Abstract: A multi-strand disposable dental flosser with an improved floss strand pair arrangement. The dental flosser is an integral unit having an elongate gripping handle with a toothpick at one end, and a flosser head with two spaced apart arms at the opposite end. The floss strand pair is tautly stretched across the span between the arms and anchored securely near the tips thereof. The floss strand arrangement includes an X-configured floss strand pair, and can have at least one additional X-configured floss strand pair or at least one added single floss strand disposed slightly above the lower floss strand pair. The X-configured floss strand pair has two individual strands that are spaced apart at the ends thereof and cross together at the mid-lengths thereof. The flosser can have a tongue-cleaning edge and a tongue-cleaning surface area to enhance overall oral hygiene.

Abstract: The present invention includes monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of greater than about 5:1 and a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, where at least one of the first and second cleaning surfaces includes a plurality of ribs disposed along the length thereof, and where the ratio of the width of the dental tape to the thickness of the dental tape is from about 4:1 to about 25:1.

Abstract: An orthodontic flossing implement for facilitating positioning and manipulating of a portion of a length of dental floss into the interdental space between adjacent teeth and proximate to and beneath an orthodontic wire which defines an arch extending between adjacent orthodontic brackets on the teeth. An elongated handle dependently supports an elongated, slender shaft formed as a unit with, and extending from a proximal end of the handle. The shaft is dimensionally smaller in thickness than that of said handle and preferably oriented at an acute angle to the handle. A tip, formed as a unit with, and extending from a second end of the shaft, is oriented at an acute angle to the handle, the tip having an aperture formed therethrough sized to just receive a length of dental floss. The tip with the dental floss positioned through said aperture, is manipulable by said handle to pass beneath an arch of the orthodontic wire and to floss the interdental tissue.

Abstract: A dental floss is formed as a yarn, including multifilament strands braided with each other in a multi-looped manner so that forming knobs connecting adjacent quasi-flat sections that, while being stretched in a straight line, are sequentially disposed and twisted relatively to each other, whose cross-sections can be approximated to a rectangle-like figure having a width and a height greater than the width. The heights of two adjacent quasi-flat sections are disposed at a predetermined angle to each other. Due to particular braiding, the quasi-flat cross-sections and the knob's cross-section encompass different numbers of strand pieces, forming a multi-planar surface with bulges, thereby providing for a unique adhesive property increasing the floss cleaning power, grabbing and removing plaque particles from the tooth surface more efficiently than the conventional ones.

Abstract: The Plastic Tooth Cleaner is a hand-held plastic device that allows a person to remove food particles from spaces between their teeth more conveniently than existing flossing techniques. It is a three inch long device, with a helical shaped body and a straight, uniformly tapered segment at each end. The device is easily held and maneuvered. The device is more pliable than a common toothpick, inexpensively produced, disposable, and is designed for use by the general public.

Abstract: A multiple, disposable, biodegradable dental implement system in which a plurality of disposable, flat dental implements are formed from a large planar blank. Each dental implement includes a flat toothbrush head and a flat gum massager head formed on opposite ends of a flat elongated shank. Adjacent implements are formed in the blank by perforation lines that allow the implements to be individually detached from the blank just prior to use. In the preferred embodiment, each toothbrush head includes a plurality of concave ridges formed while the gum massaging head is made of a plurality of convex curved ridges complimentary with the concave ridges on the adjacent toothbrush. The planar blank is made of disposable paper and embedded with dry toothpaste or mouthwash which is activated by the user's saliva when used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a toothpick having a structure wherein the two ends each have different functions. The toothpick comprises two end portions with one end portion configured in a linear body and the other end portion configured in a hook body, wherein the tips of both end portions are pointed, the overall cross section is elliptical and the overall surface is embossed. The linear body can be used for relatively easy removal of food waste retained in the mouth, while the hook body is used to efficiently remove food stuck deep in the mouth. The embossed surface of the toothpick helps to improve the removal of food waste.

Abstract: A dental flosser having a tongue cleaner, the flosser including a handle terminating at a head: a pair of spaced apart arms extending from the head; a length of dental floss extending between the arms; and a rugous surface on at least one of the arms suitable for being scraped against the tongue of a user for effectively cleaning the tongue.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a simulated hair article such as a wig or other hairpiece. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing, an ozone generator, an ultraviolet light source, and a gas recirculation structure. The apparatus reduces or eliminates microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, molds, and fungi from the simulated hair article, and also eliminates odors therefrom.

