AU2009213016B2 - A Dental Hygiene Aid and Method of Use - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 STANDARD SPECIFICATION Invention Title: A Dental Hygiene Aid and Method of Use Applicant: Bright Star Dental Pty Ltd The invention is described in the following statement: 2 A Dental Hygiene Aid and Method of Use Field of the Invention. The present invention relates to dental devices and particularly to floss dispensers. 5 Background Art. Daily tooth brushing has been well instilled in our society for a long time. However, getting everyone to brush thoroughly is another story. Furthermore, a good portion of society regularly have dental check-ups and cleans, which is also crucial in maintaining oral health long term. Financial, education and access 10 constraints tend to be what influence an individual on whether they go and see a dentist or hygienist regularly for regular check-ups and cleans. One thing that has been a constant frustration in the dental industry has been and still is, flossing. One key to keeping teeth and gums healthy long term will require daily brushing and flossing as well as regular professional check-ups and 15 cleans. So as mentioned earlier, tooth brushing and check-ups are generally well accepted by society. Getting people to floss regularly is generally unaccepted by society as a whole, this is clearly evident in the dental practice. One dental professional estimates that 35% of patients floss regularly but this is a poor indicator for society as a whole. 20 The people who come for regular check-ups and cleans are typically those who generally take pride in their own oral health and are well educated dentally. As a population as a whole, only 10% to 20% would floss regularly (daily). The vast majority of people would never floss or floss less than once a week. A good portion floss but irregularly (more than once a week but less than 3 times a week). 25 The reason why regular flossing is important is that it removes and disturbs harmful bacterial colonies, which thrive between the teeth. These bacterial colonies cannot be removed or disturbed through regular brushing alone as the bristles on the toothbrush cannot squeeze between the teeth and below the gum line. If bacteria colonies are left undisturbed, studies have shown that risk of interproximal 30 decay (decay beginning between teeth) as well as gingivitis (gum inflammation) increase exponentially. Furthermore, in some individuals, chronic (long term) gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). Periodontal disease is complex and unpredictable, where the body's own immune system is triggered into 3 destroying the alveolar bone which supports teeth in the jaw. Another simple problem that arises due to a lack of regular flossing is halitosis (bad breath). Even patients who have what appear to be a healthy set of teeth often find they have six or seven holes between their teeth after taking a set of bitewings (specialised x-rays). These types of 5 lesions are only normally found in patients that don't floss regularly. Even after education, few patients will actually end up flossing regularly. Most patients give excuses of: - not being able to form a solid routine - forgetting to floss 10 - being too tired - misplacing the floss - bleeding or sore gums after flossing Gums generally bleed when gingivitis is present, the only real way to stop the gingivitis is to actually floss regularly. Therefore, when starting a flossing 15 routine, bleeding is common but should disappear after a short period (<week) as the gums health improve. Some people are too forceful with the floss and cut their gums, causing them to be sore. This is why a gentle 'back and forth' sliding technique helps the floss slip between the teeth without overstepping and cutting the gums. Therefore, the key problems with getting people to floss regularly mainly revolve around being 20 able to build a sound routine through education, remembering and finding the time in the day to floss. In a 2005 study, by Heikki Murtomaa, Lauki Turtola, Inkeri Rytaumaa entitled 'Use of dental floss by Finnish students', and reported in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, a group of first-year students were invited to a free dental 25 examination. 186 of the students invited (76%) were examined clinically and roentgenologically. The mean DMFS-index of the students was 22.6 (± 12.6). They were also asked about their use of dental floss. 35% of the students reported using dental floss, but only 2% reported daily usage. 45% of the students had been taught how to use dental floss, and 83% of these had been taught by dental personnel. 30 Teaching had no effect on the reported frequency of use. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

