the chance of loosening the teeth (or crown). The uniqueness and advantage of the present invention is that, when used in conjunction with floss that has been properly mounted on the tool and under the debris, it transfers all it's “plier-type” power only to the debris being removed while holding the adjacent teeth or crown firmly in place.

Abstract: The stem extended from the handle has a slot in the center dividing it into two halves. The ends of two halves branch out to form a ‘Y’ structure and then each extended forwards to form two prongs. Each prong is bent downwards 90 degrees at two thirds of its length with a ‘T’ shaped slit in the tip. The ends of the arms of the ‘Y’ structure are connected by a link. A sliding button holds the new floss and the return floss. With the button in the slot and the floss routed through the guiding rings in the arms of the ‘Y’ structure, under the link, up and over the prongs and through the ‘T’ slits, pulling the button towards the handle creates the tension in the floss, rotating the button feeds new floss across the tips and rewinds the used floss onto the button.

Abstract: A dental floss gripper has a ring-shaped base element and a clamp that is pivotally coupled to the ring for movement between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the clamp grips a length of dental floss supported on the external surface of the ring. The clamp and the ring are configured so that the clamp snap-fits to the base element and securely holds the dental floss in use.

Abstract: A dental flossing device comprises a handle, two holder elements, a hook, a slider, and a spring. A strand of floss with several tied knots on two open ends generates closed loop of floss. A closed loop of floss is positioned in slots of two holder elements. A reciprocal moving slider connects to a hook, the hook pull the floss against a pressed spring in the handle. When depress the slider, the floss is pulled tightly by the stressed spring. The tightly stretched floss can clean the teeth.

Abstract: A flossing system including a cradle and a housing. The flossing system includes an array of floss cartridges having a length of floss. The array of floss cartridges include a pair of coupling members each coupled to opposite ends of the length of floss. Each floss cartridge includes a coupling structure. The flossing system includes a pair of floss handles disposed on the cradle and selectably coupleable to the coupling members. The pair of floss handles include a cylindrical body. The pair of floss handles include a release mechanism configured to selectably disengage the floss handle from the coupling member. The release mechanism includes an actuation member disposed through a back end of the cylindrical body of each of the pair of floss handles. The pair of floss handles each include a top aperture configured to receive the coupling structure of the pair of coupling members.

Abstract: A flossing tool and dispenser. The flossing tool and dispenser can include a body having a handle end and an operative end, a cavity defined within the body and disposed substantially at the handle end, a first tong and a second tong disposed at the operative end, and defining a gap for tensioning a strand of dental floss therebetween, a recess disposed between the handle end and the operative end, an aperture extending between the cavity and the recess, and a cam disposed within the recess, and movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the cam is positioned such that, when the cam is in the first position, the cam impedes the movement of the strand of floss by causing the strand of floss to be pinched simultaneously at two locations along the length of the strand of floss, and, when the cam is in the second position, the cam does not impede the movement of the strand of floss.

Abstract: A dental floss holding structure includes a dental floss and two holding bodies. The two ends of the dental floss are respectively connected with a base, which includes a first coupling portion with a first positioning portion mounted thereon. Each of the two holding bodies includes a second coupling portion corresponding to the first coupling portion, and the second coupling portion has a second positioning portion corresponding to the first positioning portion, so that the dental floss and the holding bodies can be stably fixed with each other through the engagement between the first and the second positioning portions. Accordingly, when the user's hands hold the two holding bodies to clean the teeth slits, the fingers can be kept out of the mouth without entering the mouth, which not only provides convenience but also assures the hygiene.