Abstract: Discrete sensing elements are described that can be integrated into dental hygiene products and can provide rapid and direct feedback to a user as to oral environmental status and as to the performance of the intended oral care product. Selectively tuned elements can both sense and report relevant information including usage time, adequacy of performance during use, training for better usage, and/or the physical or biological status as can be measured by direct oral contact. Sensing and reporting mechanisms can be tuned for increased or decreased sensitivities. Sensing elements can comprise one or more discrete optical changes, structural changes, or other physical changes to the dental hygiene product as a means of alerting a user of a stimulus. Use of optical reference colors provides a high level of accuracy and objectivity as to the status of a sensing event. Enabling delivery and application compositions and methods are described.

Abstract: The device for infiltration of approximal tooth surfaces, with a flexible planar element and with a holder into which the planar element is clamped, is characterized in that the planar element is a liquid-impermeable plastic film which has a surface area for taking up a liquid to be used for treatment, and in that the holder is a bow-shaped element with a web and two lateral arms which extend from the latter and are arranged in an arc-shape or U-shape, to which the plastic film is connected in a liquid-impermeable manner.

Abstract: A toothpick is disclosed, in which a thinner tooth picking part is formed in one end for an insertion into between teeth with the thinner tooth picking part being thicker than that of a body of a toothpick, and a thicker tooth picking part having an engaging discharge part is formed in the other end having the same thickness as the body of a toothpick, so a tooth gum is not hurt during a picking of a toothpick, and it is possible to effectively remove a piece of food stuck between teeth.

Abstract: A miniature dental flossing packet suitable for single use unobtrusive flossing. The miniature dental floss packet comprising a length of dental floss stored within and unremovably attached to a dental floss holder. A method for forming, fabrication and manufacturing a miniature dental floss packet.

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: 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: The present invention includes coated monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of about 5:1 or greater, a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, a plurality of ribs disposed along the length of each cleaning surface, and a coating containing about 0.8 milligram per yard of dental tape or more of an abrasive and about 0.8 milligram per yard dental tape or more of sodium bicarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interdental brush and a cap, said brush having a good handling property and a low manufacturing cost, said brush being stored with the cap on while adjusting the brush body at any angle. The handle member 3 supporting the brush body 2 includes a handle body 6, an arm 12 extending from one end of the handle body 6, a brush support 13 that holds a base of the brush body 2, a first hinge 14 that connects the tip of the arm 12 and one end of the brush support 13 in a freely rotating manner, an operating portion 15 provided slidably at the other end of the handle member 3, and a second hinge 16 that connects the tip of the operating portion 15 and the other end of the brush support 13 in a freely rotating manner.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device that is easy to handle, especially for kids and handicapped people, including a frame supporting four zones for removing food and plaque between the teeth. Each zone having a particular thickness combined with cleaning substance and cleaning surface for a thorough teeth cleaning.

Abstract: A method of making interdental cleaners includes forming a slug by extruding material in a direction of extrusion to form a first slug portion having a generally rectangular first cross-section and a second slug portion having a tapering second cross-section that extends away from the rectangular first cross-section. The method also includes stamping the slug substantially perpendicular to the direction of extrusion to form a plurality of cleaner blanks. The stamping forms the first slug portions into handle portions of the cleaner blanks, and the second slug portions into shaft portions of the cleaner blanks. The shaft portions include two pairs of converging surfaces that taper toward each other to define a point. The method also includes attaching cleaning members to the ends of the shaft portions.

Abstract: A device to aid in flossing teeth including a jaw hook body, a pair of floss retaining projections on one end of the jaw hook body, and a grip handle at an opposite end of the jaw hook body. The grip handle may be a closed loop, an open loop, a padded structure, a pivoting structure, a decorative structure, a structure for holding the tool upright on a surface, or some combination of these features.

Abstract: A molded interdental tool includes a plurality of filament strands molded into a portion of the tool. The interdental tool includes a body having a handle portion and a pick portion. The filament strands are molded into the pick portion, with at least a portion of the filament strands protruding or extending from the pick portion. A middle portion of the filament strands may be molded into the pick portion, such that end portions of the filament strands protrude from opposite sides of the pick portion.