4 Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to a dental hygiene aid and method of use, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. 5 With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a dental hygiene aid including a housing adapted to receive a roll of dental floss therein, an opening in a lower portion of the housing, a cutting implement located on a side wall of the housing other than the rear surface and a depression formed in an outer surface of the housing between the opening and the cutting 10 implement. In an alternative form, the invention resides in a method for forming a flossing habit, the method including the steps of mounting a floss dispenser as a mnemonic device adjacent a sink or shower recess in a visually apparent position such that when a person uses the sink or shower, the person is reminded to floss by seeing 15 the floss dispenser. In an alternative form, the invention resides in a method for forming a flossing habit, the method including the steps of mounting a floss dispenser as a mnemonic device adjacent a sink or shower recess in a visually apparent position, the floss dispenser including a housing adapted to receive a roll of dental floss therein, an 20 opening in a lower portion of the housing, a cutting implement located on a side wall of the housing other than the rear surface and a depression formed in an outer surface of the housing between the opening and the cutting implement, such that when a person uses the sink or shower, the person is reminded to floss by seeing the floss dispenser. 25 The present invention is based around providing a mnemonic device to assist people with developing a habit of flossing. The advantages would be: 1. Able to remember: as the user showers, having the floss in plain sight in the shower would encourage the user to remember and gives a definitive place to floss. 30 2. Able to find the floss: as the floss is secured in the shower, it cannot be misplaced.

