EP4739253A1 - A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient - Google Patents

Abstract

A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (6), a connector portion (2), an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9): the internal portion comprising a reverse bend (38), the connector portion (2) comprising a first connector portion (10) and a second connector portion (11) of a larger diameter; or the fluid inlet (9) arranged in a front facing mouth (9) having an upper lip (39) and a lower lip (40) providing a tapered entrance to said fluid inlet (9); or a preformed U-bend having an oval bore (6) therethrough; or wherein the dental device is formed from two parts (50, 51), each part defining a semi-circular part of said bore (6), each part (50, 51) comprising connection parts which clip together to form the bore (6).

Description

A DENTAL DEVICE FOR FACILITATING EVACUATION OF FLUIDS FROM AN ORAL CAVITY OF A PATIENT

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient .

To ensure dental procedures are as safe and comfortable as possible, clinical practitioners try to prevent excess volumes of fluids , such as saliva, blood, water and particles from pooling in the mouth of a patient . Evacuating the oral cavity of excessive fluids is a common part of dental treatment . It is essential that this be done optimally so as not to compromise the patient ' s health and reduce potential cross contamination risks for clinical staff .

Numerous pieces of equipment used in dental treatments produce large volumes of water and generate aerosols .

These aerosols can mix with patients ' saliva and blood which can contain pathogenic bacteria, fungi, or viruses which in turn could spread infectious diseases . Limiting the production of these aerosols help prevent disease transmission in a dental setting . Such fluid and aerosol generating equipment examples include ultrasonic cleaning devices , fast handpieces (drills) for fillings , airflow machines and three-in-one sprays . These fluids and aerosols need continuous removal during treatments to ensure the patient is safe and comfortable, cross contamination risks to clinical staff are reduced and treatment is successful .

During dental procedures patients are often unable to swallow and excess fluids build up within the mouth, patients may not also want to swallow, therefore there is a need for an effective fluid evacuation device to control and reduce these volumes of fluids that build up . Repetitive daily dental treatments are dependent on having an adequate fluid control measure in place to complete dental treatments effectively and safely . Examples of such common dental treatments include ultrasonic teeth cleaning and teeth restorations , such as fillings , crowns , veneers and root-canal procedures to name a few . Many other dental treatments also rely upon adequate fluid and aerosol removal .

Currently, lone working dental clinicians , such as hygienists , use a device called a dental saliva ejector — a straw-like suction tube defining a lumen or bore having an inlet at one end through which fluids are evacuated from the mouth . These saliva ejectors are connected to an additional connector /adaptor part which is then connected to a suction pump handle . While saliva ejectors have been around for many years , there are risks involved with their use that most patients aren' t aware of . When the patient tightens their lips around the tip of the ejector and the pressure in their mouth becomes less than that of the saliva ejector, backflow can enter their mouth, in a similar way to how liquid flows back into your cup after sucking through a straw . The problem is that this backflow may be hazardous . These currently used saliva ejectors are also very difficult to pre-bend before use without kinking the suction tube, which renders the saliva ejector useless as it can no longer aspirates fluids effectively as the lumen often collapses . Patients ' Soft tissues are also continuously sucked into its inlet meaning the clinician must continuously stop treatment to adjust the saliva ejector to ensure the patient isn' t struggling with excess fluids pooling in the mouth . Saliva ejectors are placed deep at the back of the mouth making them an ineffective measure to reduce potential harmful aerosols . Recommendations for reducing fluids and aerosols is to use a high-volume suction apparatus device, these currently commonly used saliva ejectors are categorised as a low- volume aspirating device . Clinicians are aware of this guidance However, since lone workers have very limited alternative suitable ergonomic options available the current Saliva ejector is still predominantly used despite its many flaws .

SUMMARY AND STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

The inventor has observed that the currently available dental devices for evacuating fluids from an oral cavity of a patient do not control aerosol sprays .

The inventor has observed that the currently available dental devices for evacuating fluids from an oral cavity are not adequate for larger volumes of fluid removal .

The inventor has observed that the currently available dental devices for evacuating fluids from an oral cavity of a patient are awkward to fit and to use . In particular, such a device generally comprises a clear flexible plastic tube with a copper wire running therethrough . The clear plastic tube is cut to length and bent with a single continuous 180 degree bend by a dental clinician during or immediately before a dental procedure to loop over the corner of a patient ' s mouth . This is time consuming, often requiring re-bending to remove kinks and does not provide a dental device which keeps its orientation and evacuation inlet in place, requiring continuous monitoring and adjustment .

The inventor has observed that the currently available dental device do not provide a dental device which keeps its orientation and evacuation inlet in place, requiring continuous monitoring and adjustment by the clinician .

The inventor has observed that lone working clinicians would benefit from a more ergonomically suitable handsfree way of extracting fluids from an oral cavity of a patient .

The inventor has observed that clinicians would benefit from a hands-free way of extracting fluids from an oral cavity of a patient . The inventor has observed that clinicians would benefit from a hands-free way of controlling aerosol spray used in and around an oral cavity of a patient .

The inventor has observed there are safer ways of maintaining a continuous airflow route ensuring that any potential backflow risks from closing and swallowing are significantly reduced .

The inventor has observed that current dental devices often require pre-attachment of an additional connector part (called an adaptor) to enable its connection to a dental suction handle of a dental chairs suction pump unit .

