Abstract: A method of irrigating and cleaning a sub-gingival region is provided by guiding a sub-gingival periodontal irrigator of a flexible material into an interproximal region. The sub-gingival periodontal irrigator has outer and inner V-shaped portions having outer working surfaces and inner working surfaces which intersect at their distal ends from the spines, such that a hollow space is present therebetween. Irrigation fluid, medication or antibacterial agents may be dispensed through at least one aperture in at least one working surface to the sub-gingival region.

Abstract: In order to take care of the oral hygiene needs of aged or infirm patients in health care facilities, or the like, a relatively small, compact, self-contained device can be carried by a lay operator from room to room. Fresh water in one container carried on the device is replenished from each room's fresh water faucet and waste water in another container is disposed of in the room's sink. Each patient has an individual tooth brush adapted to engage a handle connected by flexible tubing to the portable device and suitable switches enable the operator to control the operation of electrically actuated components effective to discharge fresh water through the bristles of the brush and vacuum waste water from the vicinity of the brush tip end. Particular care is built into the design of the unit to prevent cross-contamination and electrical shock hazard.

Abstract: A syringe tip is locked into a three-way dental handpiece body means of a syringe tip locking assembly that screws into a threaded receiver in the body of the handpiece. The locking assembly comprises an adaptor that has a central tapered male member that receives one end of the syringe tip, a gripping member that snaps over a raised lip on the end of the adaptor body and a locking cap that screws onto the adaptor and over the gripping member. The gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers that engage the syringe tip and the locking cap effects the tightening of the gripping fingers into the syringe tip. The locking assembly both applies a positive gripping action to the syringe tip and also pulls the syringe tip onto the tapered male member to securely hold the syringe tip in the adaptor during use by the dentist. The gripping member is captivated onto the raised lip of the adaptor to prevent inadvertent separation of the pieces.

Abstract: A shower mounted dental hygiene device is provided, which consists of a multipurpose direction valve to direct water flow to a shower head, dental hygiene device or both, a pulsating device, a dentifrice introduction device and an erogdynamically designed handle having a quick attachment device for interchanging dental hygiene attachments.

Abstract: A dental instrument including separable spray and suction mechanisms. The spray mechanism is preferably an air and water syringe of the type conventionally found in a dentist office. The spray mechanism has an elongate nozzle. The suction mechanism includes a tubular structure joined to a valve which is in turn joined to a suction or vacuum source. The tube includes an interior passageway and a forward suction opening into the passageway. The tube also includes a bend and has an aperture at the bend for removeably receiving the spray nozzle. In this manner the spray nozzle can be selectively inserted within the passageway of the suction mechanism. A user is then able to actuate either the spray mechanism and/or the suction mechanism utilizing a single hand that is holding the instrument 1. Alternatively, the mechanism may be removed from the suction mechanism and be utilized as an independent tool.

Abstract: Dental hand tools including disposable water and air treatment cartridges. In various constructions, cartridges containing selected arrangements of disinfectant media mount to a detachable, hand tool adaptor manifold or to an integral hand tool manifold. The cartridges purify water and air discharged from the hand tool of undesired microbes and pathogens. Seals at a cartridge body retain the cartridge to the manifold and direct liquid and air flow over external surfaces of the cartridge to an interior cavity containing a halogen disinfectant media (e.g. a multi-valent iodine resin) and/or halogen scavenger media and porous spacers. A retainer may interlock the cartridge to the manifold and means may be included to prevent leaching of the disinfectant by the scavenger media. Various constructions of handpieces, syringes and scalers compatible with alternative adaptors or having integral cartridge manifolds are disclosed.

Abstract: A pulsed irrigation handpiece comprises a pulsed irrigation liquid outlet for applying liquid pulses to a surgical site, a pump unit reciprocatingly driveable for pumping pulses of irrigation liquid through the outlet, an electric powered drive unit for reciprocatingly driving the pump unit, and a housing containing the pump and drive units. A irrigation inlet hose leads from the pump unit out of the handpiece housing and is connectable to a remote irrigation liquid source. An irrigation inlet hose adjacent the remote end thereof and electric conductors extending along the irrigation inlet hose transfer electric power from the supply unit to the drive unit in the handpiece. Removable tips are alternatively removably attachable to the irrigation liquid outlet adjacent the front end of the handpiece.