Abstract: A method for coating a cleaning region of an interdental cleaning device, which includes preheating the cleaning region to a predetermined temperature. Then, immersing the preheated cleaning region in a coating agent. The coating agent including a flavoring agent encapsulated in a wax, thereby forming a coating on the cleaning region upon immersion. Next, a flow of air is forced across the coated cleaning region in a drip zone, thereby removing an excess portion of the wax and exposing at least a portion of the flavoring agent at a surface of the coating. Then, the coating is cured by cooling the cleaning region.

Abstract: A throwaway toothpick containing a single dose of mouthwash. The throwaway toothpick containing a single dose of mouthwash includes a toothpick portion and a mouthwash portion. The toothpick portion is throwaway. The mouthwash portion extends axially from the toothpick portion, oppositely from the toothpick portion, is one-piece with the toothpick portion, and contains a single dose of mouthwash so as to allow a user to use the toothpick portion to pick the teeth thereof, thereafter turn the throwaway toothpick containing a single dose of mouthwash around and use the single dose of mouthwash of the mouthwash portion to wash the mouth thereof, and thereafter throw the throwaway toothpick containing a single dose of mouthwash away.

Abstract: A compact mirror floss container configured to dispense floss, comprising a first clam shell member having a mirrored interior surface and a second clam shell member pivotly coupled to the first slam shell member. The second clam shell member includes a receiving mechanism, wherein a floss cartridge is coupled about the receiving mechanism and configured to dispense floss. An attachment member is coupled to one of the first clam shell member and second clam shell member, configured to selectably couple to a receiving member. The container also includes a securing mechanism coupled to one of the first clam shell member and second clam shell member, configured to selectably couple the first clam shell member to the second clam shell member. The container also includes a cutting member configured to cut floss; and a decorative cover, wherein the decorative cover is selectably coupleable to the clam shell members.

Abstract: An oral hygiene product is disclosed. More specifically, the product is a rubbery tip toothpick. Such product is commonly known as gum massager or gum stimulator. The disclosed toothpick having a rigid rod and at least one end having a rubbery tip. The rod is fabricated from rigid plastic such as Polypropylene. The tip is fabricated from rubbery plastic such as Thermoplastic Elastomer thermally joined together with the rigid rod using a process such as injection molding. The tip is fabricated in the general shape of a cone with its main axis at an angle of less than 180° with respect to the main axis of said rod. A gum stimulator fabricated this way is safer to use, more effective, and more portable than prior art of gum stimulators.

Abstract: A multi-texture dental floss includes distinct and alternating segments having varying textures, including smooth segments and textured segments. The smooth segments are more easily inserted into the spaces between teeth, while the textured segments more effectively remove plaque and other debris therefrom. Methods of making the multi-texture floss are also disclosed, including methods that allow the floss to be made as a continuous thread having a plurality of alternating segments, such that the floss can be wound onto a spool for storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus capable of being used in dental procedures is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus comprises an elongated handle and a cleaning member. The elongated handle comprises a first end portion and second end portion with spring tension attached to handle. The detachable dental floss has a proximal end and distil end. The proximal end of dental floss is attached to spring tension and the destil end of the dental floss with the brush is engaged to the pistil end of handle in a way that allows the dental floss to move freely with the spring tension.

Abstract: The present invention includes monofilament dental tapes for removing plaque and/or food debris from interdental spaces of a mammal, which dental tapes have a core body with an aspect ratio of greater than about 5:1 and a first cleaning surface and a second cleaning surface opposite the first cleaning surface, where at least one of the first and second cleaning surfaces includes a plurality of ribs disposed along the length thereof, and where the ratio of the width of the dental tape to the thickness of the dental tape is from about 4:1 to about 25:1.

Abstract: A molded plastic toothpick device that includes a round handle with a right angle tapered tip. The cylindrical handle allows rotating the device in the finger to correctly insert the taper tip in spaces between both the upper and lower teeth. The objective of the invention is to enable individuals to effectively clean between every tooth easier than dental floss or a straight toothpick. Also you massage the gums between each tooth. This will help keep the gums healthy. It works great in the posterior area. There is no product on the market now that does this. The toothpick can be produced at relatively low cost from plastic.

Abstract: A flosser pick system, having a first dental flosser having an elongate handle with a pick end and a second dental flosser having a handle, a pair of spaced apart arms at one end of the handle with a length of dental floss extending between the arms, and a receiver defined as part of second dental flosser and configured to matingly receive portions of the first flosser to provide the flosser pick system.

