Disposable dental appliance

Abstract

A disposable device for cleaning teeth which incorporates cleaning and/or fluoride components is disclosed. An open compartment defines an elongated volume and an elongated opening extending around the periphery of the top of the volume. A flange is disposed adjacent to the periphery of the top of the volume. The flange is integral with the compartment. This compartment is configured to be substantially flat. A closure member is disposed over the flange. This closure member is secured around the entire periphery of the top of the volume. The closure member may be removed when it is so desired. The compartment can be sealed. The tubular member is contained in the compartment. A quantity of toothpaste is disposed in the compartment.

1 . Apparatus for cleaning the teeth, comprising:
 (a) an open compartment, said compartment defining an elongated volume and an elongated opening extending around the periphery of the top of said volume;   (b) a flange disposed adjacent to the periphery of the top of said volume, said flange being integral with said compartment, said flange being configured to be substantially flat;   (c) a closure member disposed over said flange, said closure member being secured around the entire periphery of the top of said volume defined by said opened apartment, whereby said open compartment is sealed;   (d) a tubular member; and   (e) a quantity of toothpaste disposed in said compartment.   
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said flange is substantially planar in configuration. 
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said compartment comprises a bottom and sidewalls. 
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said toothpaste is disposed on said tubular member. 
   
   
       5 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said tubular member has a surface which is uneven. 
   
   
       6 . Apparatus as in  claim 5 , wherein said uneven surface is configured to include annular ridges. 
   
   
       7 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said tubular member is foam plastic. 
   
   
       8 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said tubular member is a plastic material which incorporates scrubbing members, such as bristles. 
   
   
       9 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein said compartment comprises a bottom and sidewalls and wherein said toothpaste is disposed on the bottom of said compartment. 
   
   
       10 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a tooth-pick and a toothpick subcompartment is defined by said compartment. 
   
   
       11 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a brushpick. 
   
   
       12 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a floss-pick. 
   
   
       13 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , further comprising a separate but connected reservoir in which toothpaste is contained. 
   
   
       14 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the toothpaste is a gel or semi-gel. 
   
   
       15 . Apparatus as in  claim 1 , wherein the tubular member is closed. 
   
   
       16 . Apparatus as in  claim 15 , wherein the tubular member is rolled onto itself to form a substantially flat member.