Abstract: An oral care device has a drive shaft with an eccentrically revolving proximal end. A socket or other member constrains an intermediate position of the drive shaft such that both ends of the drive shaft tend to revolve. Depending on the particular design, the drive shaft may also rotate about its own axis while the ends are revolving. The constraining member may be user adjustable in a manner that alters the amplitude of movement of the drive shaft at the head end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for firmly and comfortably holding and manipulating dental floss without obstructing blood flow in the fingers. The apparatus provides a high degree of dexterity and tactile control, thereby allowing the dental floss to be easily positioned anywhere within the mouth, and allowing the positioning to be readily guided by touch. The apparatus includes a pair of elastomeric sleeves, each worn on a user's finger. A length of dental floss is tensioned between the sleeves by wrapping each end of the dental floss around a sleeve (each end also preferably being glued to a sleeve) and then separating the sleeves until the floss is pulled tightly between them. The sleeves are then inserted into the mouth so as to pass the floss between the teeth. In preferred embodiments, texturing is provided on each sleeve to inhibit slippage of the dental floss on the sleeve.

Abstract: A dental flossing device includes: (a) a handle having proximal and distal ends, (b) a flosser head extending from the distal end of the handle, the flosser head having a base, two spaced apart arms extending from the base and having distal ends, and a strand of dental floss extending between and secured to the distal ends of the arms, and (c) a hinge connecting the distal end of the handle to the flosser head, the flosser head having a first position generally co-planar with the handle, the flosser head being bendable about the hinge to a second position that is angled relative to the handle, the arms in the first position of the flosser head being spaced apart a first distance, the device including engagement elements for securing the flosser head in the second position and urging the distal ends of the arms to be spaced apart a second distance greater than the first distance to thus stretch the strand of dental floss to be more taut.

Abstract: A dental flosser includes a handle and a dental floss holder releasably received by the handle. The dental floss holder includes a base, a pair of arms for holding a length of dental floss, and a toothpick extending from the base. The handle includes a receiver in which the toothpick on the dental floss holder is received. The handle and the dental floss holder cooperate to prevent transverse movement of the dental floss holder.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes a main body, a retractable member movably mounted on a first end of the main body, a rotation member rotatably mounted in the main body and having a first end engaged with the retractable member to move the retractable member axially relative to the main body by rotation of the rotation member, and a control member rotatably mounted on a second end of the main body and engaged with a second end of the rotation member so as to rotate the rotation member. Thus, the dental floss holder is operated to stretch or release the dental floss easily and conveniently, thereby facilitating the user mounting or replacing the dental floss.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates to adapt the shape and movement of a popular manual flosser into an automatic flosser to minimize the learning time required for manipulating automatic dental flossing. The present invention also contemplates to combine the automatic flosser with a popular automatic toothbrush and thus to make the automatic flosser available to the users with substantially no additional cost to the automatic toothbrush. The present invention further contemplates to accomplish circular oscillation of the toothbrush bristles of the automatic toothbrush and side-to-side vibration of the dental floss of the automatic flosser.

Abstract: A flosser apparatus having a body with a first fork member and a second fork member, a flexible member interposed between the fork members, and a length of floss having one end affixed to the first fork member and an opposite end affixed to the second fork member. The flexible member is cooperative with the fork members such that the fork members move away from each other upon an application of a force onto the flexible member in a direction transverse to the direction of the length of floss. A surface on the flexible member is engageable with a surface of the body so as to fix the floss in a tightened condition.

Abstract: A flosser apparatus having a body with a first fork member and a second fork member, a flexible member interposed between the fork members, and a length of floss having one end affixed to the first fork member and an opposite end affixed to the second fork member. The flexible member is cooperative with the fork members such that the fork members move away from each other upon an application of a force onto the flexible member in a direction to the direction of the length of floss. The pivot point for the fork members is on an opposite of the flexible member from the length of floss.

Abstract: A dental floss holder comprises a handle (11) and a cartridge (15, 40, 41, 42). The cartridge is U-formed and has a dental floss (20) fastened between its two legs (17, 18). The base (16) of the cartridge is somewhat bow-formed and arranged to be pushed into a straight groove (19) in the handle, and the dental floss is then automatically tensioned because the mounting forces the legs apart.

Abstract: A flossing tool, for use with flossing string, includes a handle portion having a first end and a second end and a head portion disposed at the first end of the handle portion. The head portion has first and second arms extending outwardly to first and second distal ends that are adapted to support flossing string therebetween. A tensioner is slidably disposed on the handle portion and includes a clamp portion for receiving the flossing string. The tensioner is movably between a first position wherein the flossing string is freely receivable in the clamp portion and a second position wherein the flossing string is secured in the clamp portion.