5 3. Hygiene: flossing in the shower ensures plaque goes down the drain rather than going on the fingers and subsequently on door handle, or being similarly spread to other locations. The device of the present invention includes a housing. There are 5 typically two main, preferred embodiments of the housing according to the present invention, namely a single roll housing and a multiple roll housing. Regardless of the particular embodiment, it is preferred that the housing be a multipart housing, preferably a pair of parts which engage with one another to close the housing. Typically, the housing will be openable in order to 10 replace the floss. Preferably, the portions of the housing will be hinged to one another and the hinge may be located at an upper portion, a lower portion or any other location. In the case of the single roll housing, the housing will preferably be substantially circular when viewed from the front. The housing will preferably have a 15 generally planar bottom wall and the hinge will preferably be located between the portions of the housing at the bottom wall. Each housing portion will preferably be provided with a substantially circular wall with a planar portion in the case of the preferred shape, and a depending sidewall from the periphery of the circular wall. It is preferred that the depending 20 sidewalls of the respective housing portions correspond in size such that when the housing portions are placed together, these sidewalls meet each other to close the housing. This embodiment may be termed a "clam shell" embodiment. Typically, securing means will be provided in order to secure the housing portions to one another in the closed condition. Further, one or more seals 25 may be provided in order to prevent or at least limit water ingress into the housing. Typically, any seals provided will be provided around the edge or periphery of one of the sidewalls. Preferably, the entire housing is manufactured from a material suitable to the environment in which the device will be used, such as plastic. 30 In the case of the multiple roll housing, the housing will be similar to the single roll housing but be sized and adapted to suit two or more rolls of floss. Typically, the multiple roll housing will be provided with a planar first housing portion and an arcuate second portion. The second portion will preferably have a 6 curved or partially spherical upper portion. Typically, planar sidewalls will depend from the partially spherical portion to define the remainder of the housing. Again, the housing will normally be provided with a planar base wall. Regardless of the particular embodiment, each housing will normally 5 be provided with a mounting assembly within the housing in order to receive and hold a roll of floss. Typically, the mounting assembly will include a cylindrical flange or extension extending from each housing portion, with the respective cylindrical flanges or extensions engaging or at least abutting one another when the housing portions are closed. Normally, the roll of floss will be placed over one of the cylindrical flanges or 10 extensions and then the housing closed in order to position the role within the housing. By providing cylindrical flanges or extensions, when the floss is pulled from the housing, the roll will unroll about the cylindrical flange or extension. Regardless of the embodiment, the housing will include at least one opening through which the floss can extend and be pulled in order to use the floss. 15 In the single roll housing embodiment, a single opening will typically be provided in a lower portion of the housing. The opening may extend through one or both portions of the housing and will be dimensioned in order to allow floss to pass but have the opening as small as possible. Typically, the single opening of this embodiment will be provided to 20 one lateral side of a lower wall of the housing. The opening will also typically be adapted to act as a guide for the rolling of the floss. The periphery defining the opening may be tapered or rolled in order to decrease the stress placed on the floss and to minimise the chance that the floss will break as the floss is being pulled from the housing. 25 In the multiple roll housing embodiment, there will typically be more than one opening and preferably the number of openings will be the same as the number of rolls contained in the housing with the floss from each roll extending through one opening. Typically, the rolls will be mounted at least partially above one another in order to minimise the size of the housing and therefore the footprint of the 30 device. Preferably, the openings will be provided in a lower wall of the housing and typically spaced across the lower wall. The housing of the preferred embodiment will include a flattened portion on a rear surface of the housing for abutting a support surface. The flattened 7 portion may be the rear of the housing or may be an attachment assembly provided adjacent the rear of the housing. Where provided, an attachment assembly will preferably include a keyway or opening which is shaped to receive and typically engage, a corresponding key portion. 5 Preferably, the attachment assembly will typically include a positive engagement portion. In a preferred embodiment, the key will be provided with a protrusion standing proud of surface of the key and a corresponding depression or opening will be provided in the keyway. It is of course anticipated that a reverse configuration may be used. 10 The keyway will typically be a substantially planar opening or slot in order to receive a substantially planar key portion. The key portion will typically be provided with the projection such that insertion of the key into the keyway will continue until the projection abuts the surround of the keyway and then force must be applied to the key in order to temporarily deform the protrusion in order to pass the 15 keyway until the protrusion is aligned with the depression or opening. This configuration will typically provide tactile and/or audible feedback of the engagement between the key and the keyway. The attachment assembly of the preferred embodiment will typically be a substantially rectangular block with a keyway opening therein. Preferably, the 20 keyway will extend from the top of the rectangular block towards the bottom and may extend through the block or simply into the block. It is preferred that the attachment assembly be integrally moulded with the housing portion and possess a planar rearmost surface. The cutting implement of the preferred embodiment may be a simple 25 metal extension against which the floss can be abraded causing severing of the floss. It is preferred that the cutting implement be configured and positioned to minimise the chance of any accidental injury caused by the cutting implement. According to a most preferred embodiment, the cutting implement will typically be configured as a metal plate with a shaped portion stamped out of the plate 30 and standing slightly proud of the plate. The cutting portions will therefore normally be formed at the junction between the stamped portion and the plate itself. Preferably, the stamped portion will have a rounded end or leading edge in order to minimise injury. Normally, the stamped portion will be spaced from 8 the remainder of the plate, but the distance of separation will normally decrease towards the plate providing a diverging opening between the stamped portion and the plate. In use, the floss will typically be fed under the stamped portion and then tensioned or reciprocated until the floss separates. 5 The cutting implement is preferably spaced from the opening through which the floss is withdrawn from the housing. The cutting implement will typically be located at least halfway up a forward face of the housing. Use of the cutting implement to sever the floss will typically create a free end of floss which remains outside the housing and typically due to the method of 10 severing the floss, will remain engaged with the cutting implement. This will assist with the location of the free end of the floss when the floss is next used. A depression is also formed on an outer face of the housing between the opening through which the floss is removed from the housing and the cutting implement. The purpose of the depression is to allow a user to grip the free end of the 15 floss, which will typically remain engaged with the cutting implement from the last use, prior to dispensing the floss for a subsequent use. The depression will typically extend transversely across the housing, normally in the front face of the housing. The depression is sized to at least partially receive a user's finger. 20 There are various methods by which the housing may be attached a relative to a surface in order to operate as a mnemonic device. For example, a simple adhesive strip may be applied to a planar rear surface and then the housing may be stuck onto the surface. Alternative attachment methods involve the use of a key as discussed 25 above. The key will typically be attached to or formed integrally with any number of attachment devices such as clips, clamps, hooks for engaging with a tap or shower rose for example, or suction devices. The key may be rigidly attached to the attachment device or hinges or other rotational elements may be provided. As mentioned above, the device of the present invention will typically 30 be used according to a method in which the device operates as a mnemonic device. Preferably, the device will be positioned where a user will see the device, which will trigger the user to remember to floss. Preferably, the device will be located on a 9 surface in a bathroom for example adjacent a toothbrush holder or adjacent to a sink or in a shower. Preferably, the device will be located at approximately eyelevel. Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference 5 to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an isometric view from the front of a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a front view of the device illustrated in Figure 1 with the housing open. 10 Figure 3 is an isometric view from the rear of a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a front view of the device illustrated in Figure 1 with the housing open. Figure 5 is a front, side and perspective view of a clip attachment for a 15 dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 6 is a front and side view of a hook attachment for a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 7 is a front and side view of an adhesive strip attachment for a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment. 20 Figure 8 is a front and side view of a suction attachment for a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 9 is a front and side view of a clamp attachment for a dental hygiene device according to a preferred embodiment. Figure 10 is a side view of a single roll embodiment device with the 25 adhesive strip attachment illustrated in Figure 7. Figure 11 is a front view of a single roll embodiment device with the hook attachment illustrated in Figure 6. Figure 12 is a side view of a single roll embodiment device with the clamp attachment illustrated in Figure 9. 30 Figure 13 is a side view of a single roll embodiment device with the suction attachment illustrated in figure 8. Figure 14 is a side view of a single roll embodiment device with the clip attachment illustrated in figure 5.