Abstract: A dental syringe for the controlled injection of air and water into a patient's mouth that effectively prevents the spread of contamination from patient to patient during the performance of dental procedures. The syringe comprises a one,piece, combination dispensing tip, head portion and handle portion that is constructed of plastic so that it can be disposed of after use. The air operated valves that control the flow of water and air through the dispensing tip are remotely located from the dispensing head so that they are not exposed to contamination during the performance of the dental procedure. The control valves of the apparatus can be easily operated by the thumb of the operator in a manner to effortlessly and precisely control the flow of air and water through the dispensing tip.

Abstract: A disposable tubular device adapted for releasable and sealing connection to a medical instrument for transporting fluid between a patient and the instrument comprises a generally pliable elongate tube of resilient material extending substantially the entire length of the device and a tube-support structure extending substantially the entire length of the tube. The medical instrument has a nipple with a fluid passageway therethrough and the tube has a proximal end configured to be slidably pushed onto the nipple of the medical instrument to a position in which the nipple fits snugly inside the proximal end of the tube. The tube further comprises a distal end and an elongate fluid passageway extending through the tube from its proximal end to its distal end. The fluid passageway is configured to communicate with the fluid passageway of the nipple when the proximal end of the tube is on the nipple.

Abstract: A liquid can be dosed advantageously using a syringe-like device, from a container fitted thereon, by means of a plunger mounted displaceably in a dosing chamber, this dosing chamber being connected to the container via a channnel passing through this plunger, a valve and a channel arranged together with the plunger in a connection tube.

Abstract: The syringe tip is connected to a syringe head by an assembly that permits quick detachment and replacement of syringe tips without the use of tools. In one embodiment the assembly is adjustable for permitting or restricting rotation of the syringe tip.

Abstract: An oral hygiene appliance includes a base on which upstands a cabinet having top, front and rear vertical walls. A pair of recesses are formed in either side of that front wall. A plurality of seats within those recesses are each receptive of a jet tip. An inlet is defined in the top wall. A cover is shaped to envelope the cabinet over the recesses and the inlet with the cover being invertable to serve as a reservoir. Disposed within the cabinet is a pump responsive to a pressure control for delivering water received from the inlet.Seated toward one end of the base is the lower end of an elongated electric toothbrush body. Individual brushes are seated in the base around the body and those brushes ordinarily to the rear of the body are elevated on a pedestal. At the opposite end of the base is a well in which is seated the lower end of a handle in which a faceted lower end of one of the jet tips may be captivated.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing assembly 10 of the type for dispensing a precise stream of a fluid, such as a liquid and/or gas is disclosed. The fluid dispensing assembly 10 comprises of a fluid dispensing instrument or fluid source means 12, a needle apparatus 14, and is characterized by an adapter 16 for connecting the fluid dispensing instrument 12 to the needle apparatus 14 to establish fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A deflector shield is defined by a one-piece homogeneous body of polymeric/copolymeric synthetic transparent plastic material defined by a central portion having an opening and a peripheral portion generally surrounding the opening, the deflector shield is slipped upon a dental air/water/spray syringe and when thus positioned a concave surface is positioned immediately adjacent an end of the syringe and deflects the material impinging thereagainst and redirects the flow path of the impinging material away from the operator/dentist/assistant.

Abstract: A dual cartridge system for purifying water supplied to a dental unit and dynamic dental instrument has two disposable elements, each having an iodinated anionic exchange resin containing a continuous fixed-rate release iodinated resin I.sub.(n). Iodine is released from the resin at a specified and consistent rate as water passes through the resin to maintain dental water purity. One cartridge is located in the dental unit water supply tubing. A second cartridge is located in the water supply tubing adjacent the connection to the water supply system. The iodinated biocidal resin in each cartridge neutralizes and kills disease-causing bacteria, virus, protozoa, aspirated oral flora and prevents microbial back-growth to eliminate cross-infection between dental patients.

