Combined flosser and interproximal brush device

1 . A combined floss threader and interproximal brush device comprising:

an interproximal brush having a core and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, where the interproximal brush has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the interproximal brush defines a terminal distal end of the device;

a connector having one end thereof coupled to the proximal end of the interproximal brush; and

a floss threader having a linear portion and a loop, where a distal end of the linear portion is connected to an opposing end of the connector, and the loop defines the proximal end of the floss threader,

wherein the interproximal brush is angled with respect to an axis extending through the floss threader;

wherein the linear portion and the loop are constructed from a central metal wire surrounded by a coating of plastic; and

wherein the loop, linear portion, connector and interproximal brush are configured to be inserted in a gap between adjacent teeth.

2 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 1

wherein the loop has a pointed extension affixed to an end of the loop.

3 . A combined floss threader and interproximal brush device comprising:

an interproximal brush having a core and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, where the interproximal brush has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the interproximal brush defines a terminal distal end of the device;

a handle having a first end coupled to the proximal end of the interproximal brush;

a floss threader having a linear portion and a loop, where a distal end of the linear portion is-connected to an opposing second end of the handle, and the loop defines the proximal end of the floss threader; and

a pointed extension affixed to and extending proximally from the loop, wherein the pointed extension and loop are configured to be inserted in a gap between adjacent teeth;

wherein the linear portion and the loop are constructed from a central metal wire surrounded by a coating of plastic.

4 . The combined floss threader and interproximal device of claim 3 , wherein the handle is a plastic handle.

5 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 4 , wherein the handle is plastic and is from 3 inches to 6 inches in length and from 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm in width.

6 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 4 , wherein the handle has a cylindrical distal portion and a conical proximal portion and is from about ½ inch to about 2 inches in length and from about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm in width.

7 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 4 , wherein the handle is detachably connected to the interproximal brush.

8 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 4 , wherein the handle is flexible and tubular.

9 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 8 , wherein the handle is flexible up to 180 degrees.

10 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 8 , wherein the handle is arced.

11 . The combined floss threader and interproximal brush device of claim 10 wherein the degree of arc is from about 10 degrees to about 180 degrees.

12 . A method of flossing a gap between teeth, comprising:

providing a combined floss threader and interproximal brush device, wherein the combined floss threader and interproximal brush device comprises: an interproximal brush having a core and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, where the interproximal brush has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the interproximal brush defines a terminal distal end of the device; a handle having a first end coupled to the proximal end of the interproximal brush; a floss threader having a linear portion and a loop, where a distal end of the linear portion is-connected to an opposing second end of the handle, and the loop defines the proximal end of the floss threader; and a pointed extension affixed to and extending proximally from the loop;

wherein the interproximal brush is angled with respect to an axis extending through the floss threader and wherein the linear portion and the loop—are constructed from a central metal wire-surrounded by a coating of plastic;

looping a length of dental floss or dental tape through the loop of the floss threader;

inserting the pointed extension and loop of the floss threader into a gap between teeth and below an orthodontic or prosthodontic component;

flossing the gap with the length of dental floss or dental tape;

removing the floss threader; and

cleaning the gap in the teeth with the interproximal brush.

13 . A method of cleaning a gap between teeth, comprising:

providing a combined floss threader and interproximal brush device, wherein the combined floss threader and interproximal brush device comprises: an interproximal brush having a core and a plurality of bristles extending from the core, where the interproximal brush has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the interproximal brush defines a terminal distal end of the device; a connector having one end thereof coupled to the proximal end of the interproximal brush; and a floss threader having a linear portion and a loop, where a distal end of the linear portion is connected to an opposing end of the connector, and the loop defines the proximal end of the floss threader wherein the interproximal brush is angled with respect to an axis extending through the floss threader and wherein the linear portion and the loop are constructed from a central metal wire surrounded by a coating of plastic

passing the floss threader, without floss, through a gap between teeth, and

pulling the device through the gap such that the interproximal brush passes through the gap.