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.

Abstract: A cocktail pick and canopy for dressing up beverages and provide a toothpick for a meal. The cocktail pick and canopy includes a pick member having a tapered bottom end and a bulbous top end for being removably disposed in a beverage glass; and also includes a canopy member having at least one slit in a center thereof for receiving the pick member therethrough and also having a plurality of creases extending radially from a center thereof.

Abstract: A dental/gingival stimulating article is disclosed that provides interdental stimulation and plaque removal to the interproximal areas. This toothbrush like design holds bristle tips that terminate in a vee shaped design. The instrument is held in one hand and directed with appropriate direction and force to guide fiber ends into the spaces between the gum and teeth interproximally. Its vee shape will allow non-restricted passage around the interdental papilla. The rotational direction used on the handle will dissipate to a massaging motion within the sulci. Therefore, the threat of interproximal caries is reduced and the occurrence of periodontal disease is minimized.

Abstract: A teeth cleaning device including an elongated length of dental floss which has brush formations at spaced intervals therealong with a greater cross section than that of the floss. The brush formation is retained on the dental floss by heating the brush formation to be melted to the floss and, in particular, by forming the floss from a core wire and a meltable melt wire which is heated to melt the melt wire to hold the brush formation to the floss.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel composition for use in dental flosses or tapes. More particularly, it relates to novel compositions containing a base polymer, a block copolymer and a nonmigrating compatibilizer or plasticizer that, in combination in a blend, result in a floss or dental tape having good breaking strength, elongation, tenacity, nick resistance and gentleness to the gums.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a toothpick convenient for carrying and improved in picking, and is especially directed to a toothpick and a flat receiving sheet for packing. The toothpick is comprised of a picking portion and a shank. Wherein, the picking portion is made of a flexible line; the line is bent to form a tip, two bending portions and an embedded portion. By the flexibility or recoverability from bending provided on the flexible line and by the nature of springs of the two bending portions, the picking portion meets the curvature of the surfaces of teeth and can effectively twisting scrape to clean the walls of teeth easily; the toothpick thereby has the strong effect of clearing off residual food. And a plurality of toothpicks can be provided on the tailing end of the shank of each toothpick with a tearing portion and are arranged and received in a flat receiving sheet to be torn off when a toothpick is needed. Thereby, portability and convenience of use of the toothpicks can be increased.

Abstract: A packet of toothpicks has a one-piece plastic sheet, folded onto itself to provide two layers of plastic toothpicks, each of which toothpicks has a handle portion and a cleaning portion. The cleaning portion is embossed to form a surface that will abrade plaque. Flavoring, or other chemical, may be placed in pockets or grooves formed in the embossed area.

Abstract: The flat plastic toothpick comprises a thin sheet of plastic material having a somewhat tear-drop shape including a generally oval-shaped base section for gripping the toothpick and a generally curved or hook-shaped end section for being inserted into the interstice between two adjacent teeth. A kit is provided comprising two or more plastic sheets having a plurality of the toothpicks perforated therein.

Abstract: A novel dental floss and gum massager made in the form of a strand, a tape or a sheet of polymeric material, said sheet having selectively positioned multiple sized holes for inserting though and holding by the fingers of the hands. The floss provides substantially very little constriction of blood flow surrounding the fingers as the floss is held taught and the peripheral edge of the floss is being manipulated and worked by the gripping, pulling, pushing, deforming, and guilding back and forth actions of the fingers during massaging of the gums and flossing of the teeth.

Abstract: In order to ensure a good cleaning of the interdental spaces, an interdental cleaner comprises an elongated, rod-like carrier of a first plastics material, which is covered in partial areas of its surface by at least one insert or support made from a second plastics material, which is softer than the first plastics material. The insert can be placed in a recess formed in the carrier and positively held therein. If the first plastics material of the carrier and/or the second plastics material of the insert or support contains one or more additives, the cleaning and care action can be varied and optimized. For the production of an interdental cleaner, the second plastics material of the insert or support is injection moulded onto the first plastics material of the carrier, the carrier and the insert or support being manufacturable in a two-component injection moulding process.