10 Figure 15 is a side view of a single roll embodiment device with the hook attachment illustrated in figure 6. Figure 16 is an isometric view of a dual roll embodiment device according to a preferred embodiment. 5 Figure 17 is an isometric view of the device illustrated in Figure 16 with a partially transparent housing to illustrate a preferred configuration of rolls within. Figure 18 is a view from the low of the device illustrated in figures 16 and 17. 10 Figure 19 is a front view of a dual roll embodiment device according to a preferred embodiment with a partially transparent housing and a hook attachment. Figure 20 is a side view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 19. Figure 21 is a side view of a dual roll embodiment device according to a preferred embodiment with a partially transparent housing and a suction attachment. 15 Figure 22 is a view from the rear of a dual roll embodiment device according to a preferred embodiment with an adhesive strip attachment. Figure 23 is a side view of a dual roll embodiment device according to a preferred embodiment with a partially transparent housing and a clamp attachment. Figure 24 is a side view of a dual roll embodiment device according to 20 a preferred embodiment with a partially transparent housing and a clip attachment. Figure 25 is an illustration of a preferred form of use of the device in a shower environment with a close-up perspective view. Figure 26 is an illustration of a preferred form of use of the device in a sink environment with a close-up perspective view. 25 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a dental hygiene device 10 and method of use is provided. According to the preferred form of the device 10 as illustrated, the device 10 includes a housing 11 adapted to receive a roll of dental floss 12 therein, an 30 opening 13 in a lower portion of the housing 11, a flattened portion on a rear surface of the housing 11 for abutting a support surface, a cutting implement 14 located on a side wall of the housing I1 other than the rear surface and a depression 15 formed in I1 an outer surface of the housing I I between the opening 13 and the cutting implement 14. There are typically two main, preferred embodiments of the housing according to the present invention, namely a single roll housing illustrated in Figures 5 1 to 4 and 10 to 15 and a multiple roll housing illustrated in Figures 16 to 24. Regardless of the particular embodiment, the preferred housing 10 is a multipart housing, having a pair of parts which engage with one another to close the housing. Typically, the housing 10 will be opened in order to replace the roll of floss 12. 10 In the case of the single roll housing, the housing is substantially circular when viewed from the front with a generally planar bottom wall 18. Each housing portion 16, 17 has a substantially circular wall with a planar portion in the case of the preferred shape, and a depending sidewall from the periphery of the circular wall. It is preferred that the depending sidewalls correspond 15 in size such that when the housing portions are placed together, these sidewalls meet each other to close the housing. This embodiment may be termed a "clam shell" embodiment. In the case of the multiple roll housing illustrated in Figures 16 to 24, the housing is sized and adapted to suit two or more rolls of floss. Typically, the 20 multiple roll housing is provided with a planar rear housing portion 19 and an arcuate front portion 20. The front portion 20 has a curved or partially spherical upper section and planar sidewalls depending from the partially spherical section to define the remainder of the housing. Again, the housing is provided with a planar base wall 21. Each housing 10 illustrated is provided with a mounting assembly 25 within the housing in order to receive and hold a roll of floss 12. The illustrated mounting assembly includes a cylindrical flange 22 or extension extending from an inner surface of the rear housing portion 17, and cylindrical protrusion 23 extending from an inner surface of the front housing portion with the protrusion 23 being at least partially received into the flange 22 when the housing portions are closed. Normally, 30 the roll of floss 12 is placed over the cylindrical flange 22 and then the housing 10 closed in order to position the roll within housing 10. By providing a cylindrical mounting assembly, when the floss is pulled from the housing 10, the roll 12 will unroll about the cylindrical mounting assembly.