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , the internal portion comprising a reverse bend . Optionally, the dental device further comprises a U-bend linking the external portion with the internal portion, with said bore arranged therein . Optionally, the U-bend circums at least 150 degrees and optionally, at least 180 degrees and optionally, at least 210 degrees . Optionally, the U-bend and reverse bend provides an enlarged space for a lip/cheek of a patient and may provide a stopping depth for the back of the throat as the reduced gap becomes a grip method on the cheek, optionally with an anti-rocking plate arranged on the external portion . Optionally, the U-bend and reverse bend provides a reduced space between the internal and external portions to accommodate a depth of a patient ' s cheek, optionally, with a central portion of the reverse bend has directed inwardly towards the external portion . This may facilitate soft tissue retraction and acts as a gripping point portion . This inner mouth portion reverse bend also facilitates depth insertion control, as generally, the cheek thickness increases as the dental device is inserted into the back of the mouth . Optionally with an anti-rocking plate arranged on the external portion . Optionally, the reverse bend is outwardly curved with said fluid inlet in an end therefor . This facilitates soft tissue retraction with a grip portion . This also facilitates depth insertion control, as generally, the cheek thickness increases as the dental device is inserted into the mouth . It has been found that a distance of 6mm between the reverse bend of the internal portion and anti-rocking plate (which may be in line with the external portion) , but may be in the order of 4mm to 8mm. The internal portion may be pinched towards the external portion or pulled apart , undergoing a degree of plastic deformation, such that the gap can be changed by optionally up to 1mm and optionally up to 2mm and optionally up to 5mm or more depending on the patient ' s anatomical cheek thickness .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , the external portion comprising an anti-rocking plate . Optionally, the anti-rocking plate is substantially a flat planar plate . Optionally, the anti-rocking plate has a profile which is not planar and may be concave or convex . The dental device is preformed in the originally produced shape and is flexible to allow internal portion to move relative to the external portion, such that in use the device can be inserted into the mouth of a patient about a cheek, with the internal and external portions assuming their original preformed shape or close to it . Optionally, when in use the material of the device is resilient operating in an elastic phase and not in a plastic phase in which permanent deformation would occur .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet and at least one aerosol control opening . Optionally, the at least one aerosol control opening is in a front face of said internal portion and optionally in the along the same bore as the fluid inlet . Optionally, the at least one aerosol opening is between lmm2 and 5mm2 and optionally nominally 3mm2 . Optionally, the aerosol control opening provides an aerosol diverting function to contain aerosol within the oral cavity . Optionally, the aerosol control openings provide an aerosol diverting function to help draw back aerosols back within the oral cavity thus preventing them from becoming airborne aerosols . Optionally, the evacuation inlet is arranged at a proximal end of the device, which in use, will be located at the back of the mouth .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore having at least one diameter for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , the connector portion comprising a first connector portion and a second connector portion of a larger diameter . Optionally, the first connector portion lies on a distal end of the dental device and the second connector portion lies proximal of said first connector portion . Optionally, the first and second connector portions are substantially circular in crosssection and may form stubs . Optionally, the first connector portion tapers by at least 0 . 5mm, optionally 1mm and optionally up to 2mm. Optionally, the second connector portion tapers by at least 0 . 5mm, optionally 1mm and optionally up to 2mm. Or flexed outwardly to increase the gap size by up to 5mm or more . This aspect provides an integral multi-fit adapter .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , said fluid inlet arranged in a front facing mouth having an upper lip and a lower lip providing a tapered entrance to said fluid inlet . The upper and lower lips may form a flange, which may perform the function of holding back soft tissue . The front facing mouth may be curved and may have a curved profile leading to an enlarged opening in such a way to improve flow and may induce a venturi effect . The lips may provide an area about said opening for holding back fleshy soft tissue parts of an oral cavity providing soft tissue retraction benefits . The dental device of the present invention may thus provide a high-volume evacuation of an oral cavity of a patient during dental procedures .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet and a preformed U-bend having an oval bore therethrough . Optionally, a wall defining the bore is substantially of constant crosssection . Optionally, the U-bend provides a fixed upper bend which may have an integrated inwardly curved portion to grip or provide a close fit about a wall of the patient ' s mouth to allow for depth insertion into the patient ' s mouth .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , wherein said dental device is formed from two parts , each part defining a semi-circular part of said bore, each part comprising connection parts which clip or push together to form said bore . Optionally, one of the parts further comprises a locating pin and the other of the parts comprises a corresponding hole . Optionally, the dental device further comprises a tab to link the two parts . Optionally the tab comprises at least a portion which is flexible to allow bending therebetween to act as a hinge about which the two parts can move or optionally be folded to facilitate assembly and optionally disassembly to be unfolded for cleaning . Optionally, the cleaning step comprises washing with a cleaning fluid and optionally, placing the dental device in an unfolded state into an autoclave .

Optionally, the connector portion further comprises a grip portion .

Optionally, the dental device is made from a flexible material which does not require a copper wire to retain a bend in a tube, such that the material allows a degree of elastic deformation sufficient to retain the device in place on the wall of the patient ' s mouth . The internal portion may be pinched towards the external portion, under going a degree of plastic deformation, such that the gap can be changed by optionally up to 1mm and optionally up to 2mm. Or flexed outwardly to increase the gap size by up to 5mm or more .

Optionally, at least one of the two parts comprises a tongue projecting therefrom and the other comprises a corresponding slot . Optionally, said tongue comprises at least one tooth and the slot comprises at least one ledge, such that upon insertion of said tongue into said slot , said tooth engages said ledge . Optionally, once said tooth engages said ledge, said two parts are irreversibly locked together . This may be desirable for single use dental devices .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising at least one fluid inlet , said at least one fluid inlet arranged in a bulb . Optionally, the bulb is one of a pebble shape, a spherical shape an ellipsoidal shape and ovoid shape . Optionally, the bulb comprises a front facing portion and a back facing portion wherein said at least one fluid inlet is arrange in a front facing portion . Optionally, the at least one fluid inlet is at least two and optionally at least three fluid inlets . Optionally, the back facing portion extends behind the general outer surface of the internal portion . Optionally, the back facing portion is generally smooth and may sit against an internal fleshy part of the cheek or other part of the oral cavity of a patient , when in use and may hold back fleshy soft tissue parts of an oral cavity and may provide soft tissue retraction benefits . The dental device of the present invention may thus provide a high-volume evacuation of an oral cavity of a patient during dental procedures .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , at least the internal portion, the bore extending through at least the internal and external portions , at least the internal portion made from a material comprising Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) . Optionally, the material solely comprises Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and optionally in the proportions within the range of 50% PP : 50% TPE to 80% PP : 20% TPE and optionally 70% PP : 30% TPE . Optionally, the dental device solely comprises the material . Optionally the external portion also comprises the material and optionally also the connector portion and optionally a grip portion . Optionally, the dental device may be of the type described in any of the statements of invention .