Abstract: A compact sterilizable unit has a control box containing internal water and air supply networks and a sterilizable water supply bottle, dental handpiece and dental syringe removably connected to the control box by specially adapted connector fittings. The unit has a retrofit connection to a conventional four hole connector which supplies operating air in response to the conventional dental operatory foot control. Only sterile water is supplied to the patient from the sterile water bottle through the handpiece and syringe. The connection of the handpiece to the control box is through a high temperature resistant sterilizable tubing harness having an expanded sheath construction that does not inhibit bending. Short high temperature resistant tube sections which are strengthened by an expanded shrink fit covering sheath are disclosed. Special high temperature resistant tubing and seals are provided so that the entire unit may be sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for treating a tooth with an active agent such as a tooth whitening agent comprising a stint having an internal region defined by an internal surface. A plurality of indentations are formed in the internal surface for retaining the active agent to maintain the active agent in contact with the tooth when the stint is applied upon the tooth. The stint is molded from a sheet of plastic material with the indentations being formed by an abrading process such as abrasive blasting or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an appliance for oral hygiene, in particular an oral irrigating apparatus 10, comprising a hand-held unit 12 and a base unit 14 interconnected by a fluid conducting hose 19 and electrical conductors 21, 23. By means of an operating means 33 arranged on the handle section 28 of the hand-held unit 12, two operating parameters, particularly the On/Off state and the jet pressure of the oral irrigating apparatus 10, can be varied.

Abstract: Various adaptors are used for securing a replaceable syringe tip in operative relationship to a handpiece body. The syringe tip is mounted on a tapered male connector set in the hollow interior of the adaptor. O ring seals and a metal flange member are used to prevent the leakage of air or water passing from the handpiece into the interior of the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A captivated thumb nut is utilized to prevent the thumb nut from accidently disengaging completely from the adaptor. When the thumb nut is loosened to replace a syringe tip, the thumb nut will remain captivated on the adapter, only loosening enough to allow removal and insertion of a syringe tip.

Abstract: A device and methods of use and manufacture are disclosed for controlled diffusion of chemical substances of interest intraorally. The device includes ported structure formed of material that is substantially impermeable to the substance of interest, an inner wall of which defines a compartment communicating through the ports with the exterior of the device. A dispersed layer is formed in the compartment of material having limited permeability, the layer being formed so that contact is maintained with the inner wall across the ports after formation, the ports and the layer thus providing a region of permeability to diffusion of the chemical substance of interest. In use, either the chemical substance of interest or a composition capable of binding itself to the chemical substance of interest is placed in the compartment and the device is positioned in the mouth of a subject where it may remain for extended periods.

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

Abstract: A syringe tip is locked into a three-way dental handpiece body by means of a syringe tip locking assembly that screws into a threaded receiver in the body of the handpiece. The locking assembly comprises an adaptor that has a central tapered male member that receives one end of the syringe tip, a gripping member that fits over the tapered male member and a locking cap that screws onto the adaptor and over the gripping member. The gripping member includes a plurality of gripping fingers that engage the syringe tip and the locking cap effects the tightening of the gripping fingers into the syringe tip. The locking assembly both applies a positive gripping action to the syringe tip and also pulls the syringe tip onto the tapered male member to securely hold the syringe tip in the adaptor during use by the dentist. The gripping member is captivated inside the locking cap to prevent inadvertent separation of the pieces.

Abstract: A device for use in removing food debris from between the teeth includes a rigid body having a fluid passage in it extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, means for connecting the inlet to a source of fluid under pressure, a valve in the passage for controlling fluid flow through the passage, manual means for operating the valve, a rigid tube extending from the fluid outlet to a fluid exit orifice, and pressure relief means between that outlet and the exit orifice.

Abstract: A water supply device for dental apparatuses which is provided with an arrangement to prevent backflow of contaminated water from any one of the dental apparatuses into the fresh water supply is characterized by providing a separate container for receiving water from the water system and a pump for pumping water from the container through lines to each of the discharge locations for the dental apparatus. In one embodiment, the pump is driven by an electrical motor and in another embodiment the pump is formed by two air-actuated piston pumps that work asynchronously. The arrangement can include a second container for disinfectant, which is discharged into the first container as fluid is added to the first container.

Abstract: A forming apparatus has a passage with a chamfered entrance for bending a tip of a syringe such as a syringe used for dispensing dental material. The passage and chamfered entrance enable the tip to be bent to a desired angular configuration while in view of the user.

Abstract: An air dryer device including a tapered cylindrical casing consisting of five sections and fastened to a dental 3-way syringe for the holding of the hand, and an air dryer unit fastened inside the tapered cylindrical casing to remove moisture from the air being compressed to the dental 3-way syringe, the air dryer unit consisting of a layer of activated aluminum particles, a layer of activated carbon, and an air filter board respectively separated by wire gauzes.