Abstract: A writing instrument dental device attachment for mounting to an end of a writing instrument to permit a user to perform oral hygiene activities therewith. The writing instrument dental device attachment includes a tubular attachment sleeve with an open proximal end for receiving therein one end of a writing instrument. At least one dental tool is also provided having an elongate shaft portion and a head portion at a first end of the shaft portion of the dental tool. A distal end of the attachment sleeve receives therein a second end of the dental tool to attach the dental tool to the attachment sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a remedial dental floss comprising a dental floss and titanium dioxide particles of 6.0 microns or less. Depending upon the structure, formulation, and final effects desired a binder may also be used to attach, adhere or otherwise incorporate particles of titanium dioxide and other substances onto or into the dental floss. In order to provide various other qualities one or more other ingredients, compounds or substances such as fluorides, peroxide based compounds, abrading agents, other pigmenting agents, sweeteners, and flavoring agents may also be incorporated into or utilized by the remedial dental floss disclosed herein. Regular use of such a remedial dental floss will significantly reduce the interproximal staining and discolorment of dental surfaces as well as providing all other benefits normally associated with flossing in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a toothpick brush comprising a brush body 11 provided with a point projecting portion 11 insertable in spaces between teeth, a gripping portion 12 formed so as to be easily held, and a connection part 13 for connecting the abovementioned two members; and a cleaning member 2 attached to the connection part 13. The cleaning member 2 is made of synthetic resin having rubber resiliency at a normal temperature, and a number of projecting brush elements 21 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cleaning member 2. According to the invention, stains and/or plaque between teeth can be securely removed by only one type of toothpick brush without impairing gums when using, and removal of stains between teeth and massaging of gums can be carried out at the same time.

Abstract: A toothpick assembly includes a rectangular plastic envelope having a rectangular bottom, a rectangular upper top panel, a rectangular lower top panel, a rectangular left panel formed with a slit, and a rectangular right panel formed with a tongue configured to fit in said slit, and six plastic toothpick sheets each having six toothpicks separated at an upper portion and joined together at a root portion, a breaking line being pressed between said upper portion and said root portion, said plastic toothpick sheets being stacked up and affixed to said bottom panel, whereby the toothpick assembly is convenient to carry and sanitary in use.

Abstract: Dental flosses are provided that include a foam. Preferred flosses include a foam outer layer and a reinforcing core and may be formed as a multicomponent coextruded filament.

Abstract: This invention involves a stretchable elastomer floss and elastomer floss disposable units, plus related devices for packaging the floss, dispensing the floss, and for holding the ends of the elastomer floss when the elastomer floss units are in use. The elastomer floss units are manufactured by extrusion or injection molding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicated dental floss comprising a dental floss and at least one dental desensitizing agent. Depending upon the structure, formulation, and final effects desired a binder may also be used to attach, adhere or otherwise incorporate a dental desensitizing agent onto or into the dental floss. In order to provide various other qualities one or more other ingredients, compounds or substances such as fluorides, peroxide based compounds, abrading agents, pigmenting agents, sweeteners, and flavoring agents may also be incorporated into or utilized by the medicated dental floss disclosed herein. Regular use of such a medicated dental floss will significantly reduce the incidence of dental hypersensitivity as well as providing all other benefits normally associated with flossing and in a way that is convenient, inexpensive, and safe.

Abstract: A device for oral cleaning consists of an elongate handle carrying a resilient pad, for example of polyester foam, with flock adhering directly to its surface. Preferably the pad surrounds an underlying support portion of the handle so that this does not contact the interior of the mouth in use. The handle support portion may have a series of projections to enhance the cleaning action. The pad may be pre-impregnated with an oral cleaning agent.

Abstract: A dental hygienic teeth and gum cleansing device having an elongated metal foil or filament member adapted to be drawn between the adjacent teeth of the user for removal of and cleansing of the dental area. The metal foil may be rounded at its opposite ends and may include a thickened handle at one end. A selected edge of the metal foil may include alternate ridges and grooves for dislodgment of and collection of oral debris and foreign matter. The thickness of the metal foil member may be at least 0.002 inches with the width of the member being at least 0.25 inches.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a dental cleansing implement (101) having a thin, elongate shaft (102) comprising a free end portion (105) suitable in particular for insertion in the interproximal spaces and connected with a mounting portion (6) or the like. The mounting portion (6) is adapted to be coupled to an electric motor drive means of a handle member, and the cleansing implement is adapted to be rotated or oscillated about a shaft longitudinal center line (135). The free end portion (105) of the shaft (102) is made of a flexible material bent in the shape of a crescent (130), approximately.