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore for conveying fluids , a connector portion, an external portion and an internal portion comprising a fluid inlet , wherein said dental device is formed from two parts with a tab therebetween, each part comprising connection parts which clip together or have an interference fit to form said bore, wherein the tab has a flexible or hinge portion to allow the two parts be folded to be clipped or pushed together and optionally, allow the two parts to be unclipped or pulled apart and unfolded, optionally for cleaning in an autoclave . Optionally, the tab may be a continuous hinged tab comprising a first and second leaf portions with a hinge therebetween . Optionally, a series of discrete tabs may be arranged between the two parts , optionally arranged along a straight hinge line . Optionally, the dental device comprises a grip portion, a part of the grip portion arranged on one of the two parts and another part on the other of the parts , the tab arranged between the part and the another part of the grip portion .

The invention may comprise in any combination, some or all of the above features set out in any statement made herein .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings , in which : Figure 1 is perspective view of a dental device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the dental device of Figure 1 taken from a slightly different perspective;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the dental device of Figure 1 taken from a different perspective;

Figure 4 is a side view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a front view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a rear view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of two parts of the dental device shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 inserted into a 16mm fitting of a wide bore flexible tube of a dental suction pump apparatus ;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 inserted into an 11mm fitting of a narrow bore flexible tube of a dental suction pump apparatus ;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 in use;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the dental device shown in Figure 1 in use;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a dental device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 13 is a side view of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 14 is a front view of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 16 is a side view of a righthand part of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ; Figure 17 is a front view of a righthand part of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 18 is a side view of a lefthand part of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 19 is a front view of a lefthand part of the dental device shown in Figure 12 ;

Figure 20 is a side view of a third embodiment of a dental device of the invention, showing the dental device in an unfolded state;

Figure 21 is a bottom view of the dental device of Figure 20 shown in the unfolded state;

Figure 22 is side view of a fourth embodiment of a dental device of the invention, showing the dental device in an unfolded state and Figure 22a is an enlarge view of part of the dental device of the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 22 ;

Figure 23 is a bottom view of the dental device of Figure 22 shown in the unfolded state;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a dental device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 25 shows an alternative tongue and slot configuration for irreversibly linking the two parts shown in inter alia Figure 20 ;

Figure 26 is a side view of a sixth embodiment of a dental device in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 27 is a front view of the dental device shown in Figure 26.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figures 1 to 11 , there is shown a first embodiment of the invention, a dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from a patient ' s mouth, the dental device generally identified by reference numeral 1 . The dental device 1 generally comprises a connector portion 2 for providing a connection to a flexible tube of a known suction pump apparatus , an external portion 3 for sitting adjacent , external to a patient ' s mouth when in use and an internal portion 4 for sitting inside a patient ' s mouth when in use and a U-bend portion 5 for linking the external portion 3 to the internal portion 4 .

The connector portion 2 is generally tubular having a bore 6 defined by an internal wall 7 which extends from a bore opening 8 at a distal end of the dental device 1 through the connector portion 2 , the external portion 3 and internal portion 4 to an evacuation inlet 9 in a proximal end of the dental device 1 . The bore opening 8 has a nominal diameter of 9mm and has a nominal cross- sectional area of 64mm2 . The thickness of the first connector portion 10 is nominally 1mm, although may be in the order of 0 .2mm to 2mm. The bore 6 varies in diameter between the bore opening 8 and the evacuation inlet 9, although in an embodiment (not shown) , the bore 6 is of constant diameter . The bore 6 may have a minimum of 64mm2 cross-sectional area between the bore opening 8 and the evacuation inlet 9, thus providing sufficient cross- sectional open area to provide a sufficient flow rate for the evacuation of fluids from the mouth of a patient , when in use .

The connector portion 2 comprises a first connector portion 10 starting at the distal end of the dental device 1 and extending between approximately 5 to 20mm and may be 16mm. The first connector portion 10 has an external diameter of 10mm at the distal end and 11mm at a proximal end or may be of substantially constant external diameter, which may be of 11mm to form a first stub . The connector portion 2 further comprises a second connector portion 11 starting at the proximal end of the first connection portion 10 and extending between approximately 5 to 20mm and may be 16mm. The second connector portion 10 has an external diameter of 15mm at the distal end and 16mm at a proximal end or may be of with substantially constant external diameter of 16mm to form a second stub . It should be noted that European dentists ' chairs generally have either or both 11mm and 16mm evacuation tube handle fittings . The thickness of the second connector portion 11 is substantially the same as that of the first connector portion 10 . A substantially planar radially extending end wall 12 links the proximal end of the first connector portion 10 to the larger diameter distal end of the second connector portion 11 . In this embodiment , the radially extending end wall 12 is substantially perpendicular to the first and second stubs . In other embodiments (not shown) , the radially extending end wall 12 forms a slope between the first and second connector portions 10 , 11 . Both the distal end of the first connection portion 10 and the distal end of the second connector portion 11 are provided with chamfered outer ends 13 , 14 . In other embodiments (not shown) no such chamfered outer ends are provided, instead a hard corner (not shown) or curved edge (not shown) is provided . The connector portion 2 further comprises a grip portion 15 of yet larger diameter than the second connector portion 11 , which may be of nominal 20mm external diameter . The grip portion 15 may have a patterned surface in relief , such as a series of circumferential ribs 16 and grooves 17 , as shown . In other embodiments (not shown) , the grip portion 15 may be provided with any patterned surface in relief , such as diamond pattern (not shown) or may be a roughened surface or indeed planar and may be smooth .