Abstract: A tool member is arranged to provide a compressed air discharge into a fluid filled chamber to direct fluid from the chamber into one of a plurality of irrigation tools. The irrigation tools are arranged for frictional engagement within a socket of the tool member.

Abstract: The nozzle holder comprises a liquid conduit and a valve (5) actuated by a control button (8) which, in the rest position, leaves free the passage of the jet of pulsed liquid towards the nozzle fixed to the nozzle holder and which, in the pressed position, closes this passage.The valve (5) comprises a chamber (9) which is in communication with the upstream part (6) of the conduit and connected through the opening (7a) of the valve to the downstream part (7) of said conduit. This chamber (9) is delimited partially by an elastic cup (10) which can be deformed by the button (8) and which, in the rest state of the button (8), under the effect of its own elasticity and of the pressure of the liquid, remains moved away from the opening (7a) of the valve and is completely inactive while, under the action of the pressed button, it covers the opening (7a) of the valve (5) to block the passage of the liquid.

Abstract: The apparatus for bodily care, in particular for massaging the gums and cleaning the teeth, by means of a jet of liquid pulsed by a piston pump, comprises a working chamber (4) connected to an outlet conduit (5), in which chamber the piston (6) is driven with reciprocating movements by an electric motor, an admission chamber (2) connected to an admission conduit (3) and an admission valve (9) arranged in the communication opening between the admission (2) and working (4) chambers, and a reservoir of liquid (12) connected to the admission conduit for feeding a spraying nozzle (17) connected to the outlet conduit (5). The movable part (9a, 9b) of the admission valve (9) is accommodated freely and easily movable without any stress.

Abstract: A dental cleaning nozzle has a brush element combined with a water jet. The jet is directed to provide interaction with the brush element with a part of the jet bypassing the end of the brush element. The arrangement enhances plaque removal.

Abstract: The hydraulic apparatus comprises a handpiece connected via a pipe to a pump through an outlet orifice of the casing and a liquid reservoir feeding the pump, in the position of non-utilization the handpiece and the pipe rolled up in a spiral are accommodated on a platform. The end of the pipe connected to the outlet orifice of the casing is installed rotationally movably about the axis of the pipe. Preferably, the platform is itself installed on the casing in a movable manner about an axis perpendicular to the plane of this platform, by a turning adapter mounted in the outlet orifice of the casing.

Abstract: A barrel serves as a reservoir in which a treatment fluid is to be contained and within which barrel is a slideable plunger. A connector at one end of the barrel is receptive to attachment of a cannula. Another connector is located at the other end of the barrel. A housing has a coupling attachable to that other connector. On the housing is a detachable fitting receptive of a hose which delivers air under pressure. Included in the housing is an adjustable air pressure regulator in an air flow path between the detachable fitting and the coupling with the regulator being selectively adjustable to control the flow of the air in that path. Associated with the irrigator is a container for the treatment fluid and which includes a pump sealingly attachable to the one end of the barrel for delivering the fluid into the reservoir in response to movement of the barrel.

Abstract: A mouth cavity sanitary device comprising: an outer case formed in a cylindrical shape so as to be capable of being held by one hand; an elongated drive unit detachably accommodated in the outer case from a lower portion, the drive unit having a pump thereof disposed in a lower portion of the outer case; a battery detachably accommodated in the outer case from also the lower portion so as to run parallel to the drive unit, the battery being electrically connected to the motor of the drive unit; a reservoir chamber formed from the upper portion of the outer case to the portion in which the drive unit and the battery are respectively accommodated, the reservoir chamber being connected to the suction side of the pump; and a nozzle the base portion of which is detachably fastened to the upper portion of the outer case, the nozzle being connected to the discharge side of the pump.

Abstract: A nozzle for use with a dental tool having a hand-piece comprising first and second fluid conduits for delivering first and second fluids to a discharge end of the hand-piece. The nozzle is releasably engageable with the discharge end of the hand-piece and comprises an inner tube and an outer tube each having an intake end and a discharge end. The tubes define first and second fluid passages having coaxial intake ports for fluid communication with the first and second fluid conduits and coaxial discharge ports for pressurized delivery of the first and second fluids to the teeth of the patient. The intake end of the inner tube extends axially from the intake end of the outer tube and is connected to the first conduit when the nozzle is engaged with the hand-piece so that fluid discharged from the first conduit flows through the first passage.

