Abstract:
A dental maintenance kit for the removal of stains and debris from the surface and from between the teeth that includes an intraoral tool equipped with a detachably-attachable sickle blade and scaler blade. A preferred material for the intraoral tool is non-metallic that includes a recess at each opposite end of the intraoral tool for acceptance of a protrusion on the non-working end of the sickle blade and or the scaler blade. The protrusion will have means to secure the sickle blade or scaler blade firmly into the recess at each opposite end of the intraoral tool. A preferred material for the sickle blade and scaler blade is stainless steel. A coating is applied to a shaft of the sickle blade or scaler blade that extends longitudinally for the entire length of the shaft exposing only the working surface of the sickle blade or scaler blade. A preferred material for the coating is non-metallic. A guide is included with the dental maintenance kit. The guide provides written instructions for the use of the intraoral tool included in the dental maintenance kit.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention, in general, relates to dentistry and, more particularly, to dental prophylaxis. 
     The American Dental Association recommends that individuals have a dental exam and cleaning at least once per year. People with more specialized needs may require an examination or cleaning more frequently, such as every 3 months, 6 months, or other interval. The regular cleaning and removal of plaque is known to reduce the possibility of developing gum disease. 
     One of the problems relating to regularly scheduled appointments is that some people are unable to regularly schedule appointments for various reasons such as time, availability, financial limitations, or their being in college or on vacation. There remains a need to remove plaque and stains for aesthetic reasons and also to help prevent gum disease and inflammation. Common methods for cleaning teeth and gums such as a toothbrush or floss have proven to be ineffective at removing plaque and dental stains. Currently available travel products in the market are generally equipped with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and perhaps floss. These are ineffective in removing plaque, dental stains, and certain types of debris which may become lodged between teeth or under a crown that normal brushing and flossing activities are unable to remove, which can lead to scheduling an appointment with a dentist to remove the aforementioned debris and plaque. 
     Accordingly, there exists today a need for a dental maintenance kit that helps to ameliorate the above-mentioned problems and difficulties as well as ameliorate those additional problems and difficulties as may be recited in the “OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION” or discussed elsewhere in the specification or which may otherwise exist or occur and that are not specifically mentioned herein. 
     As various embodiments of the instant invention help provide a more elegant solution to the various problems and difficulties as mentioned herein, or which may otherwise exist or occur and are not specifically mentioned herein, and by a showing that a similar benefit is not available by mere reliance upon the teachings of relevant prior art, the instant invention attests to its novelty. Therefore, by helping to provide a more elegant solution to various needs, some of which may be long-standing in nature, the instant invention further attests that the elements thereof, in combination as claimed, cannot be obvious in light of the teachings of the prior art to a person of ordinary skill and creativity. 
     Clearly, a dental maintenance kit would be useful and desirable. 
     2. Description of Prior Art 
     Dental maintenance is in general known. For example, toothbrush and toothpaste kits are known. These kits are designed to address superficial and cosmetic teeth cleaning. These kits do not include a specific selection of tools and materials that enable a user to perform a more comprehensive cleaning or remove debris or particles from between teeth which may cause discomfort or inflammation. 
     While the structural arrangements of the above described devices may, at first appearance, have similarities with the present invention, they differ in material respects. These differences, which will be described in more detail hereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention and which admit of the advantages that are not available with the prior devices. 
     OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a dental maintenance kit that permits people to perform dental prophylaxis between regularly scheduled visits. 
     It is also an important object of the invention to provide a dental maintenance kit that helps to remove stains from teeth such as stains originating from coffee, tea, and other common sources of teeth discoloration. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that can be used to remove debris that is embedded between teeth. 
     Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool which includes removable and replaceable blades. 
     Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool which includes blades with a release feature that allows the blades to detach from the handle if excessive force is applied during use. 
     A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a plastic coating at a base portion of a sickle or a scaler blade which only exposes a tip of the blade to prevent injury to a user. 
     A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a detachable dental blade that has a protrusion which fits within a recess provided in a plastic handle of an intraoral tool to secure the blade to the intraoral tool. 