The external portion 3 comprises a first tube portion 18 which is substantially circular in cross section both internally and externally, and of substantially constant external and internal diameter along its entire length of approximately 10mm, although may be of 0mm to 20mm in length . The first tube portion 18 may have an external diameter of 12mm and an internal diameter of 10mm, although the external diameter may be between 10mm and 20mm and the internal diameter may be between 8mm and 19mm. A second tube portion 19 has a distal end 20 of substantially circular cross-section and with substantially identical internal and external diameters as that of the first tube portion 18 and a proximal end 21 of oval profile having a major diameter substantially the same as that of the first end 20 and with a minor diameter less than that of the major diameter by nominally 2mm, but may be in the order of 1mm to 5mm smaller . Both internal and external surfaces of the proximal end 21 are of oval cross-section, with the wall of the second tube portion 19 of substantially constant thickness of approximately 1mm, but may be between 0 . 2 and 2mm and may vary between those figures and thus not be of constant thickness .

An anti-rocking plate 23 is provided on a front wall of a third tube portion 25 , which in use, lies against the cheek 103 of a patient to inhibit rocking of the dental device 1 , inhibiting movement of the internal portion 4 within the mouth of the patient 100 . The anti-rocking plate 23 has a central portion 24 which is substantially planar with the external surface 22 and minor external diameter of the second tube portion 19. The anti-rocking plate 23 is generally square having a length of nominally 25mm with rounded corners . Although the shape of the anti-rocking plate 23 may be rectangular, circular, triangular or a polygon or any suitable structure which provides a resistance or reaction to twist to inhibit an anti-rocking motion during use in order to stabilise the position of the extraction inlet 9 with the mouth of the patient 100 . The third tube portion 25 has an internal wall defining an oval bore which matches the oval bore of the Referring to Figure 4 , a proximal end 26 of the third tube portion 25 is integral with a U-bend portion 5 . A distal end 27 of the U-bend portion 5 is of oval crosssection to match the cross section of the proximal end 26 of the third tube portion 25 , with a wall thickness substantially matching . The U-bend may extend over 180 degrees , which may be 210 degrees as shown or may be anywhere between 150 degrees and 240 degrees . The cross- sectional area of the bore throughout the U-bend is substantially equal, but may vary .

A proximal end 28 of the U-bend 5 is integral with the internal portion 4 . A distal end 29 of the internal portion 5 is of oval cross-section to match the cross section of the proximal end 28 of the U-bend portion 5 , with a wall thickness substantially matching . The internal portion 4 comprises a reverse bend 38 , having a portion extending back towards the anti-rocking plate 23 . Thus there is a large gap 30 provided between the distal end 27 and the proximal end 28 of the U-bend to provide space for a lip of a patient 100 and a narrower gap 31 to provide a close fit for the cheek 103 of a patient 100 . The reverse bend has a proximal end extending away from the external portion 3 , thus the inlet 9 is at a further distance from the external portion and the plane of the anti-rocking plate 23 . In use, the evacuation inlet 9 may thus stay slightly proud of any fleshy part of the mouth of a patient to inhibit the chance of fleshy parts blocking the evacuation inlet . The reverse bend may be continuous along the entire length of the internal portion 4 . The inner portion thus takes the form an elephant trunk shape .

Referring to Figure 1 , aerosol control openings 32 and 33 are arranged in a front face 34 of the internal portion 4 of the dental device 1 . Each aerosol control opening 32 and 33 is nominally 1mm wide and 3mm long to provide an opening of nominally 3mm2 and passes through the wall of the internal portion 4 to allow fluids , and aerosols to pass from the patient ' s mouth into the bore 6. In other embodiments , each aerosol control opening may be between lmm2 and 5mm2 or any other suitable size . The aerosol control openings 32 and 33 are shown spaced along the internal portion 4 , approximately 15mm apart along an inwardly curved side of the reverse bend 38 . When in use, the aerosol control openings 32 provide a suction pathway from the mouth of the patient 100 which can help control or reduce aerosol sprays produced from dental equipment . Such control may help contain and reduce potentially contaminated airborne aerosols within the mouth of the patient 100 and help prevent potentially pathogenic aerosol spray from exiting the mouth of the patient and entering ambient air of the clinical room airspace . This is especially useful if the aerosol spray has picked up contamination from the patient ' s mouth and would otherwise exit the mouth, potentially spreading contamination to the dentist or dental clinician or any other person present and in close proximity to the patient 100 when a dental procedure is taking place .

The evacuation inlet 9 is provided in a front facing mouth 35 in proximal end 36 of the internal portion 4 . The front facing mouth 35 is inwardly curved to provide a progressive, tapered evacuation inlet entrance with a scoop portion 37 at the entrance to the evacuation inlet 9. The tapered evacuation inlet 9 tapers substantially in line and follows the curvature of the reverse bend 38 and may form the shape of a tear drop . The front facing mouth 35 is shown as planar across its width and inwardly curved along its length, but in other embodiments (not shown) , it may be curved across its width and planar along its length or curved across its width and curved along its length to form a concave mouth . The front facing mouth 35 may be provided with upper lip 39 and lower lip 40 to define the front facing mouth 35 .

The cross-sectional area of the bore 6 throughout the internal portion 4 is substantially equal, but may vary and may reduce between the aerosol control openings 32 and 33 and the evacuation inlet 9 . The evacuation inlet 9 may have a smaller cross-sectional opening than the cross- sectional area of the bore in the internal portion 4 . The evacuation inlet 9 may have a slightly smaller cross- sectional opening of 5mm2 leading into the scoop 37 .

Referring to Figure 7 , the dental device 1 comprises two parts : a left-hand part 50 and a right-hand part 51 . Each of the left-and right-hand parts each comprise half of the bore 6, essentially of a semi-circular and/or semioval cross-section, which when put together, form a complete dental device 1 , with a complete fluid tight bore 6 . Each part is provided with male and female attachment means , such as : pins 52 in left-hand part 50 and corresponding holes 53 in right-hand part 51 located in the connector portion 2 ; flanges 54 in left-hand part 50 and a corresponding locating recesses 55 in right-hand part 55 located in the connector portion 2 ; flanges 56 in left-hand part 50 and a corresponding locating recesses 57 in right-hand part 51 located in the external portion 3 ; tongue 58 extending from left plate portion 60 of anti-rocking plate 23 in left-hand part 50 and a corresponding locating slot 59 right plate portion 60 of anti-rocking plate 23 in right-hand part 51 located in the external portion 3 ; flanges 62 in left-hand part 50 and a corresponding locating recesses 63 in right-hand part 51 located in the internal portion 4 and U-bend 5 ; and tongue 64 extending from lip portion 66 of upper lip 39 in left-hand part 50 and a corresponding locating slot 65 of lip portion 67 of upper lip 67 in right-hand part 51 located in the internal portion 4 ;

Alternatively, the dental device 1 may be made as a single piece by for example, deposition printing in a plastics or metal material . Alternatively, the dental device 1 may be made in two or more pieces and clipped or welded together . The parts may be formed in complete tubular axial sections welded or clipped together .