Abstract: Oral compositions for the local administration of a therapeutic agent to a periodontal pocket of a patient for alleviating dental disease comprise a plurality of dry, discrete microparticles each of which comprise an effective amount of at least one therapeutic agent dispersed in a matrix comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Apparatus and methods are also provided for the dispensing of the dry microparticles to the periodontal pocket whereby they become tacky and adhere to the involved tissue so as to induce long term therapeutic benefits.

Abstract: The apparatus is a dental hygiene device for therapeutically caring for the mouth and throat. The liquid reservoir can be turned upside down to encase the liquid driving mechanism and the nozzle for a compact storage position. The sidewalls of the reservoir is undulated so as to provide a convenient way to grip or engage the lid of the reservoir.

Abstract: A clear rigid plastic syringe tip having a central water passageway and three arcuate section air passageways disposed circumferentially about the water passageway. A novel adaptor is used to mount the syringe tip to the handpiece body.

Abstract: A dental syringe is constructed as an assembly of which the handle, head and tip components, which together include substantially all of the exterior surfaces of the syringe, can be quickly detached from an internal cartridge, which is connected to the utility conduits. The cartridge is constructed to close off the utility lines when it is detached from and to open the utility lines when it is connected to the remainder of the assembly.

Abstract: An oral irrigator device is formed of an adapter mountable in interposed relation between a supply pipe of treatment liquid, generally water, and a shower head, a user-graspable handpiece, and a flexible liquid-communicating hose connecting the adapter and handpiece. A rotatable turbine within the adapter generates, from the continuous-flow stream of treatment liquid from the supply pipe, a pulsating stream of the liquid for delivery to the handpiece through a normalizing flow regulator and the flexible connecting hose. In the handpiece, the pulsating stream is separated into a primary stream for discharge through an appliance head carried on the handpiece and a secondary stream that is directed into an expansion chamber partially bounded by an elastic diaphragm which separates the chamber from a storage reservoir for a flowable medicament.

Abstract: A gel tray for holding a medicament to be applied to the teeth and gums of a patient includes a handle and an opposing buckle. In one embodiment, the buckle includes a tongue portion and a retainer strip surrounding the tongue portion so as to define a narrow space between the tongue portion and the retainer strip, the narrow strip having a width less than the thickness of the handle. The handle has a tongue reception groove extending transverse to its length at a position such that the tongue reception groove is engaged by the tongue when the tray is folded. In another embodiment, slotted tabs are interfitted when the tray is folded. The tray may therefore be securely maintained in the folded state. The tray can be combined with or preloaded with a treatment agent such as a gel comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of at least one agent for treating teeth or gums dispersed in a gel medium consisting essentially of water and an amount of a water dispersible gelling agent sufficient to form a gel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for preventing bacterial contamination from being introduced into a dental patient's mouth from water flowing through a dental tool water line. A flexible water line typically used for supplying water to a dental syringe, high-speed hand piece, or ultrasonic scaler has been found to support and encourage the growth of a significant biofilm that serves as a source of bacteria. To prevent the bacteria from being introduced into a patient's mouth by water flowing through the line, and thus into the patient's system, an in-line water filter is installed within the water line supplying water to the dental tool, at a point adjacent thereto. Conventional Luer fittings on the in-line water filter facilitate its quick installation and replacement. In addition, a cap protects the sterility of the outlet port of the in-line water filter during the installation process.

Abstract: An actuator for a control valve of a dental syringe having a body including a button having a head larger than the diameter of a passageway in which the actuator is to be installed to actuate a control valve of the syringe, a shoulder closely fitting in the passageway, a shaft smaller than the shoulder and having an O-ring snugly fitted therearound and the O-ring also fitting into a groove provided therefor in the passageway, a valve stem engaging portion and a tapered collar extending from the shaft to the valve stem engaging portion to provide for easy O-ring installation.

Abstract: Irrigation system and method for delivering a selected one of multiple liquid solutions to a treatment site include a plurality of solution reservoirs, each including a quantity of a respective liquid solution, a handpiece, a selector valve for fluidly coupling the handpiece to a selected one of the liquid solutions and a pump for causing a selected one of the liquid solutions to flow to the handpiece for delivery to the treatment site. Each of the liquid solutions may have a color which is distinguishable from the color of the other liquid solutions and the tubing to the handpiece is transparent so that the color of a liquid solution flowing through the tube is visible during treatment thereby enabling the identity of the particular solution being used to be quickly verified during treatment. The irrigation system is preferably a closed system with the pump as well as a heater for heating the liquid solution being situated outside of the flow path of the liquid solution.