Abstract: A single support dental flosser with improved maneuverability; to provide the user with increased leverage and dexterity to easily and thoroughly clean food, debris, and dental plaque so as to prevent proximal caries and periodontal disease. The dental flosser includes a handle section, an intermediate section, and an upstanding dental floss support section. In an embodiment of the invention, the dental flosser includes a preset strand of floss attached to the upstanding dental floss support section. In an other embodiment, the dental flosser includes a main body portion having a cylindrical shape for ease of handling. A hollow interior containing a metered floss dispenser, and a floss support containing a through hole to supply floss. The metered floss dispenser has a simplified construction and is especially designed to fit into a cylindrically shaped handle.

Abstract: A dental care device combines a flossing tool for dispensing dental floss and holding a length of the floss under tension with a double-edged tongue scraper. The dental care device includes an ergonomic handle. A floss fork is connected to one end of the handle and includes a pair of prongs extending outwardly from the handle, the prongs each having tips adapted to support a length of dental floss across the gap between the prongs. The device includes a floss tensioner having a floss cog rotatably mounted in the handle. The handle includes a tool storage compartment which may be used to contain dental hygiene tools such as a microbrush and a pick. The tongue scraper is attached to the end of the handle opposite the floss fork and includes a semicircular blade having opposing edges which are formed so that one of the edges is sharper than the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a flexible comprises first and second elongated handles, each of the handles having at least an upper and a lower aperture defined therethrough, the apertures extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles. At least one central aperture is also defined in each of the first and second handles, the central aperture extending substantially transversely to the elongated handles and positioned between the upper and lower apertures. A loop of flexible element, extends through, and freely slidable within each of the apertures in each of the handles, wherein manipulation of the handles in conjunction with pressure applied to the loop of flexible element advances the element through the apertures to change the position of the flexible element relative to the handles.

Abstract: A movable dental floss comprises an outer floss tensioning member and an inner floss tensioning member. The outer floss tensioning member and the inner floss tensioning member each have a pair of tensioning levers which face each other and a gripping portion, respectively. The gripping portions are connected, at their respective ends, to each other by a rotatable fixing portion so that one of them is swingable relative to the other. The pairs of the inner and outer floss tensioning levers are curved more at positions farther from respective branch portions thereof in a direction of the relative swing of the gripping portions. The pair of inner floss tensioning levers are rotated relative to the pair of outer floss tensioning levers to let the latter move in a direction of the height of teeth for removing contaminant on and between the teeth.

Abstract: A dental floss holder includes two holder elements. One of the holder elements has a pivot post attached thereto and the other holder element has an opening through which the pivot post projects. A cap is threadedly engaged with the pivot post and cooperates with a projection on one of the holder elements to clamp dental floss in position. Guide surfaces are provided on the cap and projection to guide the floss to the pivot post.

Abstract: A dental flossing aid device for use with a length of floss, mainly those formed as an endless loop, comprises a floss stretcher and a fork. The fork has an elongated handle and a pair of spaced apart fork prongs extending from one end of the handle. The floss stretcher comprises an elongated floss stretcher arm, a group of spaced apart floss holding teeth coupled to the stretcher arm, and a coupling pivotally connecting the fork to an end of the stretcher arm. In use, a length of floss is extended from one of the floss holding teeth and across the free ends of the prongs and the stretcher arm is pivoted so as to stretch the portion of the length of floss which extends across the substantially immobile free ends of the prongs.

Abstract: A dental flosser comprises a casing having a housing at one end for holding a supply of floss; a bent floss outlet section at the other end of housing forming an arc; an end hole in outlet section; a connecting rod disposed in casing between two ends; a slant body on front end of connecting rod; a flexible rod disposed in a channel in casing between ends thereof and having a slant groove connected with slant body of connecting rod; a switch connected to rear end of connecting rod including a protruding rod which is received in a hole in connecting rod; and a spring connected to casing and rear end of connecting rod. The tension of this flosser is adjustable and the flosser is free from external contamination.