The two parts 50 and 51 may be clipped together, the above attachment means providing a biased and/or interference fit to provide sufficient surface forces to inhibit the two parts parting and to provide a fluid tight bore 6. Additionally, the two parts may be glued, welded or otherwise attached to each other .

The tongue 58 may be approximately half of the thickness of the left plate portion 60 of anti-rocking plate 23 and the corresponding locating slot 59 may be approximately half of the thickness of the right plate portion 60 of anti-rocking plate 23 . The left and right plate portions may be of substantially the same thickness and align to form a substantially planar anti-rocking plate on at least the side intended to be in contact with a cheek of a dental patient . The tongue may be in the order of 0 .5mm to 3mm in thickness and may be in the order of 1mm to 5mm.

As shown in Figure 8 and 9, when in use, the dental device 1 is connected by a clinician 101 to one of two suction tubes : a small diameter, low volume suction tube 69; or a large diameter, high volume suction tube 70 . The clinician 101 may be a dentist , specialist , hygienist , therapist or dental assistant . The clinician 101 holds the grip portion 15 of the connector portion 15 and inserts the stub 10 into an 11mm opening 73 of tool adapter 71 of the low volume suction tube 69, as shown in Figure 9 or inserts the stub 10 and the larger diameter stub 11 into a 16mm opening of tool adapter 72 of the high volume suction tube 70 , as shown in Figure 8 . Accordingly, a separate conversion adapter is not required . A finger operable lever 77 and 78 is provided on respective tool adapter 71 and 72 to selectively release the respective stub 10 , 11 from longitudinal engagement with respective tool adapter 71 and 72 .

The tool adapters 71 and 72 may be placed in a holder 75 of a dental chair or suction pump apparatus 76.

The clinician 101 may then pick up the dental device 1 from holder 75 with the associated suction hose, either using the grip portion 15 of the dental device 1 or the tool adapter 71 , 72 or both . Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , the clinician 101 may then hook the dental device 1 in the mouth of a patient 100 . The internal portion 4 of the dental device 1 is hooked over a corner of the patient ' s mouth where upper and lower lips 105 meet . The U-bend 5 dictates the maximum insertion distance of the front facing mouth 35 of the internal portion 4 . The anti-rocking plate 23 sits against an external portion of the patient ' s cheek 103 . The gap 31 allows space for the depth of the patient ' s cheek 103 , whilst being a relatively close fit to minimise rocking or yaw of the front facing mouth 35 of the dental device 1 within the patient ' s mouth . This minimises manual intervention and continuous adjustment required by prior art dental devices . The internal portion 4 of the dental device 1 sits against the inner wall of the cheek 103 with the extraction inlet 9 at the back of the row of teeth 106. The tongue 104 is substantially not inhibited from normal movement . Dental tools , such as dental scrapping tool 107 may be used in the mouth without being significantly inhibited from use .

Once in the mouth, the suction pump (not shown) draws fluids (both air and liquid) from the mouth of the patient 100 through the evacuation inlet 9 into bore 6, through the connected suction hose 69 or 70 . The reverse bend 38 helps maintain the evacuation inlet 9 away from the cheek 103 of the patient 100 and helps maintain the front facing mouth 35 in a position which is unlikely to draw soft tissue, fleshy parts of the mouth into the evacuation inlet 9, reducing the chances of fluids being inhibited from passing into the suction hose . The upper and lower lips 39 and 40 of the front facing mouth 35 of the dental device 1 help maintain the front facing mouth 35 spaced from such soft tissue, fleshy parts of the mouth which may otherwise block or partially block the passage of fluids from passing therethrough into the bore 6 and on through the suction hose 69, 70 . The reverse bend 38 enables soft tissue retraction, holding back the patient ' s soft tissues so enable a clearer view for the clinician 101 , whilst also providing soft tissue protection from instruments , such as ultrasonic tools and sharp scalers .

Air is drawn in through the aerosol control openings 32 and 33 when the suction pump is running . The inventor has observed that the change in pressure around the aersol control openings 32 and 33 inhibits aerosol spray from exiting the oral cavity of the patient 100 , when aerosols are used in dental procedures within the oral cavity 102 . This is important due to the risk of pathogens passing from patient 100 to the clinician 101 . Furthermore, aerosol fluids or particularised fluids contaminated with the patient ' s bodily fluids may be drawn in through the aerosol control openings , which would further reduce the risk of pathogens passing from patient 100 to the clinician 101 . This may be important in reducing the spread of Covid-19, bacteria, viruses and the like .

Figures 12 to 19 show a second embodiment of a dental device of the invention, which is generally similar to the dental device 101 . The dental device of the second embodiment is generally identified by reference numeral 201 . Like parts are identified with the same reference numerals in the 200 series . The main differences are set up below .

The anti-rocking plate 223 is slightly longer, extending 12mm further towards the grip portion 215 . It has been found that the anti-rocking plate may be the same size as for the first embodiment but may be positioned 10 to 15mm, and may be 12mm closer to the grip portion 215 .

The opening 209 is slightly smaller and more oval, with the opening being substantially parallel to the main axis 299 of the of the connector portion 202 and external portion 203 . The long axis of the oval opening 209 extends across part of the width of the front facing mouth 235 and the short axis of the oval extends across part of the front facing mouth along the general axis of the internal portion 204 .

The internal portion 204 comprises a reverse bend portion 238 and a substantially straight portion 238 ' , which may be between 5 and 15mm long . The proximal end of the front facing mouth portion 235 lies in approximately the same plane as the grip portion 215 . The internal portion 4 generally resembles an elephant trunk shape .