Abstract: A proportionally wide strip of very thin and flexible material which is specially treated by mechanical, chemical or other means to form a multiplicity of folds, pleats, or channels along it's longitudinal axis and which is further intended to be pulled or drawn between teeth and along the gum line adjoining said teeth as an aid in the removal of trapped food particles and for the daily cleaning and removal of the build-up of plaque from these interdental areas; said device being further intended to spread, to roll-up onto, or to collapse upon itself by the means of increased or decreased pressure from external pulling force or from being drawn through the narrowed spaces between teeth; said ability to collapse and to roll upon itself is at once a better method to displace and/or to trap and contain bacteria, food particles, and other debris to be removed but also as a means to maintain contact with these surfaces while accomodating the variable spacing between teeth and between teeth and gums that is found i

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for textured dental floss according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a flexible substrate that may be placed in interdental spaces. In one embodiment, the flexible substrate may comprise at least one node affixed to the flexible substrate to assist in removal of plaque and particulate matter, to massage the gums and/or to deliver one or more additives.

Abstract: An interdental cleaning device that is easy to handle, especially for kids and handicapped people, including a frame supporting four zones for removing food and plaque between the teeth. Each zone having a particular thickness combined with cleaning substance and cleaning surface for a thorough teeth cleaning.

Abstract: A toothpick with bristles, the toothpick has a rod being laid out on its surface bristles coated each with a coating layer, the material of the coating layer can be mouth rinsing water, cleaning liquid, toothpaste powder or cooling material. When in clearing filth between teeth, coating layers can give a user a comfortable feeling. And a packing unit is provided for loading therein a plurality of toothpicks with bristles; the packing unit has a receiving space for storing material which can form the coating layers for the bristles of the toothpicks by dipping.

Abstract: An oral cleanliness and gum massage device, which includes U-shaped end portion, at least one lower protruding body or side protruding body and a dental floss. The aforementioned U-shaped end portion is connected to a handle portion, and the aforementioned lower protruding bodies or side protruding bodies are disposed at a lower portion or a side of the U-shaped end portion. The aforementioned dental floss is positioned on two endpoints of the U-shaped end portion.

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: The present invention relates to the affixation of dental dams and Class III matrixes utilized in conservative dentistry and oral surgery. In particular, the present invention relates to a device and method for retaining and stabilizing a dental dam or Class III matrix, or other device, in the mouth of the patient, which can be clamped between 2 adjacent teeth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved combination tooth pick/dental floss appliance, with the addition of, a food and or medicament pad. The tasks carried out by the invention are beyond basic flossing to include the delivery system of an attached medicament such as or combination of, nicotine, breath fresheners, antacids, fluoride, and teeth brighteners. This invention is most valuable to a person on the go, who does not have easy access to facilities to brush their teeth as desired. This combination dental tool with the accompanying medicament gives one the ability to cleanse one's teeth as well as freshen one's mouth whether it be after eating or smoking.

Abstract: The cleaning instrument (10) comprises a head portion (10) and, adjacent thereto, a cleaning portion (14) having a shank (20), which is provided with bristles (22) on its external surface. In order that especially the tooth root canal or also a tooth interstice can be reliably cleaned using the cleaning instrument (10), the shank (20) is of integral construction with the bristles (22).

Abstract: Relates to an interdental cleaning tool provided on the peripheral surface of a shaft member 1 with one or a plurality of projections 2, the projections being pinnulate elements or cirrate elements, and shaft member 1 and projections 2 being integrally molded from synthetic resin, whereby there may be afforded a soft touch against the tissues of the oral cavity during use, deviation in extraction force of the pinnulate members and cirrate members may be prevented, and production costs may be reduced.

Abstract: A dental device (10) broadly comprises a center section (12) flanked by a first picking section (14) and a second picking section (16). The first picking section (14) and the second picking section (16) are relatively flat and may include a roughened surface (50). The device (10) is preferably constructed in one-piece and molded from semi-rigid thermoplastic which resists breaking. The first picking section (14) is thicker and stronger than the second picking section (16) in order to dislodge most any debris caught between teeth. The second picking section (16) is narrow enough to reach between closely spaced teeth. In use, a person holds the device (10) by the center section (12) and inserts either picking section (14,16) between their teeth. The person works the device (10) back and forth using the roughened surface (50) or angles of either section (14,16) to disturb bacteria and other foreign substances.