Abstract: A device and method for holding and tensioning dental floss. The device has a tensioning element which is rotatable within the device body, with a tensioning passage and a guide passage located at opposite ends of the tensioning element. The tensioning passage and the guide passage are offset by an angle which allows the floss to be secured when the tensioning element is rotated, without introducing excessive tension in the strand.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and moving a flexible element is shown and described herein. The method includes the steps of providing a pair of elongated handles, each having a pair of apertures, providing a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures, and advancing the elements through the apertures by moving the handles and tensioning various segments of the loop. The apparatus includes first and second elongated handles each having a pair of apertures, at least one of the handles including a cleat extending transversely to said handle, and a loop of flexible element threaded through the apertures and entrained around the cleat.

Abstract: A dental floss applicator includes an applicator head, and protrusions on the head defining first and second floss engaging surfaces, and a third surface spaced from the first and second surfaces, to engage a primary strand of floss extending from the first surface to the third surface, and to engage a secondary strand of floss extending from the second surface to the third surface. The strands may be portions of a continuous loop of floss engaging all three surfaces, which may be located on multiple legs protruding from the head, and that loop may be disengagable from the one leg for finger simultaneous manipulation of two spaced flossing strands as during flossing.

Abstract: A dental flossing holder adapted to be held by a hand of a user for holding and manipulating a length of dental floss. The holder comprises a housing having an opening for dispensing a desired length of dental floss and a storage compartment located within the housing for storing dental floss to be dispensed. A tensioning means extends from the housing and comprises a pair of opposed support members each member having a free end. An anchoring means is located at the free end of each support member. The anchoring means is provided for removably anchoring the length of dental floss between the free ends of the support members. The support members are moveable with respect to each other from a first position defined by a first distance between the free ends to a second position defined by a second distance between the free ends, the second distance being greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser and applicator to be used with fixed orthodontic appliances, provided for a wearer to clean food, debris, and dental plaque so as to prevent proximal caries and periodontal disease. The dental flosser includes a handle section, a dental floss mounting section, and a single floss support portion wherein the dental floss mounting section and handle section contain a metered floss dispenser and locking means for floss being dispensed, and wherein the floss support contains a through hole to continuously supply floss. The floss support is slender so that it can be inserted into the narrow clearance between the adjacent surfaces of the teeth. The locking means holds the floss taught and allows for easy access to clean floss during operation.

Abstract: A flossing device for flossing the teeth as part of a dental care program. The device includes a central arch made up of two legs connected by a central segment. A length of floss is secured to the free ends of the legs. Two rings sized to fit over finger tips are secured to the outside of each arch leg. Two fingers are inserted into the rings so that the floss can be brought into well controlled contact with teeth interstices. The rings may be metal rings embedded in or bonded to the arch or may be plastic rings with the arch and rings molded as a unitary structure. With plastic rings, the rings may be circumferentially divided so as to be expandable to fit larger finger tips.

Abstract: A dental floss system includes a dental floss holder including two pivoted holder elements. Floss is positioned in slots formed at ends of the holder elements. The holder incorporates mechanism for advancing the floss relative to the holder to present clean lengths of floss to the user.

Abstract: A flossing tool includes a handle, a neck and a head at the distal end of the neck. A spool of floss is placed in a compartment within the handle with the free end of the floss being extended from the compartment and over a series of ridges traversing the neck. The floss is wound about four lobes on the head so as to present first and second laterally spaced-apart stretches of floss. The free end of the floss is then wound about a pin on the neck so as to place initial tension on the wound floss. A locking device engages the ridges on the neck so as to clamp the dental floss to the neck and place additional tension on the wound floss. Accordingly, first and second opposed stretches of tensioned floss are available to clean the upper and lower teethlines. A cutter blade on the neck allows the user to sever the end of the floss upon use. The angles between the handles, neck and floss head are selected so as to assist the user in flossing.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a first member, at least one pair of matching surfaces, a second member, and threaded surface or a frustum surface and a uniform surface for locking the first and second members together. One of the matching surfaces is formed on the first member and the other on the second member. When the first and second members lock together, the dental floss is securely fastened between at least one pair of the matching surfaces. Also, at least one notch is provided for facilitating the retention of the floss.