As shown in Figures 16 to 19, the dental device 201 comprises pins 252 ' , 252" , 252" ' and respective holes 253 ' , 253" , 253" ' in respective righthand and lefthand portions of the dental device 201 arranged about the bend 205 to inhibit lefthand and righthand part from parting during the use of the device . The pins and holes may have an interference fit or a clip fit and may be glued or heated to weld the two parts together continuously or discontinuously along the seam formed when the lefthand and righthand parts are offered up to each other . There are also two distinct tongues 258 , 258 ' and respective slots 259, 259' to facilitate a firm connection between right and lefthand parts which form the longer anti-rocking plate 223 .

It should be noted that when the dental device 1 , 201 is pushed on to the low volume or high volume suction tube 69, 70 , the lefthand and righthand parts 50 and 51 will be held together at the dental device' s lower end, inhibiting the parts 50 and 51 from separating .

Referring to Figure 20 and 21 , there is shown a further embodiment of the dental device of the present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 301 . The dental device 301 is generally similar to the embodiment of Figures 12 to 19, save for the righthand part 350 and the lefthand part 351 are joined by a series of discrete flexible tabs 379 so that the righthand and lefthand parts 350 , 351 may be made as a single part and may be folded about the flexible tabs 379 and clipped or otherwise joined to form a complete dental device 301, ready for use and may optionally be unclipped and unfolded to be cleaned, in for example, an autoclave . As will be seen from Figure 20 , there are a series of discrete tabs 379 arranged between adjacent ribs 316 of the grip portion halves 315a and 315b of the righthand 350 and lefthand 351 parts respectively . Alternatively, a continuous tab may be arranged between the grip portion halves 315a, b, which spans all of or a portion of the length of the grip portion 315 . The hinge tab 379 may be made from the same material as the righthand and lefthand parts 350 , 351 and thus may be made in a single plastics injection moulding . This may also be useful in assembling the dental device, in that the two parts are held together . A user or line-worker will be presented with the two halves in a single piece, ready for being clipped together, potentially facilitating assembly of the two parts .

Referring to Figure 22 and 23 , there is shown a further embodiment of the dental device of the present invention, generally referred to by reference numeral 401 . The dental device 401 is generally similar to the embodiment of Figures 12 to 19, save for the righthand part 450 and the lefthand part 451 are joined by a continuous hinged tab 479 so that the lefthand and righthand part may be made as a single part and may be folded about the continuous hinged tab 479 and clipped or otherwise joined to form a complete dental device, ready for use and may optionally be unclipped and unfolded to be cleaned, in for example, an autoclave . As will be seen from Figure 22 , the continuous hinged tab 479 arranged between an adjacent valley 417 of the grip portion halves 415a and 415b of the righthand 350 and lefthand 351 parts respectively . The continuous hinged tab 479 comprises a righthand hinge leaf 480 which extends approximately 1 to 2mm from the grip portion half 415a and a lefthand hinge leaf 481 which extends approximately 1 to 2mm from the grip portion half 415b with a hinge 482 therebetween, which may be formed of the same material as the hinge leaves , but may be of a reduced thickness to facilitate folding thereabout . The continuous hinge tab 479 may be made from the same material as the righthand and lefthand parts 450 , 451 and thus may be made in a single plastics injection moulding .

Figure 24 shows a fifth embodiment of a dental device of the invention is generally similar to the dental device 201 , although it is adapted for use with a smaller adapter 510 which may be in the order of 6.5 to 8mm in diameter . The dental device of the fifth embodiment is generally identified by reference numeral 501 and may be referred to as a saliva ejector . Like parts are identified with the same reference numerals in the 500 series . The main differences are set up below .

The adapter 510 is of a smaller external diameter, which may be of a continuous 8mm diameter, as shown, or may have a shallow taper of between 6mm and 9mm so allow the adapter to be used in a female connector of a dental suction pump apparatus of between 7 and 9mm. The pump may be a common dental suction pump apparatus with connection points of a small and large diameter, although generally, the smaller diameter connectors provide a slightly lower overall suction volume .

The internal bore 506, the opening 509 and aerosol control opening 532 and 533 may be sized as for the dental device of the second embodiment or may be slightly smaller, of slightly smaller cross-sectional areas .

The outer dimensions of the other parts , such as antirocking plate 523 , the U-bend portion 505 , the internal portion 504 , the front facing mouth 535 may be identical to that of the second embodiment , although may be made proportionately smaller for use in oral cavities of young children .

The grip portion 515 is shown having a smooth outer surface, although it may comprise a roughened or textured outer surface to facilitate gripping .

Alternatively, portion 515 may be a larger diameter adapter portion, similar to portion 211 of the second embodiment . Thus the portion 515 may have a grip portion when used in a small diameter suction pump connector, but may not have a defined grip portion when used in a large diameter suction pump connector .

Figure 25 shows an alternative tongue 658 , 658 ' and slot 659, 659' configuration which facilitates irreversible linking of the two parts of the dental device 601 which in every other respect may be of any type disclosed herein . The alternative tongues 658 , 658 ' and slots 659, 659' may be used in place of the tongues and slots shown in inter alia Figures 7 , 16 to 23 .

Each of the tongues 658 , 658 ' is generally similar to respective tongue 58 , 258 , 258 ' shown in the previous embodiments , wherein the tongues 658 , 658 ' are generally planar protruding from lefthand part 650 of an end of antirocking plate 623 in lefthand part 650 . Each of the tongues 658 , 658 ' comprises a cutout portion 685 extending substantially perpendicular to the plane 686 of lefthand part 650 defining a resilient arm 687 having a base integral with the lefthand part 650 and a free end 690 provided with a tooth 688 having a shoulder 689 substantially perpendicular to the resilient arm 687 projecting away from the tongue 658 . The tongue 658 has a corresponding locating slot 659 formed within anti-rocking plate 623 of the right plate portion 660 in right-hand part 651 . The slot 659 has a mouth 684 substantially the same width as the width of the base of the tongue and resilient arm 687 . The slot 659 is also provided with a ledge 695 extending beyond the width of the mouth of the slot 659. Tongue 658 ' and slot 659' are essentially mirror images of tongue 658 and slot 659.