Abstract: A toothpick made of biodegradable material composed of a thermoplastic, water-soluble and foodstuff-grade base material. The base material substantially consists of starch, glucose, gelatine, cellulose, collagen or their derivatives. Various active substances such as fragrances, dyes or pharmaceutical compositions may be added to the base material. The active substances may however also be added to the finished product, i.e. the toothpick, by coating the toothpick therewith.

Abstract: An oral hygiene article adapted to be received as a whole within a mouth so that the article can thereby be manipulated with the tongue to dislodge foreign particles, promote salivary excretion, drag bacterial plaque, and massage the gums. The article includes at least a core portion and a plurality of protruding members extending from the core portion. The protruding members each have a proximal end connected to the core portion and a distal end portion opposing the proximal end and spaced from the core portion. One or more of the protruding members has a distal end that terminates in an associated substantially linear edge. One or more of the protruding members can have a polygon-shaped cross section that continuously decreases in area from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion to define the substantially linear edge.

Abstract: The toothpick apparatus of the present invention consists of an elongated cylindrical device 13 having a thicker middle portion 17 tapering away from the middle toward opposing ends or points 19. The toothpick has a perforated area or break point near its middle 17 whereby when the toothpick is broken a useable length of dental floss 23 is exposed. The dental floss 23 is contained within layers of thin wood 21 which are rolled in order to form the toothpick. Additional embodiments of the present invention are also described.

Abstract: A dental instrument for removing plaque from teeth. The instrument comprises an elongated handle having a straight pick fixed to one end and a curved pick fixed to the other end. The curved pick is useful for cleaning the back teeth and behind the front teeth, while the straight pick is useful for cleaning the front of the front teeth.

Abstract: A disposable flossing device is disclosed. The disposable flossing device is adapted for use with the conventional dental handpiece or any other device providing rotary input motion. The disposable flossing device converts the rotary input motion to reciprocating linear motion so that the dental floss will reciprocate through a linear plane. In addition to flossing, other attachments to the conventional dental handpiece such as brushes and polishers can also be operated with the linear motion of the disclosed device.

Abstract: A dental floss article is provided comprising a fiber having a predetermined length and defined by at least one substantially rigid portion and at least one flexible portion.

Abstract: A method of treating oral and systemic diseases includes impregnating or coating a toothpick with active therapeutic agents and rubbing the toothpick against mouth tissue to release the active therapeutic agents onto the tissue for penetration through the tissue. The active therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to: zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, zinc acetate, zinc phenol sulfonate, zinc borate, zinc bromide, zinc nitrate, zinc glycerophosphate, zinc benzoate, zinc carbonate, zinc citrate, zinc hexafluorosilicate, zinc diacetate trihydrate, zinc oxide, zinc peroxide, zinc salicylate, zinc silicate, zinc stannate, zinc tannate, zinc titanate, zinc tetrafluoroborate, zinc gluconate, and zinc glycinate.

Abstract: Improved dental flosses include two or more components selected to provide desired properties to the floss. The improved flosses may comprise one or a plurality of multicomponent filaments, each filament including an inner core selected to provide strength to the floss, and an outer layer selected to provide a desired surface property. The improved flosses also may comprise one or a plurality of core filaments embedded in a single body sheath. The filament component provides desirable physical properties to the floss, such as tensile strength, while a floss body sheath component provides desirable surface properties.

Abstract: This invention named "the expanding bi-toothpick with dual controls for pushing and extracting" is mainly composed of the outer rod which is a thin rod designed to extract the food remains in the tooth gap directly and the inner stick which is a thin stick and can go deep into the tooth gap to clean the dregs directly. Besides there is a elastic device between these parts to provide the user dual controls for selecting pushing or picking the stick's end to reach the purpose of cleaning the teeth or the tooth gaps.

Abstract: A dental floss for cleaning food particles and other material from between teeth. The dental floss includes a single strand of nylon material having a thickness of about 0.001 inches to about 0.003 inches and a width from about 0.025 inches to about 0.100 inches and has a tensile strength of about 31/2 pounds to about 25 pounds. The strand is extruded at relatively low temperatures which permits it to be readily colored and flavored. Further, it may be extruded into a plurality of shapes which may be chosen to enhance user comfort. The single strand of nylon material may include about 2% to about 20%, by weight, of a colorant; about 0.1% to about 3%, by weight, of a lubricant; about 0.1% to about 1%, by weight, of a plasticizer; or about 5% to about 30%, by weight, of a flavorant, fragrance, or combination of both.