Abstract: An automated dental cleaner (320) comprises a subassembly (324) having a pair of pivotally supported spaced tines (336) for supporting a movable floss span (338) therebetween. A pair of capstans (346, 352) are provided for drivingly reciprocating the floss span. Floss supply and take-up spools (340, 342) are arranged for continuously replacing the span. A main assembly (322) includes a housing containing a motor-driven multi-function transmission for driving the capstans and take-up spool, and for reciprocating the tines vertically. The main assembly and the subassembly are detachably connectable to each other for expedient replacement of the subassembly by a user. An additional feature on each tine includes a bracing pad (424) shaped for bracing the fork on teeth and gums. Brush bristles (426, 428) added to the tines help to inhibit fork lateral motion and enable the cleaner to floss and brush teeth simultaneously.

Abstract: A pair of reusable dental floss holders are for securely fastening a length of dental floss at its ends in lieu of winding ends of the dental floss around fingers. Each holder comprises a retaining member having a notch and a slot. The dental floss is inserted into the slot, winding around the retaining member, and then inserted into the slot again to securely fasten the dental floss.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a pair of jaws, two mating surfaces, and a locking member. The dental floss is retained between the jaws. One of the mating surfaces is formed on one jaw and the other mating surface on the other jaw. The locking member locks the jaws tightly such that there is substantially no gap or space between the mating surfaces so that the mating surfaces abut against each other closely to fasten the dental floss. The locking member and the jaws also comprise mating surfaces to be able to securely fasten the dental floss when the locking member locks both jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and moving a flexible element in space. The element is formed into a loop mounted on a pair of positioning handles. The loop, which may be a real or a virtual loop, is mounted on the two handles so as to be movable relative to the handles and to form a working segment of the element between corresponding one free end of the handles, each by one hand or both by the fingers (and thumb) of one hand, positions the working segment in space and manipulation of the loop moves the working segment relative to the handles. The apparatus and method find advantageous application in dental flossing devices, a laparoscopic surgical device or cutting or abrading devices, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to aid a user in flossing their teeth. In its broadest context, the present invention includes a supply arm, with an associated floss supply assembly, and a take-up arm, with an associated floss take-up assembly. Furthermore, each of the arms includes a number of recesses formed approximate its rearward end. A band is included which is adapted to be fitted into a pair of the recesses. The band is utilized to place the device in its loading orientation, or alternatively its use orientation.

Abstract: A dental floss holder for securely fastening one end of a dental floss instead of winding it around a finger includes a first member, two mating surfaces, and a connector member. The dental floss is retained on the first member. One of the mating surfaces is formed on the first member and the other mating surface on the connector member. The connector member connects with first member so as to abut the mating surfaces closely against each other to fasten the dental floss. A slot and a notch are also provided to facilitate the retaining of the dental floss on the first member.

Abstract: The present invention automated dental cleaner includes a housing and a pair of spaced tines supported on the housing. The tines hold a length of dental floss therebetween to form a span of floss. A bracing fork having a pair of bracing tines for straddling teeth braces the dental cleaner against the teeth, thereby allowing the floss to be reciprocated by a motorized drive.

Abstract: A power-driven dental flossing device has an elongate housing of three casings with an extending housing arm forked at its front, which contains dental floss reels, a dividing gear system, dental floss operating and winding switches, and a powered motor with batteries and/or a transformer. Dental floss across two tines of the forked arm is wound on the two reels, one of which supplies fresh dental floss, the other takes up used floss. The dental floss can be automatically reciprocated between the tines and teeth by pulling an operating switch backward, and also can be manipulated manually by pushing the same operating switch forward. The floss can also be automatically wound in one direction at time to provide a fresh length of the floss, or to rewind it back at any time.