An optional or additional tooth 697 is shown in dashdot line, which defines the tooth 697 running along at least a portion of the width of the free end thereof and a corresponding ledge 697 within and extending at least a substantial portion of the back of the slot 659' . In a further embodiment of this arrangement , the tooth 697 may be a short width tooth or castellated or a series of small teeth (not shown) .

In use, when the lefthand part 650 is offered up to the righthand part 651 , aligned so that the tongues 658 , 658 ' enter slots 659 and 659' and pushed together, the teeth 687 and 687 ' move into cutout 685 and 685 ' respectively, bending resilient arm 687 and 687 ' until the right and left hand parts 650 and 651 engage to define a tube 6, upon which, the teeth 688 and 688 ' flick back seating on ledge 695 and 695 ' respectively, irreversibly locking the lefthand and righthand parts 650 and 651 together .

If a user tries to break part the left and righthand parts 650 and 651, the user would have to use considerable force which may frangibly break the teeth 688 and 688 ' from respective resilient arm 687 and 687 ' , rendering the dental device 601 broken .

With the optional or additional tooth 697 , walls of the slot 559' may elastically deform to allow the tooth 697 to enter the slot 559' and upon the right and left hand parts 650 and 651 engaging to define a tube 6, the tooth 697 elastically pushes on the tooth 697 seating on ledge 698 , irreversibly locking the lefthand and righthand parts 650 and 651 together .

If a user tries to break part the left and righthand parts 650 and 651, the user would have to use considerable force which may frangibly break the tooth 697 from the tongue 658 ' or such force would be required that other parts of the dental device 601 would break or be damaged, rendering the dental device 601 broken .

Irreversibly locking the lefthand and righthand parts together is useful to ensure that these dental devices 601 are disposed of after a single use, i . e . disposable . Such an irreversible locking would not be needed if the dental device is for re-use as the parts would be separated, cleaned and placed in an autoclave for sterilization .

Referring now to Figures 26 and 27 , there is shown a sixth embodiment of a dental device in accordance with the present invention, showing a side view and front view respectively . The sixth embodiment is generally similar to the dental devices shown in any other embodiment disclosed herein, save for the evacuation inlet 709 and the surrounding structure at the proximal end of the dental device .

The dental device 701 generally comprises a connector portion 702 for providing a connection to a flexible tube of a known suction pump apparatus , an external portion 703 for sitting adjacent , external to a patient ' s mouth when in use and an internal portion 704 for sitting inside a patient ' s mouth when in use and a U-bend portion 705 for linking the external portion 703 to the internal portion 704 .

The connector portion 702 is generally tubular having a bore 706 defined by an internal wall 707 which extends from a bore opening 708 at a distal end of the dental device 701 through the connector portion 702 , the external portion 703 and internal portion 704 to evacuation inlets 709, 709' and 709" in a proximal end of the dental device 701 . The bore opening 708 at the distal end has a nominal diameter of 9mm and has a nominal cross-sectional area of 4mm2 .

The external portion 703 may comprise an anti-rocking plate 723 to facilitate maintenance of the evacuation inlet 709 in a stationary place and orientation within the mouth of the patient when in use .

The internal portion 704 may comprise a reverse bend 738 defining a concave shape, having a portion extending back towards the anti-rocking plate 723 . However, it is envisaged that the reverse bend 704 may be replaced by a straight or even a convex bend .

Aerosol control openings 732 and 733 are arranged in a front face 734 of the internal portion 704 .

A bulb 735 is arranged on the proximal end 736 of the internal portion 704 . The bulb 235 may be of any suitable shape, such as spherical, an elongated ellipsoid ball, pebble, or comprise many planar sides . Three evacuation inlets 709, 709' and 709" are arranged in a front facing portion 740 of the bulb 235 . The bulb 735 has an internal cavity in fluid communicat ion with the bore 706 and with evacuation inlets 709, 709' and 709" for evacuating fluids , solids laden fluids and contaminated fluids from the orl cavity, as described elsewhere in this document . A rear facing portion 739 may not have any evacuation inlets therein and may be rounded and may extend beyond diameter of the internal portion 704 to provide a reasonable distance from the back of the bulb to the front of the bulb in which the evacuation inlets are arranged . In this way, it is unlikely that fleshy parts of the mouth will block one or more of the evacuation inlets 709, 709' and 709" . Thus fleshy parts of the oral cavity are likely to be sucked towards the bulb, which will likely yield a comfortable experience for the patient .

Optionally, the size of the bulb 735 is envisaged to have a width of within 5mm, 3mm or 1mm of the width of the width of the tubular portion of the internal portion 704 and a length similar to the width . Optionally, the bulb 735 takes the general form of a sphere having a radius of 2 and 7mm and optionally between 3 and 5mm.

Optionally, the evacuation inlets 709, 709' , 709" have a combined opening area of approximately 3 to 9sqmm and optionally, each of the evacuation inlets 709, 709' , 709" may have an opening area of approximately in the order of 1 to 3sqmm. Optionally, there may be between one and ten, and optionally between one and five inlets , each inlet having an opening area of approximately in the order of 1 to 3sqmm. Optionally, the evacuation inlets are of any suitable shape, such as circular, oval, segmental, tear shaped, square, triangular, rectangular or polygonal .

Optionally, the rear facing portion 739 may have at least one inlet therein (not shown) . This may be useful to allow suction of fluids from an oral cavity and may be beneficial in the extraction of fluids if the reverse bend 738 is of a sufficient curvature to hold the bulb 735 sufficiently far from the cheek and other fleshy tissue in the oral cavity .

The dental device 1 , 201 , 301 , 401, 501 , 601 , 701 for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device made from a material comprising Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) . The material solely comprises Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and optionally in the proportions 70% PP : 30% TPE . The dental device may solely comprise the material thus comprising no other materials .