Abstract: Dental flossing devices and methods which are of particular use with corrective dental braces. The flossing devices utilize a strand of floss supported by an arm attached to a grip. The arm includes one or more extensions which support the floss and can be inserted under a brace wire. An extension which is more flexible and curved facilitates tensioning of the floss when forced against a tooth. In another embodiment a supply roll of floss is included. Other flossing devices include a loop which is engaged by the user's finger.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toothpick holder and toothpicks. The toothpicks are provided in and securely attached by at least one part to a support means which provides protection on at least one end and both sides of the toothpick or toothpicks in one plane. The toothpick or toothpicks are therefore protected from damage by unintentional forces applied in those planes. The toothpick holder will generally incorporate a plurality of toothpicks, and may also include a holding means for used toothpicks and a base plate for securing the holder in a match-book-type folder. The invention also relates to particular designs of toothpicks held in the support means, said toothpicks having a substantially square or rectangular handle end and a scalpel-shaped blade end, upper and side edges of which come to a point to form the pick end.

Abstract: The floss is of a yarn type that has a first thickness when under no tension and a considerably diminished thickness when under tension. The thickness of the floss can be decreased to as low as 10 percent of the thickness of the relaxed floss. This allows for easier insertion into interdental spaces. This floss is produced by coating a yarn and curing the coating on the yarn while the yarn is under minimal tension. This preserves the elasticity of the yarn and the property of the yarn having a range of thickness from a point of relaxation to a point of being under tension.

Abstract: A flexible integrally produced toothpick structure for gum massaging and teeth cleaning purpose has one end provided with a fixed reverse U-shaped end having, parallel rung elements or cross elements disposed thereon or arc-shaped outward projections defined consecutively or alternatively on either side thereof. The reverse U-shaped end can be twisted in use so as to effectively bring out food residues stuck in between teeth. The opposite end of the toothpick is provided with a flat extension on which are disposed a number of V-shaped marks for massaging the gum; and a slant pointed projection in connection to the flat extension is used to pick out food residues left between molar teeth.

Abstract: An elongate PTFE material is formed by passing an unsintered PTFE tape across a heated surface in sliding contact therewith while applying tension to the tape, such that the PTFE tape, when its temperature is raised by contact with the heated surface, is longitudinally stretched with simultaneous width and thickness reduction while in contact with the surface. PTFE tapes having different properties, e.g. coefficients of friction at opposite faces can be produced. Such tapes are suitable for use as dental flosses.

Abstract: A tooth pick includes a hollow body, a rib provided in the middle of the hollow body, and a head part. The head part includes a tip which is an extension of the rib, an inclined section which is an extension of the hollow body, and a sealing wall formed between the hollow body and the tip. The sealing wall seals air in the hollow body.

Abstract: Interproximal dental appliances in the form of a floss-type linear media, a pick-type interproximal dental cleaner/tissue stimulator and an interproximal brush, include an elongated base and a plurality of elastomeric flat-faced flanges extending perpendicularly outwardly from the base in a staggered pattern to form a ribbed segment. A handle is provided adjacent to the ribbed segment, and an exteriorly smooth threaded leader or tip formed of a portion of the base extends away from the ribbed segment opposite the handle. The flanges include a first set of flanges spaced from one another along a longitudinal axis of the base and radially aligned with one another about the longitudinal axis, and a second set of radially aligned flanges longitudinally disposed in an alternating manner between adjacent flanges of the first set, wherein the first set of flanges is radially offset from the second set of flanges.

Abstract: A flat interdental space cleaner includes an essentially flat resilient strip. The free end portions of the flat resilient strip are provided with an essentially uniform thickness and a width comparable to the visible length of teeth. This enables passing between two teeth into the interdental space, allowing an easy and successful removal of food residues and soft sediments or plaque from the surface of teeth, in particular from interdental spaces or pariodontal pockets. An easy and discreet handling of interdental space cleaning is provided on any occasion.