     A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool and at least one sickle blade and at least one scaler blade for attachment thereto. 
     A fourth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a detachable dental blade that has a mounting mechanism which acts as a safety release if an intraoral tool is subjected to excess prying of pulling pressure. 
     A fifth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a battery powered toothbrush with rotary bristles. 
     A sixth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes easily understood printed instructions. 
     A seventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that is designed for easy and safe usage by an unskilled user. 
     An eighth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a standard dental mirror. 
     A ninth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a dental pumice paste. 
     A tenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes specialized tools which allow for comprehensive plaque and debris removal. 
     An eleventh continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a toothbrush and flossing tool for routine dental cleaning between meals. 
     A twelfth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that is portable. 
     A thirteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that is compact. 
     A fourteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool with blades which can be replaced when they are damaged or become dull or, if desired, when a different type of blade is preferred. 
     A fifteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes an intraoral tool with a plastic safety coating on a base and non-working areas of a sickle and a scaler blade. 
     A sixteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that provides an affordable solution for dental care between regularly scheduled dentist appointments. 
     A seventeenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that reduces dental expenses relating to additional appointments which may occur to address urgent dental needs that may occur between regularly scheduled dental appointments. 
     An eighteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that helps to address dental needs which may occur while traveling. 
     A nineteenth continuing object of the invention is to provide a dental maintenance kit that includes a dental prophylaxis tool for the performance of dental intraoral maintenance between regularly scheduled dental appointments that is inexpensive and easily portable. 
     Briefly, a dental maintenance kit that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention preferably has a pouch that is foldable and subdivided into individual pockets. The dental maintenance kit includes an intraoral tool. The intraoral tool includes a longitudinal body and means at opposite ends of the body for the insertion and removal of a replaceable blade at each end. The body of the intraoral tool functions as a handle during use. At least one sickle blade and at least one scaler blade are included. Additional blades may be included with the kit. An instructional guide is provided to teach an unskilled user how to safely use the intraoral tool. A pocket with a zipper is preferably provided to contain one or more optional spare blades for the intraoral tool body. The pouch is preferably foldable at mid point with a button snap to secure the pouch from unintentional opening. Other optional components are also described. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of a dental maintenance kit with a storage pouch shown in an open orientation with a plurality of components therein. 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  that shows the pouch in a closed orientation. 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  and a plurality of sickle blades. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  with a sickle blade attached at each end, thereof. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  and a plurality of scaler blades. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  with a scaler blade attached at each end, thereof. 
         FIG. 6A  is a view in perspective of a packaging option for the purchase of additional or replacement blades consisting of three sickle blades and three scaler blades. 
         FIG. 6B  is a view in perspective of a packaging option for the purchase of additional or replacement intraoral tools consisting of two intraoral tools. 
         FIG. 6C  is a view in perspective of a packaging option for the purchase of an additional or replacement sickle blade and scaler blade. 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a preferred toothbrush for inclusion with the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a flossing device with a plurality of pumice paste containers for inclusion with the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 9  is a top view of a standard type dental mirror for inclusion with the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial side view of a sickle blade for attachment to an intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  is a partial side view of a scaler blade for attachment to an intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view taken along the line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a view in perspective of a sickle blade prior to attachment to the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 15  is a view in perspective of the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A  with a scaler blade attached to a distal end of the intraoral tool with a proximal end of the intraoral tool open for clarity. 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross sectional view taken on the line  16 A- 16 A in  FIG. 14  of a locking mechanism incorporated into a protrusion located at the base of each sickle (or scaler) blade. 
         FIG. 16B  is a cross sectional view of a receiver taken on the line  16 B- 16 B in  FIG. 15  of the intraoral tool of the dental maintenance kit of  FIG. 1A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring on occasion to all of the FIGURE drawings and now, in particular to  FIG. 1A , is shown a dental maintenance kit, identified in general, by the reference numeral  10 . 