Abstract: A self-dispensing dental floss applicator has a U-shaped elongated housing (1) with two hollow prongs (4a, 4b) at one end and a larger opposite end to contain the locking mechanism and the spool (3) of fresh floss. The locking mechanism composed of a casing (5), two grip pads (7), a spring 8 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. After rotating the lever (6) up, a length of floss from the spool (3) is initially pulled through one side of the locking mechanism, spanned through the two prongs (4a, 4b) and then pulled through the other side of the locking mechanism. The used end (16b) of the floss passes through an aperture in the cover (2) and a surplus length thereof is cut off by a cutter. By pulling the floss by hand at the bottom part of the instrument, fresh floss (16A) is spanned between the prongs for use.

Abstract: This invention is substantially a device for properly orienting and securing dental floss for the purpose of cleaning the regions between the teeth in a convenient manner. Floss resides in a storage cavity such as can be located in the handle of the device. The floss is routed from the cavity through a system of grooves to a U-shaped member which places the floss between the teeth. A locking mechanism removes slack from the floss and engages a taunt grip on the floss. The aforementioned locking mechanism is readily disengaged to allow advancement to a new section of floss. A compliant sealing member is attached to the locking mechanism to prevent fluids from entering the floss chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to hold and manipulate dental floss for the removal of plaque and food particles from teeth surfaces. The invention comprises: an elongated handle which may house, contain, and dispense a supply of dental floss; a stationary tong which does not generally move with respect to the handle; a pivotal tong which can be pivoted about a pivot point; means for securing the pivotal tong to the handle to selectively adjust the distance between terminal ends of the stationary tong and the pivotal tong; and means for anchoring the dental floss to the terminal ends of the stationary and pivotal tongs, the dental floss being positioned to span the distance and be pulled taut between the terminal ends of the tongs. Means for guiding the length of dental floss along the stationary and pivotal tongs and/or means for cutting the dental floss may also be provided.

Abstract: The dental flossing device comprises an elongated cylinder, at least a portion of which is hollow, with an extension having a forked end with curved prongs. A commercially-available spool of floss is located on a spindle in the hollow portion of the cylinder. A first locking mechanism holds the floss in a small space between two surfaces with sufficient friction to firmly retain the floss. When relaxed, the floss can be readily pulled through the first locking mechanism. The floss is fed to the exterior where it is stretched across fork prongs. The floss is threaded through a second locking mechanism similar to the first. The two locking mechanisms are controlled by a single external control and, thus, are both activated or deactivated at the same time. They oppose each other, pulling different points on the floss to create and maintain a strong tension in the floss where it spans the fork, thus facilitating flossing.

Abstract: A filament of thermoplastic material is formed into a continuous strand of connected beads having a longitudinal slit that penetrates about half way into each bead. This is done by passing the filament between a pair of rotating mold wheels having matching, hemispherical cavities in their outer edges with a central, circumferential flange in the edge of one wheel-the flange forming the slit. An end bead of the filament is loaded into a first clamp that feeds it to second clamp that grasps the bead while a knife severs it from the strand. The second clamp is then moved to force its held bead onto a short span of floss being held by a third clamp, so that the floss is press-fitted into the slit in the bead. The bead and floss are then released by their respective clamps, and a fourth clamp grasps the floss and moves it forward for the required distance between beads so that the next bead can be pressed thereon.

Abstract: Dental cleansing device including a fork-shaped instrument with two arms capable of being connected to a pressurized fluid supply device. Each of the two arms (2,3) of the instrument (1) has, on its internal face, an orifice (15,16) for ejecting a water jet (17,18), the two orifices being directed so as to enable the ejection of non-aligned water jets in opposite directions. Each arm (2,3) may, in addition, have a needle eye (4,5) for the passage of a piece of interdental floss (6).

Abstract: A dental floss holder and applicator having a hollow handle for holding a supply of dental floss and a pair of intermeshing gear wheels mounted within the handle for advancing dental floss through a pathway which includes a dental floss anchoring member, a pair of prongs for holding a section of dental floss in position for use and a pair of intermeshing gears in the handle for pulling the dental floss through the pathway. The intermeshing gears are provided with a pawl for preventing the gears from reversing direction. The intermeshing gears not only advance the dental floss, but, in cooperation with the dental floss anchoring member, maintain it in tension while the floss is in use.