12 In the single roll housing embodiment, a single opening 13 is provided in a lower portion of the housing 10. The opening 13 of this embodiment is provided to one lateral side of a lower wall of the housing 10. In the multiple roll housing embodiment, more than one opening 13 is 5 provided with the number of openings 13 typically being the same as the number of rolls 12 contained in the housing 10 with the floss from each roll 12 extending through one opening 13. As illustrated in Figures 16 to 24, the rolls will normally be mounted at least partially above one another in order to minimise the size of the housing 10 and therefore the footprint of the device. The openings are provided in a 10 lower wall of the housing 10. The housing 10 of the preferred embodiment, whether single roll or multi-roll includes a flattened portion on a rear surface of the housing 10 for abutting a support surface. The flattened portion may be the rear of the housing or may be an attachment assembly provided adjacent the rear of the housing 10. Where are 15 provided, an attachment assembly will normally include a keyway 24 or opening which is shaped to receive and typically engage, a corresponding key 25. In a preferred embodiment, the key 25 is provided with a projection 26 standing proud of surface of the key 25 and a corresponding depression 27 will be provided in the keyway 24. 20 As illustrated, the keyway 24 is a substantially planar opening or slot in order to receive a substantially planar key 25. The key 25 is provided with the projection 26 such that insertion of the key 25 into the keyway 24 continues until the projection 26 abuts the surround of the keyway 24 and then force must be applied to the key 25 in order to temporarily deform the projection 26 in order to pass the 25 keyway 24 until the projection 26 is aligned with the depression or opening 27. The attachment assembly 28 of the preferred embodiment is a substantially rectangular block with a keyway 24 therein extending from the top of the rectangular block towards the bottom. It is preferred that the attachment assembly 28 be integrally moulded with the rear housing portion 17, 19 and possess a planar 30 rearmost surface. The cutting implement 14 of the preferred embodiment is configured as a metal plate with a shaped portion stamped out of the plate and standing slightly proud of the plate. The cutting portions will therefore normally be provided at the 13 junction between the stamped portion and the plate itself. The stamped portion has a rounded end or leading edge in order to minimise injury. The stamped portion is spaced from the remainder of the plate, but the distance of separation decreases towards the plate providing a diverging opening between the stamped portion and the 5 plate. In use, the floss will typically be fed under the stamped portion as illustrated in Figure 1 in particular and then tensioned until the floss separates. As illustrated, the cutting implement 14 is spaced from the opening 13 through which the floss is withdrawn from the housing 10. The cutting implement 14 is located them least halfway up a forward face of the housing 10. 10 Use of the cutting implement 14 to sever the floss will typically create a free end of floss 29 which remains outside the housing 10 and due to the method of severing the floss, remains engaged with the cutting implement 14. This will assist with the location of the free end 29 of the floss when the floss is next used. According to the preferred embodiment, a depression 15 is also formed 15 on an outer face of the housing 10 between the opening 13 through which the floss is removed from the housing 10 and the cutting implement 14. The purpose of the depression 15 is to allow a user to grip the free end 29 of the floss, which will typically remain engaged with the cutting implement 14 from the last use, prior to dispensing the floss for a subsequent use. 20 The illustrated depression 15 extends transversely across the housing 10, normally in the front face of the housing 10 and is sized to at least partially receive a user's finger. There are various methods by which the housing may be attached a relative to a surface illustrated in Figures 5 to 9. For example, a simple adhesive strip 25 30 may be applied to a planar rear surface and then the housing 10 may be stuck onto the surface. Alternative attachment methods involve the use of a key 25 as discussed above. The key 25 will typically be attached or formed integrally with any number of attachment devices such as clips 31, clamps 32, hooks 33 for engaging with 30 a tap or shower rose for example, or suction devices 34. The key 25 may be rigidly attached to the attachment device or hinges or other rotational elements may be provided. In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" 14 and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in 5 connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. 10 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications 15 within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (19)

