Dental disease is caused by the accumulation of microscopic germs (bacteria) on the teeth and gums. These germs, which are always present even in healthy mouths, mix with saliva to form a transparent, sticky coating called bacterial plaque. Bacterial plaque generates acid which attacks the teeth, generally in the tiny crevices near the gum line between the teeth and the gum resulting in tooth decay, tender and bleeding gums, foul breath, etc. The presence of bacteria alone in a disorganized state produces no harmful effects. To disorganize the bacteria daily will greatly reduce, if not eliminate, dental disease.
Dental floss has been used to break up colonies of bacteria that gather at or near the gum line of the teeth. The present invention is a toothpick which is rolled from a flat piece of wood or formed from plastic. Inside the toothpick located longitudinally along its center is a piece of dental floss which is accessible when the toothpick is broken and the two pieces are pulled apart.
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