Abstract: A splatter guard for air polishing dental devices includes a generally bell-shaped flexible member which is designed to be attached to the distal end of the air polishing device. The bell-shaped member creates a chamber which is designed to receive the back splash and splattered fluids emanating from the nozzle of the air polishing device. In this manner, the fluid from the air polishing dental device is prevented from being splattered or splashed against a patient's soft tissues, a patient's face or clothes, or the operator of the device.

Abstract: Dental syringe covers are described in several different forms. In one form the syringe cover is of a soft, rubbery material at least at its tip, the tip being formed into a one-way valve by a duckbill construction so that fluid cannot enter from outside. In all embodiments the syringe cover, tapered in shape, fits tightly over the metal dental syringe so that no liquid from the syringe can flow backward over the surface of the syringe. Another feature is a longitudinal gap between the syringe tip and the tip of the syringe cover. The gap functions to isolate the syringe tip from the exterior environment as well as to improve the stream of air, water or air/water mix delivered from the syringe. Preferably the syringe covers include an enlarged generally bell-shaped feature at the end opposite the tip, providing a surrounding cover or sheath for a nut or other fastener typically present at the base end of the metal syringe.

Abstract: Various adaptors are used for securing a replaceable syringe tip in operative relationship to a handpiece body. The syringe tip is mounted on a tapered male connector set in the hollow interior of the adaptor. O ring seals and a metal flange member are used to prevent the leakage of air or water passing from the handpiece into the interior of the adaptor and then into the syringe tip. A captivated thumb nut is utilized to prevent the thumb nut from accidently disengaging completely from the adaptor. When the thumb nut is loosened to replace a syringe tip, the thumb nut will remain captivated on the adapter, only loosening enough to allow removal and insertion of a syringe tip.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking samples from gum pockets, including a holder (1) for an ampoule (3) detachably inserted therein, a manually operated element (2) cooperating with the holder for reducing the space in the ampoule, so that liquid contained therein will be fed out through a cannula (4) connected to the holder, the cannula being intended to be inserted in a gum pocket. The apparatus is provided with means for restoring at least partly the space in the ampoule for feeding a mixture of sample and liquid into the ampoule.

Abstract: A control unit for an air-polisher is provided, wherein a bleed air line and an air/abrasive line both communicate with a diaphragm valve which in turn communicates with an air polisher handpiece which is stored in a bracket or other holder. The diaphragm valve is closed when the handpiece is in an idle mode and not in its bracket. This blocks pressurized container air and bleed air from carrying water and abrasive out of the nozzle immediately after the handpiece is deactivated, without allowing soluble abrasive within the handpiece to form a plug therein.

Abstract: An oral hygiene device comprises a bowl, a handle and a lid hinged to the bowl. Water is connected to the device by a small hose, and a drainage hose is provided. A valve is interconnected with the lid to initiate the flow of flushing water into the bowl when the lid opens. A manually operable valve is operable to provide a fountain of rinsing water. A mouth wash fountain may also be provided. The lid is upwardly dished to provide an interior compartment closed off by a mirror which is hinged to provide access to the compartment. A light may also be provided in the compartment. A pump is provided for emptying drainage water. The device may be used out of the bathroom by bedridden patients.

Abstract: There is disclosed a .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process and a .[.material.]. .Iadd.composition .Iaddend.for brightening teeth.Iadd., together with a novel use of old compositions for brightening teeth. .Iaddend.The .Iadd.novel .Iaddend.process .Iadd.and use each comprises .Iaddend..[.comprises.]. the .[.construction.]. .Iadd.placing .Iaddend.of a splint around the tooth or teeth to be brightened, .[.followed by the insertion within the splint of.]. .Iadd.with .Iaddend.a brightening agent .[.selected from one of many peroxide groups.]. .Iadd.comprising a composition capable of sustained nascent oxygen release.Iaddend.. The splint is constructed so that the splint is relatively liquid tight .[.to the gingiva.].. .Iadd.Preferably, .Iaddend.the brightening agent is periodically renewed .Iadd.during the day .Iaddend.and can be mixed with various other agents to increase the nascent oxygen release .[.aerating factors.].. In one embodiment, the .[.perioxide.]. .Iadd.peroxide .Iaddend.