     The reader will notice that reference is occasionally made throughout the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION suggesting that the reader refer to a particular drawing FIGURE. The suggestion is at times made when the introduction of a new element requires the reader to refer to a different drawing FIGURE than the one currently being viewed and also when the timely viewing of another drawing FIGURE is believed to significantly improve ease of reading or enhance understanding. To promote rapid understanding of the instant invention the reader is encouraged to periodically refer to and review each of the drawing FIGURES for possible cross-referencing of component parts and for other potentially useful information. 
     The dental maintenance kit  10  is for the performance of routine dental care when a person (i.e., user) is unable to have a normal dental cleaning and examination. The dental maintenance kit  10  is not intended to replace regular dental examinations or regular dental hygiene (prophylaxis) appointments. The dental maintenance kit  10  includes a pouch  12 . The pouch  12  includes a plurality of pockets, identified by bracket  11 , for the purpose of organizing and storage of the component parts that make up the dental maintenance kit  10 . The specific component parts are described in greater detail hereafter. The arrangement of the plurality of pockets  11  can vary as desired, providing that each of the plurality of pockets  11  is of sufficient size and shape to accept a specific component part. 
     The plurality of pockets  11  includes a first pocket  13 . The first pocket  13 , as shown, is used for storage of a guide  14 . The guide  14  provides instructions and guidelines for proper use of the dental maintenance kit  10 . The guide  14  will include instructions for proper use of all of the component parts and, in particular, for use of an intraoral tool  16 . 
     An adjacent second pocket  20  is disposed to the right of the first pocket  13 . The second pocket  20  is for storage of the intraoral tool  16 . The second pocket  20  is sized to accept the preferred basic configuration of the intraoral tool  16  that includes a sickle blade  18  and a scaler blade  17  attached at the opposite ends of the intraoral tool  16 . 
     A third pocket  22 , to the right of the second pocket  20 , as shown, is a pocket without a specific component designated for storage therein. The pocket  22  may be used for storage of additional components as are described in greater detail hereafter. 
     A fourth pocket  23  is disposed to the right of the third pocket  22 . The fourth pocket  23  is utilized for storage of a toothbrush  24 . The toothbrush  24  is described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     A fifth pocket  25  is disposed to the right of and adjacent to the fourth pocket  23 . The fifth pocket  25  is utilized for the storage of a plurality of components  26  (see  FIG. 1 ) that are preferably stored in a plastic container  48  (see  FIG. 8 ). The plastic container  48  within this fifth pocket  25  contains (see  FIG. 8 ) a flossing tool  44 , a quantity of floss  45 , and three containers of dental pumice paste  46 . The flossing components are described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     A sixth pocket  27  is disposed to the right of the fifth pocket  25  for the storage of a standard type of dental mirror  28 . 
     A seventh pocket  32  is disposed to the right of the sixth pocket  27  for the storage of extra sickle blades  18  and extra scaler blades  17 . The seventh pocket  32  preferably includes a zipper  30  to prevent the loss of spare sickle blades  18  or spare scaler blades  17 , if the spare blades  17 ,  18  are included in the dental maintenance kit  10  or are purchased later. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1B , the storage pouch  12  is shown in a closed position. The pouch  12 , while in the closed position is folded and secured with a snap button  36  to prevent unintentional opening that can lead to a loss of components. Of course numerous variations in the design of the pouch  12  are possible. If desired, VELCRO′ could be used to secure the pouch  12  in the closed position. A zipper closure (not shown) is also possible. 