Abstract: A dental device (10) broadly comprises a center section (12) flanked by a first picking section (14) and a second picking section (16). The first picking section (14) and the second picking section (16) are relatively flat and may include a roughened surface (50). The device (10) is preferably constructed in one-piece and molded from semi-rigid thermoplastic which resists breaking. The first picking section (14) is thicker and stronger than the second picking section (16) in order to dislodge most any debris caught between teeth. The second picking section (16) is narrow enough to reach between closely spaced teeth. In use, a person holds the device (10) by the center section (12) and inserts either picking section (14,16) between their teeth. The person works the device (10) back and forth using the roughened surface (50) or angles of either section (14,16) to disturb bacteria and other foreign substances.

Abstract: A dental instrument including a plastic handle with a generally planar pick at at least one of its ends, with the pick being of a plastic or emery board composition of given shape and angulation, with a rasped surface about edge portions of the pick so as to fit within a user's mouth on either the inside or outside of the gingiva, in serving as an emergency dental treatment relief device in dislodging popcorn stuck in the teeth.

Abstract: A texturized dental floss formed of a bundle of texturized filaments (1) and comprising, in each floss extension unit: cleaning portions (10) having a determined longitudinal extension and circumferential contour, which are previously defined in the bundle of texturized filaments (1); and fastening portions (20), each being provided between two consecutive adjacent cleaning portions (10), having a determined longitudinal extension in which the filaments are cohered and contained in a circumferential contour, which is substantially reduced in relation to that of the cleaning portion (10), said fastening portions (20) being provided in order to maintain substantially unaltered the elasticity and flexibility characteristics of the bundle of filaments (1).

Abstract: The present invention provides a dental device that comprises a hemostatic agent and a method of making and using a dental device comprising a hemostatic agent.

Abstract: A dental flossing system for allowing an individual to floss their teeth with only one hand and without positioning their fingers within their mouth during flossing. The dental flossing system includes a body having a pair of arms and a rear portion containing a spool rotatably positioned within, a platform structure movably positioned within the body, a wheel is rotatably attached within the platform structure, a shaft concentrically attached to the wheel and extending from a side of the platform structure for receiving a length of dental floss, and a locking arm that is pivotally attached to the platform structure for locking the dental floss in a desired position within a locking groove.

Abstract: A electric toothbrush attachment consisting of a miswaak element. The attachment is positioned to rotate at ninety degrees from the rotation of the arm. This motion results in a circular movement of the brush element against the surfaces of the teeth. The brush element is mounted on a disk which rotates in response to rotation of arm. The brush element may be fixed to the disk by adhesive. The brush element has a conical shaped end is left in water to provide soft bristles upon use.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a toothbrush and a toothbrush head therefor which is attachable to a handle of the toothbrush and adapted to be driven by a drive of the toothbrush. The toothbrush head possesses a carrier piece on which a spike is provided for interproximal cleaning, wherein according to the invention the spike is mounted for sliding motion in the direction of its longitudinal axis and is equipped with an overload protection device enabling the spike to retract when a predetermined load is applied.

Abstract: Embodied in the flexile forms of both an endless-loop and as a linear-tape, a unique tooth flossing device for cleaning away bacteria between the teeth is set forth. Comprised of a nontoxic extrusion-molded thermo-plastic polyurethane having particular properties of excellent elasticity, almost film-like guage of thickness, and a natural random surface-texture serving to aid the flossing procedure. In use, a FLOSS-LOOP™ is simply held in the user's thumb-&-forefinger of both hands, so as to pre-stretch “thin” that portion to be slid vertically between the teeth. The exceptionally high stretched tensile-strength of this device enables it to endure the duress of insertion between the teeth, yet once interposed interstitially adjacent the gum-line, the release of excess tension upon the tensioned segment of the loop enables it to resume it's natural thickness-guage of approximately 0.325 mm(0.0128-inch).

Abstract: Monofilament dental floss/tape of polymer material including fluoride and polishing powder the dental floss/tape (1) being ribbon-shaped and having material properties that enable it to be stretched to increase its length by at least 100% and also to reduce its cross-sectional area by up to ten times, and also a method fot the use of monofilament polymer dental floss/tape (1) by preparing a suitable length of dental floss/tape (1) for cleaning the teeth , by extending it to a reduce cross section so that the area of the whole piece of floss/tape can thereafter be used to clean the teeth distally and/or mesially.