It is envisaged that the dental device of the invention is disposable, being disposed of between patients : a single use product , as recommended by the current decontamination in primary care dental care guidance document HTM-01-05 . However, it is also envisaged that the dental device 1 may be split into the two parts 50 and 51 shown in Figure 7 for optimum hollow part manual or machine cleaning and then placed in a suitable autoclave (not shown) for cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation processing . The two parts 50 , 250 , 350 , 450 , 550 and 51 , 251 , 351 , 451 may then be clipped back together and used in a fresh procedure .

A dental device of the present invention has a relatively large diameter U-bend portion, which reduces the risks of potential back flow occurring if a patient tries to close to swallow as achieving a complete lip seal would be very difficult .

Vent inlets placed higher up on the inner curvature part also greatly reduces the risks of any blockages and backflow .

It is also envisaged that the dental device of the present invention is suitable for gag reflex patients & limited mouth opening patients , as the device hangs from the side and sits in the inner cheek 103 , thus doesn' t go to back of throat as the gripping/narrowing point acts as a stopper (position of the U-bend : the distance between the U-bend and the front facing mouth 35 of the internal portion 4 ) is rested up higher . The pinch point (narrowing area) of the design stops it going too far down the patients throat also enables it to fit different anatomical areas & size differences between patient ' s oral cavities , as the material the dental device of the present invention is made from flexes in use, but will return to its original shape staying within an elastic deformation boundaries .

The dental device of the present invention is side hung so it ' s not bulbous , bulky or uncomfortable in the mouth like many other hands-free suction products .

The dental device of the present invention requires no Pre - bending or adjustments before use .

The dental device of the present invention requires no additional connecting parts to work .

It is envisaged that the device of the present invention will be made from a plastics material . The plastics material may be a recycled plastics material .

It is envisaged that a smaller version of the dental apparatus of the invention will be produced with the same general dimensions , but having a adapter suitable for a smaller diameter for use in connecting to a suction apparatus with a correspondingly smaller diameter adapter .

It is envisaged that a smaller version of the dental apparatus of the invention will be produced with the smaller overall dimensions , with an adapter which may be the same as the above embodiments or suitable for a smaller diameter for use in connecting to a suction apparatus with a correspondingly smaller diameter adapter . This may be suitable for smaller patients and children .

Claims

Claims :

1 . A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore ( 6) for conveying fluids , a connector portion (2 ) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4 ) comprising a fluid inlet ( 9) , the internal portion comprising a reverse bend (38) .

2 . A dental device as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the internal portion (4 ) further comprises a substantially straight portion (238 ' ) between the reverse bend (38) and the fluid inlet ( 9) .

3 . A dental device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a U-bend portion (5) for linking the external portion (3) to the internal portion (4 ) .

4 . A dental device as claimed in Claim 1 , 2 or 3 , wherein the bore ( 6) runs through the connector portion (2 ) , the external portion (3) and the internal portion (4 ) leading to the fluid inlet ( 9) .

5 . A dental device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein external portion (3) and internal portion ( 4) double back on each other to an angle of greater than 180 degrees and optionally more than 185 degrees , the reverse bend (38) having a portion leading from the fluid inlet ( 9) at an angle to the external portion (3) of less than 180 degrees and optionally less than 175 degrees .

6 . A dental device as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a front facing mouth (35) having upper lip (39) and lower lip (40) about opening ( 9) .

7 . A dental device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the fluid opening ( 9) is oval .

8 . A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore ( 6) for conveying fluids , a connector portion (2) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) , the external portion comprising an anti-rocking plate (23) .

9. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (6) for conveying fluids, a connector portion (2) , an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) and at least one aerosol control opening (32,33) .

10. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (6) having at least one diameter for conveying fluids, a connector portion (2) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) , the connector portion (2) comprising a first connector portion (10) and a second connector portion (11) of a larger diameter .

11. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (6) for conveying fluids, a connector portion (2) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) , said fluid inlet (9) arranged in a front facing mouth (9) having an upper lip (39) and a lower lip (40) providing a tapered entrance to said fluid inlet (9) .

12. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (6) for conveying fluids, a connector portion (2) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) and a preformed U-bend having an oval bore (6) therethrough.

13. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore ( 6) for conveying fluids , a connector portion (2 ) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4 ) comprising a fluid inlet ( 9) , wherein said dental device is formed from two parts (50 , 51) , each part defining a semi-circular part of said bore ( 6) , each part (50 , 51) comprising connection parts which clip or push together to form said bore ( 6) .

14 . A dental device as claimed in Claim 13 , further comprising a tab (379, 479) to link the two parts (350 , 351 ; 450 , 451) , optionally the tab comprises at least a portion which is flexible to allow bending therebetween to act as a hinge about which the two parts can move or folded to facilitate assembly

15 . A dental device as claimed in Claim 13 or 14 , wherein at least one of the two parts comprises a tongue projecting therefrom and the other comprises a corresponding slot , said tongue comprising at least one tooth and the slot comprises at least one ledge, such that upon insertion of said tongue into said slot , said tooth engages said ledge .

16. A dental device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the connector portion (2 ) further comprises a grip portion .

17 . A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore ( 6) for conveying fluids , a connector portion (2 ) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4 ) comprising a fluid inlet ( 9) , at least the internal portion (4 ) made from a material comprising Polypropylene (PP) and Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) .

18 . A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient , the dental device comprising a bore ( 6) for conveying fluids , a connector portion (2) , an external portion (3) and an internal portion (4) comprising a fluid inlet (9) , wherein said dental device is formed from two parts (50,51) with a tab therebetween, each part (50,51) comprising connection parts which clip together to form said bore (6) , wherein the tab has a flexible or hinge portion to allow the two parts be folded to be clipped together and optionally, allow the two parts to be unclipped and unfolded.

19. A dental device for facilitating evacuation of fluids from an oral cavity of a patient, the dental device comprising a bore (706) for conveying fluids, a connector portion (702) , an external portion (703) and an internal portion (704) comprising at least one fluid inlet (709,709'709") , said at least one fluid inlet arranged in a bulb (735) .