     The dental maintenance kit  10  is comprised of dental components and parts that have been selected to work in conjunction with each other to provide options for regular cleaning between meals and, when desired, a more comprehensive cleaning. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a side view of a plurality of the sickle blades  18  and a side view of the intraoral tool  16  is shown. The sickle blades  18  are secured to the intraoral tool  16 , utilizing a locking mechanism that is described in greater detail hereafter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the intraoral tool  16  is shown with the sickle blade  18  attached at each end of the intraoral tool  16 . At a minimum one sickle blade  18  and one scaler blade  17  are included in the dental maintenance kit  10 . If the blades  17 ,  18  are included or are purchased later, a user may attach the sickle blade  18  at one end of the intraoral tool  16  and the scaler blade  17  at the opposite end or the user may wish to attach two of the same type of blade  17 ,  18  at opposite ends. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , is shown a side view of the plurality of scaler blades  17  and the intraoral tool  16 . The scaler blades  17  are attached to the intraoral tool  16  with the locking mechanism, as briefly mentioned above, for the attachment of the sickle blade  18 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , a side view of the intraoral tool  16  is shown with the scaler blade  17  attached at each end of the intraoral tool  16 . As mentioned earlier, the minimal preferred intraoral tool  16  configuration is the sickle blade  18  and the scaler blade  17  attached at each opposite end of the intraoral tool  16  as shown in  FIG. 1A . In general, the sickle blade  18  is often preferred for cleaning between teeth and the scaler blade  17  is often preferred for cleaning the teeth surfaces. Detailed safe cleaning instructions are provided in the instruction guide  14 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6A , a packaging option, identified in general by reference numeral  38 , is shown that includes three replacement sickle blades  18  and three replacement scaler blades  17 . Referring to  FIG. 6B , a packaging option, identified in general by reference numeral  40 , for two replacement intraoral tools  16  is shown. The intraoral tool  16  is preferably made of plastic to keep cost and weight down. It also makes the dental maintenance kit  10  less likely to be detected at airport security screening stations. Referring to  FIG. 6C , a packaging option, identified in general by reference numeral  42 , for a single sickle blade  18 , and a single scaler blade  17  is shown. These are shown to illustrate how replacement sickle blades  18  and scaler blades  17  can be purchased when the blades  17 ,  18  become worn or broken. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the toothbrush  24  is shown that is included in the dental maintenance kit  10 . The preferred toothbrush  24  is a battery-operated type with rotary bristles. The type of toothbrush  24  included with the dental maintenance  10  can be a basic manual type or of any other preferred design that is suitable for brushing teeth. 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a plurality of flossing tools are shown removed from the plastic container  48 . The flossing components included with the dental maintenance kit  10  are the flossing tool  44  with the quantity of floss  45 , three containers of pumice paste  46 , and the plastic storage case  48  for storage of the individual flossing components. The dimensions of the storage case  48  allow for its insertion in the fifth pocket  25  within the pouch  12  of the dental maintenance kit  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , the dental mirror  28  included in the dental maintenance kit  10  is shown. A preferred reflective surface  50  of the dental mirror  28  is a zinc crystal compound used for standard types of dental mirrors although any preferred material may be used. Inclusion of the dental mirror  28  is to provide a safe means to observe the position and the placement of the intraoral tool  16  and blades  17 ,  18  in order to prevent self-injury. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a side view of the sickle blade  18  is shown with a detail view of the tapering of the blade  18  to a point  57 . The cross sectional view in  FIG. 11  taken along the line  11 - 11  in  FIG. 10  illustrates how the sickle blade  18  is comprised of three surfaces  52 ,  54 ,  56  that taper to the point  57 . The point  57  also includes three edges  57   a ,  57   b ,  57   c  which are used to remove plaque and debris from the inter-proximal surfaces of the teeth. 
