Flexible dental floss applicator and interdental gum stimulator

Abstract

The invention is a dental floss applicator and interdental stimulator that is flexible and also includes a guard to ensure that the dental floss has not been used or otherwise tampered with. Users can adjust the angle of the dental floss applicator and stimulator into a configuration that best suits their particular needs. When flex adjusted, the applicator is able to hold its new configuration while maintaining sufficient strength to allow the user to comfortably maneuver the apparatus to properly floss the teeth or stimulate the gums. Furthermore, the invention is disposable, rendering it convenient to use after a meal when the user is away from a private bathroom setting, such as at a home or other lodging.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dental hygiene apparatus, comprising
 a teeth-cleaning means, and   a handling means, whereby said teeth-cleaning means and said handling means are united and pliable at their points of joinder.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a flexible elbow. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth-cleaning means comprises arms securing one or more lengths of interdental material. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said material is dental floss. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth-cleaning means further comprises a tapered portion at one end of said apparatus. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the tapered portion is chisel-shaped or pointed. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth-cleaning means has a range of flexibility from 0 to about 90 degrees relative to its original position. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth-cleaning means is capable of adhering to its new position after flex adjustment. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the teeth-cleaning means can be bent approximately 90 degrees to the right and then approximately 90 degrees to the left and so forth for at least 20 times without breaking. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the handling means comprises a handle with ridges, grooves, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         11 . An dental hygiene apparatus, comprising
 an elongated member,   a flexible elbow, and   two arms securing one or more lengths of interdental material.   
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the elongated member comprises a tapered end. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the tapered end is chisel-shaped or pointed. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the elongated member comprises ridges, grooves, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the apparatus, in whole or in part, is constructed of a thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the resin is a polymer. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the polymer is polypropylene. 
     
     
         18 . A dental hygiene apparatus, comprising
 a cleaning head comprising arms for securing one or more lengths of floss,   a flexible elbow,   an elongated member, and   a guarding means for preventing a user from using said apparatus.   
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the guarding means comprises a locking device and a mating recess that securely accepts said locking device. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein the locking device will break off when said guarding means is removed from said apparatus. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 18 , wherein the guarding means comprises a thin material that securely grips and covers the cleaning head and cannot be removed without destruction of said material.