1. A dental hygiene aid including a housing adapted to receive a roll of dental floss therein, the housing having a substantially planar bottom edge and an at least partially arcuate top edge and formed of at least two parts, namely a front housing 5 part and a rear housing part hinged together at least partially along the at least partially arcuate top edge, an opening in a lower portion of the housing through which the dental floss exits the housing, a flattened portion on a rear surface of the housing for abutting a support surface, a cutting implement located on a front side of the front part of the housing and in an upper portion of the housing and a 10 depression formed in an outer surface of the housing between the opening and the cutting implement.

2. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein the housing includes at least a pair of parts which engage with one another to close the housing about at least one floss roll. 15

3. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 2 wherein securing means is provided in order to secure the housing portions to one another in the closed condition.

4. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the housing is provided with a mounting assembly within the housing in order to receive and hold a roll of floss, the mounting assembly including a cylindrical 20 flange or extension extending from at least one housing portion.

5. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a single opening is provided in a lower wall of the housing.

6. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 5 wherein the opening is provided to one lateral side of a lower wall of the housing. 25

7. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of claims I to 4 wherein more than one opening is provided with the number of openings the same as the number of rolls contained in the housing with the floss from each roll extending through one opening.

8. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rolls are mounted at least 30 partially above one another in order to minimise the size of the housing.

9. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an attachment assembly is provided including a keyway shaped to receive and 16 engage a corresponding key, the keyway provided on either the housing or an attachment means and the key provided on the other of the housing or attachment means.

10. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 9 wherein the attachment assembly 5 includes a positive engagement assembly with one portion of the assembly on the key and a second portion on the keyway.

11. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the attachment assembly includes a substantially rectangular block on a rear portion of the housing with a keyway therein. 10

12. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cutting implement is configured as a metal plate with a shaped portion stamped out of the plate and standing proud of the plate.

13. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 12 wherein the stamped portion is spaced from the remainder of the plate, and the distance of separation decreases 15 towards the plate providing a diverging opening between the stamped portion and the plate.

14. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein the cutting implement is spaced from the opening through which the floss is withdrawn from the housing. 20

15. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the depression extends transversely across the front face of the housing.

16. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein an adhesive strip is applied to a planar rear surface of the housing to attach the housing to a surface. 25

17. A dental hygiene aid as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the key is mounted to an attachment means chosen from a group including clips, clamps, hooks for engaging with a tap or shower rose, or suction devices.

18. A method for forming a flossing habit, the method including the steps of mounting a floss dispenser as claimed in claim 1 as a mnemonic device adjacent a 30 sink or shower recess in a visually apparent position such that when a person uses the sink or shower, the person is reminded to floss by seeing the floss dispenser. 17

19. A dental hygiene aid substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.