     Referring to  FIG. 12  a side view of the scaler blade  17  is shown illustrating how the tip of the scaler blade  17  is rounded in order to facilitate the removal of plaque and debris from the facial, buccal, mesial, and distal surfaces and from the lingual surfaces of the teeth. Referring to  FIG. 13 , a cross-sectional view taken along the line  13 - 13  in  FIG. 12  shows how a working end of the scaler blade  17  is comprised of two flat surfaces  58 ,  60  that taper on opposite ends to an edge  61 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 14 , the sickle blade  18  is shown detached from the intraoral tool  16  that is included with the dental maintenance kit  10 . The sickle blade  18  and the scaler blade  17  each attach to the intraoral tool  16  in the same way. Each sickle blade  18  and scaler blade  17  is preferably comprised of an active blade portion  62  that has a base which includes a plastic covering or coating  64  leaving exposed a working surface, identified by bracket  63 , of the active portion  62 . The plastic covering  64 , over the lower portion of the sickle blade  18 , helps to prevent an unskilled user from inadvertently cutting their gums. The plastic covering  64  extends from the working surface  63  of the sickle blade  18  where a protrusion  70  is included. The plastic covering  64  does not extend over the protrusion  70 . The protrusion  70  is equipped with a pair of locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  that are used to secure the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) to the intraoral tool  16 . See also  FIG. 16 . The locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  will be described in greater detail hereinafter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , the intraoral tool  16  is shown with the sickle blade  18  attached at a distal end and the scaler blade  17  removed from a proximal end for clarity. A preferred material, as previously mentioned, for the intraoral tool  16  is plastic. The intraoral tool  16  preferably includes a knurled surface  77  to provide a secure grip during installation and removal of sickle blades  18  or scaler blades  17  and during use of the intraoral tool  16  while cleaning the teeth. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16A , a cross-sectional view taken along the line  16   a - 16   a  in  FIG. 14 , shows how the position of the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  are maintained by a tension spring  72  in a channel  72   a  provided in the protrusion  70  that urges the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  within the channel  72   a . The locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  bear against a pair of tapered openings  72   b  at opposite ends in the channel  72   a  that retain position of the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  in the channel  72   a  when the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) is not attached to the intraoral tool  16 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 16B , a cross-sectional view taken along the line  16   b - 16   b  in  FIG. 15 , shows a receiver  74  portion integrated into the intraoral tool  16 . The receiver  74  accepts the protrusion  70  of the sickle blade  18  or the scaler blade  17  when inserted into the intraoral tool  16 . The blades  17 ,  18  are then urged in a direction shown by arrow  73  (see  FIG. 16A  and  FIG. 16B ) to lock in place. During insertion of the protrusion  70  into the receiver  74 , in the direction of arrow  73 , the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  retract into the channel  72   a  of the protrusion  70  and permit the protrusion  70  to enter the receiver  74 . The tension spring  72  allows the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  to retract into the channel  72   a  to allow complete insertion of the protrusion  70  of the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) into the receiver  74 . When the insertion of the protrusion  70  is completely seated within the receiver  74 , the tension spring  72  urges the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  outward which secures the sickle blade  18  or the scaler blade  17  in position on the intraoral tool  16 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 16A , removal of the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) is accomplished by applying a sufficient force to the sickle blade  18 , or the scaler blade  17  in the direction of arrow  75  and simultaneously applying a force to the intraoral tool  16  in the direction of arrow  73 . The opposing forces applied to the intraoral tool  16  and the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) cause the locking spheres  68   a ,  68   b  to retract into the channel  72   a  allowing separation of the sickle blade  18  (or scaler blade  17 ) from the intraoral tool  16  to occur. 
     The component parts that have been selected for inclusion with the dental maintenance kit  10  have been selected to compliment each other in the performance of a comprehensive teeth cleaning or routine dental maintenance. The guide  14  provides instructions for the safe and effective use of the sickle blade  18  and scaler blade  17  in addition to instructions for the use of the plurality of component parts included in the dental maintenance kit  10 . 
     A dental maintenance kit  10  user may elect to begin with plaque removal. The basic (i.e., standard or minimum) intraoral tool  16  configuration is to attach the sickle blade  18  and scaler blade  17  on each opposite end of the intraoral tool  16 . This allows the user to perform a wide range of cleaning procedures to the teeth.  FIG. 10  is a side view of the sickle blade  18 . The curved portion of the sickle blade  18  is comprised of the three surfaces  52 ,  54 ,  56 , that taper to the point  57  as further illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The scaler blade  17  shown in  FIG. 12  is intended to be used in concert with the sickle blade  18  as part of a plaque and/or stain removal process. The scaler blade  17  is comprised of the two flat surfaces  58 ,  60  that taper to the edge  61  as illustrated in  FIG. 13 . 
     The variety of components and parts included in the dental maintenance kit  10  allows the user the option to perform a basic cleaning between meals by removal of debris and plaque or a more comprehensive cleaning that includes use of the flossing tool  44 , and the toothbrush  24 . 