Abstract: A dental floss holder has a casing containing a cartridge that is slidable within said casing through various sequential positions. The cartridge contains a plurality of U-shaped segments with each segment containing a length of dental floss held across a mouth of the segment in a taut position. As the dental floss is used, the cartridge can be advanced to extend a first segment beyond the cartridge and sever the first segment from the cartridge. The severed first segment is then discarded and the dental floss in the next segment is used. The method is repeated until all of the segments of the cartridge have been used and discarded and a new cartridge is then inserted into the casing.

Abstract: A main body includes a first arm and a second arm, each extending outwardly from opposite corners of the main body. The first arm and the second arm each include a point and a barb at the end thereof. The main body further includes structure forming a first notch opposite the first arm, and a second notch opposite the second arm.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser in a card format formed by a base panel having a shallow well surrounded by a peripheral ridge, and a face panel superposed on the base panel and bonded to the ridge. Adjacent the front end of the face panel are an aperture and a miniature cutting blade. Nested in the well is a supply of dental floss constituted by an unsupported flattened helical coil. The floss filament from which the coil is wound has a starting end at the front of the coil, the filament at the rear of the coil passing internally through the coil to emerge from its front as a pull out lead which is threaded through the aperture in the face panel. The starting end of the coil is bonded to adjacent convolutions and thereby prevent unwinding of the unsupported coil. To obtain a useable length of floss, the user pulls on the lead to partially unwind the coil and then cuts off the length on the blade.

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 article is provided comprising a fiber having a predetermined length and defined by at least one substantially rigid portion and at least one flexible portion.

Abstract: A dental cleansing implement having a thin, elongate shaft. The shaft includes a free end portion suitable in particular for insertion in the interproximal spaces and connected with a mounting portion or the like. The mounting portion is adapted to be coupled to an electric motor drive means of a handle member, and the cleansing implement is adapted to be rotated or oscillated about a shaft longitudinal center line. The free end portion of the shaft is made of a flexible material bent in the shape of a crescent, approximately.

Abstract: A tubular toothpick (10) that can be used to remove food particles from between a user's teeth, gums and periodontal pockets without damaging the soft tissue of the user's gums is disclosed. The toothpick (10) is formed from synthetic resin materials and includes an elongated tubular body (12) presenting a longitudinal axis and a pair of axially opposed ends (14,16). One of the ends (14) includes an oblique leading surface (18) defining a cleaning edge. A plurality of slits (22) are formed in the cleaning edge that define therebetween a plurality of spaced-apart and independently movable finger portions (23). The independently moveable finger portions (23) feather and soften the cleaning edge of the toothpick for permitting the toothpick to be inserted between a user's teeth and gums without damaging the soft tissue of the user's gums.

Abstract: In a cleaning device, in particular for the interdental area, comprising two twisted, wire-type sections (1, 2), it is provided, with a view to putting into practice novel cleaning methods, the cleaning being accompanied by the application of care and cleaning agents, that the wire-type sections (1, 2) are twisted in such a way that at least one free loop or eye (9) is formed.

Abstract: A braided dental floss having increased tensile strength, reduced likelihood of fraying and improved cleaning comprising multiple braided threads of nylon, polyester, polyethylene, PFA, PTFE, Dacron.RTM., polypropylene or mixtures thereof.

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 elongated, flexible, unitary oral hygiene and lingual stimulation device which has a handle portion at one end, an interdental and gingival margin cleaning portion at the opposite end, and an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion may be folded back on itself to form a loop when the ends of the device are brought together. The loop may be scraped gently over the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells, food debris and bacteria and to provide a pleasing and stimulating sensation for the user.

Abstract: A dental floss dispenser having a floss securement mechanism to secure the dental floss with respect to the dispenser body and for use during flossing is provided. One embodiment locks a freely rotating internal spool of dental floss relative to the dental floss dispenser. Both the floss securement mechanism and the spool locking are actuated by the hand holding the dental floss dispenser. The dental floss dispenser may also incorporate a finger grip so that the dispenser can be held by the lower fingers, a contoured shape to better fit the hand of the user, a wide or weighted base for easy pick-up, or a U-shaped indentation for quickly grabbing dental floss at the commencement of flossing. The dispenser is further designed to be used during the flossing procedure as an anchor for the dental floss to thereby allow the user to floss without wrapping floss around at least one finger.