| 摘要 |
An instrument (10) is provided for manipulating a length of dental floss (18) so as to allow for simultaneous cleaning of the sides and the rear of a tooth. The instrument (10) comprises a handle (12) having a channel (14) therein. A pair of prongs (20) extend away from the handle (12) to distal ends that define an axis therebetween. The prongs (20) hold a length of floss (18) between their respective distal ends along the axis. A slide member (28), having a floss engaging member (32) pivotally secured thereto, is slidably retained in the channel (14) for movement along a slide axis located between and extending perpendicular to the prong-defined axis. The slide member (28) moves along the slide axis between a retracted position and an extended position. As the slide member (28) moves to the extended position, the floss engaging member (32) pivots to a floss-engaging position transverse to the slide axis for engaging the length of floss (18) so as to reconfigure the length of floss (18) to a bowed configuration. The floss (18) in the bowed configuration is positioned about the tooth to be cleaned so that the floss is proximate the rear and sides of the tooth. The slide member (28) is then returned to the retracted position so as to release the floss (18) and leave the floss positioned about the tooth. The floss is now in position to simultaneously clean the sides and the rear of the tooth when the instrument handle is suitably manipulated.
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