     An unexpected benefit from the invention is a safety release feature incorporated into the design of the locking mechanism (illustrated in  FIG. 16A  and  FIG. 16B ) that is used to secure the sickle blade  18  or the scaler blade  17  to the intraoral tool  16 . When excess force is applied to the intraoral tool  16  in the direction of arrow  73  in  FIG. 16A  such as when prying debris from under a crown or adjacent to a filling, the sickle blade  18  or scaler blade  17  will detach from the intraoral tool  16  to prevent damage to the teeth or other personal injury from occurring. This is a significant benefit unavailable with prior dental cleaning instruments. 
     Another unexpected benefit from the invention is derived from the compact and portable configuration of the dental maintenance kit  10 . A person can effectively remove debris lodged between teeth or under the gum line while away from home. This can save the cost and inconvenience of having to make an emergency dental appointment. For example, debris lodged under a crown can inflame the gums and cause pain. Previously, this would require, an emergency dental appointment to remove the debris. With the dental maintenance kit  10 , the user can safely and easily remove the debris without assistance. Of course, the services of another person will expedite the more comprehensive cleaning procedure. 
     Another unexpected benefit from the invention is the potential for an overall reduction of expenses related to dental appointments that would need to be scheduled to remove debris from between teeth or to remove stains to the teeth which may occur between regularly scheduled appointments. 
     Also the intraoral tool  16  with the sickle blade  18  and the scaler blade  17  on each opposite end of the intraoral tool  16  is not a presently known configuration. 
     This is because a dental hygienist will normally use tools that have a scaler blade  17  at opposite ends or a sickle blade  18  at opposite ends. That way, the speed of cleaning is increased as the experienced professional dental hygienist alternately uses opposite ends of the same tool for the same type of cleaning on the upper and lower teeth or on the lingual and exterior sides of the teeth. By providing the intraoral tool  16  that includes both the sickle blade  18  and the scaler blade  17  simultaneously on the one tool (i.e., on the intraoral tool  16 ), the user can with one tool clean all of the tooth surfaces and all of the inter proximal areas (both lingual and exterior). 
     The intraoral tool  16  can, as desired, be configured by the user so that a variety of different combinations of the sickle blade  18  and scaler blade  17  can be attached to the intraoral tool  16  to provide maximum versatility in the use of the intraoral tool  16 . 
     A dental prophylaxis tool that includes plastic for a handle (i.e., for the intraoral tool  16 ) and stainless steel for the blades  18 ,  17  is presently not known. Dental tools that are currently available (i.e., prior art dental hygiene tools) are made entirely from stainless steel. By eliminating the use of steel for the body of the intraoral tool  16 , a significant amount of steel is eliminated. This not only reduces cost but it also reduces the signature of the dental maintenance kit  10  when passing through an airport security station. Accordingly, the dental maintenance kit  10  does not appear as if it is a weapon and so it is not likely to become an issue. 
     The removable blades  17 ,  18  of the intraoral tool  16  allow for quick and easy replacement by the user. This helps permit more rapid dental cleaning. 
     A dental tool with the sickle blade  18  and the scaler blade  17  that includes a plastic coating which exposes only the working surfaces  63  of the sickle blade  18  or the scaler blade  17  is presently not known. Known intraoral tools with a sickle blade  18  or a scaler blade  17  do not include a plastic safety coating  64  that is applied to the blade shaft or base. Some intraoral tools may include a plastic safety cap in the form of a small diameter tube placed over the working surface of the blade. This aforementioned safety cap must be removed prior to tool use and does not provide protection to gums and surrounding tissue during the cleaning process. This is especially important as it helps prevent an unskilled user from inadvertently cutting their gums while cleaning their own teeth. 
     Intraoral tools with accompanying printed instructions for use of the tools by an unskilled person are presently not known. Current intraoral tools are packaged with the assumption that purchase will be by a qualified dentist who would not require printed instructions. 
     If desired, other component parts may also be included in the dental maintenance kit  10 . For example, a tongue scraper (not shown) and/or a cheek retractor (not shown) could also be included in the dental maintenance kit  10 . 
     The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantial detail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in this art that other and further changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.